*A review of the best according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and is not a guide to purchase. Consult with an expert before buying.
Beginning musicians are faced with a difficult dilemma – the choice of strings. It is good if you have a teacher nearby to recommend the most appropriate. But if a person has decided to learn to play the guitar on their own, then they will have to choose for themselves. Strings differ in purpose, material and winding, thickness. Not everyone notices the time to replace them for a new one (unless, of course, they are torn). In specialized stores consultants will tell you when it is better to do it. Professional musicians change their strings in many different ways, some weekly, some after every concert.
Along with the choice of strings there is another, no less important question: “Which manufacturer is better, and whose products optimally combine quality and cost?”. Our magazine’s experts come to the rescue, selecting 10 companies to make an important musical detail. The rating was based on feedback from real users and the opinion of professionals.
Ranking of the best guitar strings manufacturers
| Nomination | place | producer | rating |
| Ranking of the best guitar strings manufacturers | 1 | D’Addario | 5.0 |
| 2 | Dunlop | 4.9 | |
| 3 | Ernie Ball | 4.8 | |
| 4 | DR | 4.7 | |
| 5 | Elexir | 4.6 | |
| 6 | GHS | 4.5 | |
| 7 | Martin | 4.4 | |
| 8 | Fender | 4.3 | |
| 9 | Thomastik | 4.2 | |
| 10 | Savarez | 4.1 |
D’Addario
Rating: 5.0
The first place goes to the brand, which began its activities at the end of the 17th century. Italian Donato D’Addario founded a family business producing strings from the veins of pets. Over time, the company has grown. Along with new technology, the traditions of the first masters were preserved. In the early twentieth century the company was based in America and produced only strings for the violin, but in 1920, due to the increased popularity of the guitar, began to produce them for this musical instrument.
D’Addario was one of the first to appreciate the quality of the new material, so nylon strings appeared. The metal ones were not neglected either. In 1956 the brand introduced the first strings for electric guitars. Today’s company produces a wide range of products that are very popular with musicians. The network has 3500 specialized stores worldwide, selling accessories for any instrument made by one of the oldest brands.
According to reviews strings give a precise sound output. The quality of materials is always the best. Professional musicians who play both acoustic, classical and electric guitars agreed that this was truly the best offering on the music market. Beginners can also find a model to suit their taste and budget.
Dunlop
Rating: 4.9
On the second line of the rating is an American music company, widely known throughout the world. It can not boast a rich history, since it was founded only 50 years ago, but has already been able to prove that it is worthy to be one of the best string manufacturers. It was Jim Dunlop who first created and patented the capodaster for the 12-string guitar, and at first he and his wife made them by hand. He went on to take on the production of claw picks, which were immediately appreciated by folk and country musicians. After the tremendous success, a full-fledged company was opened, which produced high-quality accessories.
From the first day the founder studied the music industry in general and each genre separately… During the heyday of rock, an experimental batch of strings was released in collaboration with prominent heavy music guitarists.
The company was expanding. Today it is a major concern, whose products are considered among the highest quality and comfortable among similar products. In the model lineup represented more than 30 lines of different strings for electric, acoustic and bass guitars, as well as other stringed instruments. The products are used by legendary musicians and bands, including Metal
Ernie Ball
Rating: 4.8
The company was founded more than 50 years ago and is just as popular as the older makers. Ernie Ball is third on our list. His products are used by musicians from all over the world with different levels and genres. Among them are beginners and professionals, as well as legendary guitarists, whose name is known by every connoisseur of quality sound. Brand founder Ernie Ball was introduced to the styles of jazz, Dixieland in his youth, constantly expanding his horizons. Playing in a band, he started thinking about stringing at the age of 19.
At first it was a small guitar store, which by then he knew all about. The first strings received a lot of positive feedback and were instantly sold out. They were destined for electric and acoustic guitars. je. Ball devoted his entire life to one musical instrument. The line of strings for electric guitars Super S
The factory’s products are recognized as the benchmark for quality. Strings have a unique sound. According to reviews they are durable, but require maintenance with special compounds.
DR
Rating: 4.7
The fourth line in the ranking is a fairly young brand that was founded in 1989 in the U.S. Mike Drongo was a musician by birth and tried many strings over the decades, but none were 100% satisfied. Then he decided to create the perfect product himself, which he eventually succeeded. The production used manual labor. This influenced the popularity of “homemade” strings, as they were nicknamed by the people. The sets had a rich, clear sound, were durable, and were comfortable to play.
In the early 1990s, many manufacturers focused on styles of jazz, blues, and other light music. DR released a set for performers who use lowered builds, anticipating the future fashion for heavy rock. In a couple of years a small company turned into one of the leaders in the world music market.
To this day, the company still produces handmade goods. DR products are often counterfeited, which proves their popularity among performers around the world. The original strings are the parts with excellent sound, high durability, excellent timbre characteristics. They are chosen by people who want to achieve a truly professional sounding instrument and prefer premium products.
