D'Addario vs. GHS

rguser · #1 02-12-2006, 05:28 PM

since ibanez's come with D'Addario I use them most of the time. I experimented with some other popular brands. dean markley is too harsh. ernie ball is too soft and lasts too short, etc. How is GHS compared to D'Addario in terms of tone, tension and life time?

Ant1981 · #2 02-12-2006, 05:38 PM

I found Ernie Ball lasted longer. I never found them softer. Can't say I found alot of difference, but D'Addario and Ernie Ball are what I use.

I'd say not alot beats D'Addario though, if Satch and Vai use them, then that says alot to me.

*Nick-M* · #3 02-12-2006, 06:21 PM

vai uses EB

red5 · #4 02-12-2006, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ant1981

I found Ernie Ball lasted longer. I never found them softer. Can't say I found alot of difference, but D'Addario and Ernie Ball are what I use.

I'd say not alot beats D'Addario though, if Satch and Vai use them, then that says alot to me.

I think Vai's been using Ernie Balls more recently?

I've been using Ernie Balls lately. I used to use them on all of my guitars because they were cheap but I had at one point stopped using EBs because they died too fast on me, so I just used them on my strat when I had it because I thought the bright tone added a lot to a strat.

I got a set for the Carvin and they have held up quite well and I have liked the tone. I also bought a set for the Jem but have not put them on yet, but I think the set I previously put on was EBs and are not too shot and are mad old.

If you want a string that isn't quite EB bright and lasts a while try Dean Markley Blue Steels.

southpaw_lefty · #5 02-12-2006, 06:58 PM

I've tried many brands over the years. In my experience, D'addario has always been the most reliable. They have a good balance between sound and durability.

red5 · #6 02-12-2006, 07:40 PM

^ I consider D'addario neutral in tone color and longevity too. They are like the standard to which all strings should be compared to in terms of brightness or darkness and lifespan.

rguser · #7 02-12-2006, 07:42 PM

where does GHS sit in the scale relative to D'addario?

red5 · #8 02-12-2006, 07:48 PM

I haven't used GHS in years but Drew said they were very bright. If I remember correctly, they were not as bright as Ernie Balls...

**elcid** · #9 02-12-2006, 08:04 PM

I hate the Ernie Balls, I've used D'addario for 15 years although I've recently started using DR more and more. I think the Boomers sound a little better than D'addario but don't last near as long, at least that's what my friend Greg says . I have used GHS a few times and liked them but not enough to keep using them instead of D'adario.

mi2tom · #10 02-12-2006, 09:48 PM

daddario is much much better... I've tried a ton of brands and still ended up using daddario

Progdude · #11 02-12-2006, 10:10 PM

D' Addarios are WAY TOO bright!
GHS are blah sounding.

EB's are PERFECT!!!!! They sound awesome! And taste good too!

brothersnowgone · #12 02-12-2006, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rguser

where does GHS sit in the scale relative to D'addario?

I use both really and I find GHS's are a bit brighter (I like bright) and they are less buzzy than D'addario's cause they aren't as flimsy. What I mean is it that when you hold a set of D'addario's up in your hand they sag to the sides much more than GHS's do (hope that helps what I'm trying to get across lol). Also they are both really good when it comes to life-span. Ernie balls don't last a day with me for some reason.

brothersnowgone · #13 02-12-2006, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Progdude

D' Addarios are WAY TOO bright!
GHS are blah sounding.

EB's are PERFECT!!!!! They sound awesome! And taste good too!

Keep in mind everyone has a different opinion, some players like mellow, some bright. If you think they're bright, you haven't played stainless steel strings.

damo7v · #14 02-12-2006, 11:12 PM

D'Addario. Simply because of the groovy coloured ball-ends. They look great up at the headstock.

rguser · #15 02-13-2006, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brothersnowgone

I use both really and I find GHS's are a bit brighter (I like bright) and they are less buzzy than D'addario's cause they aren't as flimsy. What I mean is it that when you hold a set of D'addario's up in your hand they sag to the sides much more than GHS's do (hope that helps what I'm trying to get across lol). Also they are both really good when it comes to life-span. Ernie balls don't last a day with me for some reason.

thanks,
that's very descriptive!

less flimsy means the metal is harder so the tone is brighter. I just got off a phase with dean markley. dean markley is probably the hardest among popular brands. very bright and punchy. lasts longer than d'addario but after a while I find it too harsh.
EB's life span is way too short. they turn black with my fingers after 10 mins. but they sound very very smooth. guitar stores like to string their stock guitars with EB because it's cheap in bulk and it's more friendly to kid fingers and it sounds warm with the cheap solid state amps beginners have.
I'm gonna start my GHS phase tomorrow when I buy a few packs and see how I feel about them.