which gauge strings for my acoustic guitar?

Question

I'm fairly new to playing guitar, I have an Alvarez rd210 acoustic which came with elixir strings. I'm not sure which gauge they are. The coating is coming off all the strings I want to replace all the strings and was going to put plain strings on. I thought there was a standard, but i see light, extra-light, medium. I'm not sure what size to get or even what's on there. I'm not even sure what is a good brand to get. Thanks for the help!!!!

Answer 1

The Alvarez sounds good with Phosphor Bronze D'addario light gauge. They are slightly more expensive but the sound will be enhanved tenfold. The lighter the string, the more treble you get and the less bass. that is what you have to sacrifice. But the action on light gauge string is much easier to play then medium.



I siggest Light gague as a compromise. You will get a good action and a good sound, not too clear and not too bassey. Get light gauge .010.

Answer 2

Depends on your guitar and playing style. If it's on the bright side already, phosphor bronze might work better than 80/20. Mediums are louder than lights, but harder on the guitar and fingers. Lights are a safe choice with most guitars, but mediums are often used by flatpickers with larger guitars. You snapped ALL your strings? How?

Answer 3

I play with Light Gauge Ernie Ball's, but it all depends on your playing style. Also what you can do is mix two different gauges such as light and medium gauge for the first three and the last three strings