Elexir
Rating: 4.6
Honorable fifth place ranking American company founded in 1995. Many musicians consider its strings the best among other options. The range includes accessories for acoustic, bass and electric guitars. They all have a distinctive sound. The legendary lead guitarists choose Elexir for their instruments.
The company was the first to introduce new technologies in manufacturing processes, thinking about how quickly the winding rubs off and rusts and accumulates dirt. As a result, the strings lose their sound quality and need to be replaced with new strings. The company’s engineers suggested making their coating of a special polymer. The thin layer does not feel, fills in all the gaps, making the surface perfectly smooth and reliably protects from all external influences. Some kits additionally contain an anti-corrosion compound.
According to reviews and expert opinion Elexir strings are several times more durable than other similar products. With a crisp, fresh sound. These characteristics allow you to keep the original quality even when you play every day. Two or three changes of ordinary strings can replace the use of a single set of the brand without constant cleaning.
GHS
Rating: 4.5
Ranked number six, the company can trace its roots back to 1964. Today it is one of the most popular and sought-after brands and ranks among the top ten string manufacturers in the world. GHS specializes exclusively in these musical details. Other accessories account for only 5% of total product turnover. Over the past more than six decades, the brand can be considered an expert in the world of strings. This is exactly how it positions itself.
The American company has relied on a partnership with popular musicians and branded string sets. Such a move was justified and has led to unprecedented success. A small company has developed into a modern production facility with 300 qualified employees who make music themselves and know how to make strings that sound just right.
High-tech ensures high quality products at affordable prices. The production is strictly controlled and everything is checked manually. We offer strings for all guitars as well as for stringed folk instruments like ukuleles, banjos and mandolins. All of them fulfill the needs and demands of performers of many styles and styles.
Martin
Rating: 4.4
The seventh place is given to the brand, which is known by all professional musicians. It dates back to 1833. During the 12 months of 1900, 180 guitars were produced. In 2000. Their number was 24 thousand copies. The year 2004 marked the one-millionth guitar. It is not just an instrument, but a work of art, created entirely by hand and inlaid with diamonds and emeralds. The legendary Elvis Presley played his last concert on a Martin guitar.
The small company has been a family business throughout its existence. The large corporation is run by the founder’s great-great grandson Chris Martin. The strings come in a wide range of models. Whether you are a professional or an amateur musician, you will find the right kit for you.
Over the years the brand has introduced many new technologies to improve the sound and durability of the strings, based on the opinions of the world’s performers. Specializing only in guitars, he was able to achieve perfect results. This is confirmed by the cooperation with the stars of the first magnitude. Acoustic guitars and strings are among the competition, according to reviews.
Fender
Rating: 4.3
At number eight in the ranking is a brand from the U.S., founded in 1946. It produces electric and acoustic guitars and accessories. The company is among the ten world leaders in the production of musical instruments. Its inventions have become classics. The Telecaster electric guitar from 1951 is today recognized as the most popular among professionals. Each newly developed model made a revolution. Many are still produced in their original form.
Today, musicians of all levels and incomes can buy guitars of high quality. Cheaper, standard models are made in factories in South America. The California-based company specializes in high-end instruments, custom guitars, and signature guitars by popular artists.
According to reviews the strings meet the highest requirements. Variety of models allows you to choose the best option for you. Over the years, the manufacturer has proven that all its products are the best offer for beginners and professionals alike. Founder Leo Fender has done the impossible. His name is associated with new trends in music, freedom and unsurpassed sound quality.
Thomastik
Rating: 4.2
The ninth place of the rating is given to Austrian company, which began its activity at the beginning of the last century and today has a modern well-established production, and its strings are considered one of the best among professionals. The first piano models were made of steel. Gradually, by improving technology, the engineers were able to patent the flat winding. Soon strings for other instruments were launched: guitars, mandolins, double basses, lutes.
The company was completely destroyed during World War II because it was located in areas of heavy bombing. But the owners of the company were able to fully restore the ruined buildings and resume the production of high quality musical accessories. Today, Thomastik supplies its products to 90 countries, which make up 97% of all products.
The reason for its success lies in several factors. First of all, since its inception there have been high requirements for quality control. Secondly, the company is constantly developing new technologies. Thirdly, all wishes of people are taken into account, both professional players and amateur piano beginners.
Savarez
Rating: 4.1
The oldest company with a rich history and centuries of accumulated experience completes our rating. Savarez – in tenth place. Date of establishment – 1770. The small factory started in France under the leadership of the Italian Savaresi family who moved here. The first known customer was the King of France. Live strings were supplied not only for guitars, but also for other musical instruments. Louis-Philippe gave the products and the factory the status of royal.
In the middle of the last century, the company began to implement innovative technology. She was the first to produce classical guitar kits. Today the Savarez 520 nylon kit is considered a classic and is produced as is. A real revolution was the development of a material: an ultra high-strength composite compound that increased the service life of the strings by several times.
Sets of various materials are available. From classic nylon to innovative alloys. The main thing is that musicians of all styles will find the perfect sounding strings. Exact prices for premium quality – that’s what every customer of the French brand gets.
