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Newbie needs help with strings!!!!

ari.mac

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  • Jul 16, 2020
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    Hey guys! Soon I'll have to change strings for the very first time 😨😨😨 I have an Ibanez Gio and have no idea which strings are currently on (maybe they have no brand? Can't find the info anywhere)...so I want to know which brand and gauge do you suggest? Anything else I should take into consideration when chosing strings??
    Thank you 🤘
     
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    idssdi

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    Nov 11, 2019
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    I used elixir 10s for the longest time, the last long before they go bad and sound great. Recently I started buying multipacks so I kinda changed to ernieball or d'addario(whatever brand has multipacks available in the gauge I need) but generally speaking I use 10-46 for the thickness. Thickness is very much a preference tho so what works for you is kind of personal choice in the long run.
     
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    ari.mac

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    I used elixir 10s for the longest time, the last long before they go bad and sound great. Recently I started buying multipacks so I kinda changed to ernieball or d'addario(whatever brand has multipacks available in the gauge I need) but generally speaking I use 10-46 for the thickness. Thickness is very much a preference tho so what works for you is kind of personal choice in the long run.
    Ok. Would you say the 10s are the most used? (So maybe it's the gauge I have now? Because I'm pretty ok for now with them 😂)
     
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    Donovan Etue

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  • Nov 11, 2019
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    Changing strings is nothing to fret over! It's a fairly simple process unless you've got a floyd, evertune, or kahler. Ibanez Gio's come from the factory with 10-46 gauge strings from what I can see. Strings are a personal preference. Personally I have 10-52's on 2/3 of my guitars which are for E, Drop D, E Flat, and D Standard, and Drop C#. If I was going to leave it in Drop C# I'd bump up the gauge for more tension since that's my preference. I believe Ed and Ashley prefer lighter gauge strings on their guitars for ease of play. If you like what you've got on now, pick up a pack (or two or three, I broke a few strings the first time I changed strings. It isn't unusual to do) of 10-46 gauge strings. Brand wise, I use Ernie Ball slinky. They're affordable and easy to find. The guys from Avenged use Ernie's as well. Daddario is reputable, as well as Elixir. If you're feeling experimental, maybe pick up a pack of 9-46 or 9-42's if you want something lighter that allows for easier and larger bends. Keep in mind that with changing gauges you may want to adjust the intonation on your guitar. It's pretty easy as long as you have the tools for it. A tuner and a screwdriver that fits the adjustment screw on the saddles of your guitar.
     
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    ari.mac

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  • Jul 16, 2020
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    Changing strings is nothing to fret over! It's a fairly simple process unless you've got a floyd, evertune, or kahler. Ibanez Gio's come from the factory with 10-46 gauge strings from what I can see. Strings are a personal preference. Personally I have 10-52's on 2/3 of my guitars which are for E, Drop D, E Flat, and D Standard, and Drop C#. If I was going to leave it in Drop C# I'd bump up the gauge for more tension since that's my preference. I believe Ed and Ashley prefer lighter gauge strings on their guitars for ease of play. If you like what you've got on now, pick up a pack (or two or three, I broke a few strings the first time I changed strings. It isn't unusual to do) of 10-46 gauge strings. Brand wise, I use Ernie Ball slinky. They're affordable and easy to find. The guys from Avenged use Ernie's as well. Daddario is reputable, as well as Elixir. If you're feeling experimental, maybe pick up a pack of 9-46 or 9-42's if you want something lighter that allows for easier and larger bends. Keep in mind that with changing gauges you may want to adjust the intonation on your guitar. It's pretty easy as long as you have the tools for it. A tuner and a screwdriver that fits the adjustment screw on the saddles of your guitar.
    Thank you so much! Yeah I was looking at the Ernie's too, they have them at the store near me, since we're in a kind of lockdown and I can't go to other cities where there are bigger shops!!
     
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    Donovan Etue

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    Thank you so much! Yeah I was looking at the Ernie's too, they have them at the store near me, since we're in a kind of lockdown and I can't go to other cities where there are bigger shops!!
    No problem! Always happy to help where I can. I can certainly vouch for Ernies. I've been using them the entirety of my near 2 years of playing, as well as countless other musicians a million times better than me haha. Good luck, I forgot to add that I highly recommend following along with a good youtube video on changing strings. I use StewMac's videos since they're easy to follow along to, easy to understand, and they've got a friendly energy to them that helps make it a more enjoyable experience for some reason.

     
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    ari.mac

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    No problem! Always happy to help where I can. I can certainly vouch for Ernies. I've been using them the entirety of my near 2 years of playing, as well as countless other musicians a million times better than me haha. Good luck, I forgot to add that I highly recommend following along with a good youtube video on changing strings. I use StewMac's videos since they're easy to follow along to, easy to understand, and they've got a friendly energy to them that helps make it a more enjoyable experience for some reason.

    Thank you so much!! I'll certainly take a look at this!
     
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    beatrix

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  • Sep 19, 2020
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    Hey guys! Soon I'll have to change strings for the very first time 😨😨😨 I have an Ibanez Gio and have no idea which strings are currently on (maybe they have no brand? Can't find the info anywhere)...so I want to know which brand and gauge do you suggest? Anything else I should take into consideration when chosing strings??
    Thank you 🤘
    Ernie ball 09/10, i use 09 right now but probably 10 is better.🤘🤘 go with Ernie Ball, i almost only use them
     
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    Ashley Willis

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    I’ve experimented with all sorts of brands and gauges and for standard tuning, I prefer a lighter gauge like 9-42 or 9-46. 10-46 on my Les Paul. I also prefer a coated string like Elixirs because they last longer and don’t corrode as easy, but they are more expensive. Find what you like and feels best. I’d start with Ernie ball because they sound great out the package and aren’t as expensive.
     
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    ari.mac

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    I’ve experimented with all sorts of brands and gauges and for standard tuning, I prefer a lighter gauge like 9-42 or 9-46. 10-46 on my Les Paul. I also prefer a coated string like Elixirs because they last longer and don’t corrode as easy, but they are more expensive. Find what you like and feels best. I’d start with Ernie ball because they sound great out the package and aren’t as expensive.
    Thank you Ashley!!
     
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    Donovan Etue

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    ari.mac

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    Synner Endless Summer Collection