Ernie Ball vs. D'Addario

[JakeK]

It's time to change the strings on my 1997, and I need some help deciding which strings to buy.

I've tried TI flats on a 6-string before, and while I liked the sound, I couldn't stand the feel. I've mostly used D'Addario roundwounds, and briefly stinted with standard Ric roundwounds (and they didn't have THE SOUND) but last night, I had a dream I bought Ernie Ball strings, which I've never used before. A lot of people I know (musician friends, local musicians) and know of (Pete Townshend, Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards, Mike Campbell) use Ernie Ball, but another bunch of people (more local musicians) I know use D'Addario's and will use them 'til they die.

I know members here have used both, and probably like them equally, but if you could choose one of the two brands, which one would it be. I'm leaning on the EB's, but like I said, I've never used them before.

[beatlefreak]

I haven't used any Ernie Balls since the seventies, but I'm quite happy with D'Addario. Great sounding, long lasting, inexpensive, and I haven't found a music store yet that doesn't have them.

[blueflamerick]

I stand by D'Addario strings, but Ernie Ball is a close second. The feel & sound (at least for bass strings) is similar.

[sloop_john_b]

Might as well just flip a coin - they're very similar.

[cjj]

Or (gasp!), just buy a set of EB's and give 'em a try...

[sloop_john_b]

Or (gasp!), just buy a set of EB's and give 'em a try...

Hah, it's not exactly an investment like Pyramids, is it?

[collin]

In the 15 years I've been playing guitar, I don't think I've ever played anything but Ernie Ball 10-42 "yellows" ever.

For the price, I think they are great strings.

I use Daddario 12 string sets for one of my 12 strings. Good strings, but flats are obviously better for 12ers, as you don't want to change the strings that often!!

[Len]

Back in the '80s I used to use the EB Slinkys all the time, they sounded great and lasted a long time. I've been out of playing for a while, just picked up a new 330. I changed the original strings because they were too light, put on some EB Power Slinkys. They didn't last the weekend with my aggressive rhythm playing. So I just but on some D'Addario flat rounds. They sound great. But, as I said, I'm just picking the guitar again. I don't have any recent experience, but I like the flatwounds rich sound.

[Clint]

Can't hurt to give the Ernie Balls a try. If for no other reason than to satisfy your curiosity. While you're at it, try out a set of GHS Nickel Rockers.

[Ric-O-Buc]

Curt Mangan strings, made for Pick of the Ricks. Great strings - at the right price.

[JakeK]

I did buy the EB's to satisfy my curiosity, and I like them for the most part. I'm still not getting any jangle and chime from my Ric, but I'm thinking in order to do that, get a Janglebox or a Treble booster of some sort. They differ slightly from D'addario's as I don't get that piano-like ring that I get from D'add's. Also, unlike D'Add's and Ric compressed rounds, I notice there wasn't a little .010 gauge string sticking out of the bottom three strings.

And since we're on a string discussion, and I no longer want to be like John Lennon (where I don't know about different strings and just put on whatever is available), what is the difference between hex core and round core? What types of strings are D'addario, Ernie Ball, Thomastik-Infeld, Ric compressed rounds, Sonomatics (if they still make them), Rotosound and the various Gibson strings?

[Ric-O-Buc]

Harmony Central that does a good job of describing the differences between hex and round core strings:

As far as jangle goes, a thin gauge pick really helps - just as much as using a compressor. Again, Curt Mangan strings from Pick of the Ricks compare very well to Rickenbacker brand strings, and they're half the price.

[bitzerguy]

Curt Mangan strings, made for Pick of the Ricks. Great strings - at the right price.

+1. I use the all nickel CMs. i tried them on Chris' recommendation and love them. They cost a bit more for me as I have to bring them into Canada, but the tone, feel and durability have been the best. I have acidic sweat that can trash most string sets within a few hours of playing - a week max. The CMs have lasted quite a while, easily three months. I use em on all my guitars now not just the Ricks. No problem getting jangle out of them at all.

[Clint]

I'm still not getting any jangle and chime from my Ric...

I fail to see how this is possible, regardless of what strings you are using. Try a lighter pick, like Ric-O-Buc suggests, or fiddle with your amp's knobs a bit, before spending more money.

[whojamfan]

Back in the '80s I used to use the EB Slinkys all the time, they sounded great and lasted a long time. I've been out of playing for a while, just picked up a new 330. I changed the original strings because they were too light, put on some EB Power Slinkys. They didn't last the weekend with my aggressive rhythm playing. So I just but on some D'Addario flat rounds. They sound great. But, as I said, I'm just picking the guitar again. I don't have any recent experience, but I like the flatwounds rich sound.

Welcome to the forum Len! I just put a set of Chromes on my Gibson Melody Maker, and wow, what a cool vintage sound.

I have to agree with Kris here, great string, great price-especially those 10 pack specials.

Jake, work with your exisiting gear and technique. Many have gotten the "Jangle" you seek with way less quality gear than what you have. If you're looking to sound exactly like a recording, forget it. All of the gear in the world won't get you "exactly" there, as actual sound engineers with the highest quality outboard gear were just as responsible, and more in many cases,a much bigger factor in the sound than the musician who is known for it. Roger McGuinn was ready to return his 370/12 because he wasn't digging the sound in the studio, so the engineer came up with a DI solution that he was quite pleased with. The rest, as we all know, is history.

I only share this as I spent many years chasing sounds that I could never quite get, and wasted a ton of money trying to get other peoples sounds down perfect. I should have put the money in to property, as I could have sold it for a killing and hired these people to play my parties-haha. Good luck!