Ten sets optimized to keep the tension up and the floppy down.
If you play (or want to play) heavy-handed, hard, and low, your strings need to be able to handle the task. Here are 10 of the myriad sets available for getting your drop tuning on.
D’ADDARIO
EXL148 [.012–.060]These hybrid gauges are optimized for C tuning or players who prefer a heavier string, and are roundwound with nickel-plated steel for bright tone.
$5 street
daddario.com
DR STRINGS
DDT-11 [.011–.054]Designed over a two-year build-and-test period, these strings use the company’s Accurate Core Technology to be able to drop with confidence and accuracy.
$8 street
drstrings.com
ERNIE BALL
Mammoth Slinky [.012–.062]On this set, the wound strings are made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around tin-plated hex-shaped steel-core wire, while the plain strings are tin-plated, high-carbon steel.
$7 street
ernieball.com
STRINGJOY
Drop Tune Medium [.011–.058]Recommended for drop C, but applicable for lower tunings as well, these strings feature nickel-alloy wrap wire around high-carbon steel hex-core wire.
$12 street
stringjoy.com
DEAN MARKLEY
2500 Signature Series [.013–.056]Featuring nickel-plated steel that’s slowly handwound over a hex core, the outer string wrap maintains 100-percent contact with the core for maximum sustain and full sound.
$6 street
deanmarkley.com
CLEARTONE
Heavy Series Drop 60 [.012–.060]These strings feature EMP (enhanced molecular protection), a unique micro-thin coating that protects this specially made drop-tune set against corrosion for longer life.
$14 street
cleartonestrings.com
DUNLOP
Heavy Core [.010–.060]These drop-tuning optimized strings use carefully selected core wire and proprietary wrap ratios to allow aggressive pick attack when playing below standard.
$7 street
jimdunlop.com
GHS
Thick Core Boomers [.011–.056]The thicker core of these strings works well for both standard and drop tuning, and the beefier core is said to provide greater sustain, a more focused low end, and fatter tone.
$5 street
ghsstrings.com
CURT MANGAN
11-56 Drop Tuning [.011–.056]These nickel-plated strings were designed for drop tuning, but also a well-balanced tonal response with sparkling highs, clear mids, and defined bass.
$7 street
curtmangan.com
ROTOSOUND
Dark Zone DZ10 [.010–.060]Designed to deliver a bright and heavy tone, and provide a long lifespan, the wide gauge range of this set is intended to provide excellent frequency response for drop tuning.
$10 street
rotosound.com
Dean Markley's new Signature Series utilizes a nickel plated steel, slowly wound over a hex core with a unique core-to-wrap ratio.
Glendale, AZ (August 21, 2013) -- Dean Markley announces the release of the new Signature Series strings. The Signature Series utilizes a nickel plated steel, slowly wound over a hex core with a unique core-to-wrap ratio. The new series is available in an assortment of gauge sets including Extra Light 8’s, detuned 13’s and seven string. The new line is available through authorized retailers and distributors.
Quality craftsmanship is a benchmark of Dean Markley and the Signature Series strings strive to exemplify this tradition. By crafting the wrap wire over a hex core, the wrap wire is able to provide 100% contact with the core insuring maximum transfer of tone and sustain. The additional benefit of a unique core-to-wrap ratio helps guitarists bend strings more easily while maintaining proper tension and staying in tune during performance.
Long preferred by the majority of rock guitarists and new country players, nickel plated steel provides highly magnetic tones by using a steel core and wrap. The wrap wire is electroplated with pure nickel. The steel allows for better output and durability while the nickel provides a softer surface to the players touch, resists oxidation better, is easier on fretwear and helps balance out the overall tone.
Pricing information:
MSRP is $10.99For more information:
Dean Markley
The new string set features a unique blend of gauges and features the new Helix patent-pending hyper-elliptical windings.
Santa Clara, CA (July 24, 2012) – Dean Markley today announces the release of the new Carl Verheyen Balanced Bridge Helix Electric strings. This partnership brings a unique string set intended to balance the six screw and two screw Strat-style bridges. The new string set features a unique blend of gauges and features the new Helix patent-pending hyper-elliptical windings.
The Helix string uses a precise elliptical shape for the winding wire. The shape then had to be paired with the correct winding process. The hyper-elliptical winding process results in an increased number of wraps along the length of the string. This increases the mass of the string, without changing its diameter or material. More mass makes a fuller tone; more windings give a smoother feel as well as a brighter, more resonant tone. Additional benefits of the hyper-elliptical windings are a relaxed feel and less unwanted noise. The strings last much longer without sacrificing tone and performance.
The Carl Verheyen signature set offers his choice of custom gauges:
E String: .009
B String: .012
G String: .016
D String: .026
A String: .037
E String: .046
MSRP: $12.95 USD
For more information:
www.DeanMarkley.com