Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
Aspiring musicians face a difficult dilemma – string selection. It is good if there is a teacher nearby who will recommend the most suitable ones. But if a person decides to learn to play the guitar on his own, then he will have to choose himself. Strings differ in purpose, in the type of material and winding, in thickness. Not everyone is able to notice that it's time to change them for new ones (unless, of course, they are torn). In specialized stores, consultants will tell you when it is best to do this. Professional musicians change strings in different ways: some on a weekly basis, some after each performance.
Along with the choice of strings, another, no less important question arises: 'Which manufacturer is better, and whose products optimally combine quality and cost?'. The experts of our magazine come to the rescue, who have selected 10 companies for the production of an important musical part. When compiling the rating, reviews of real users and the opinion of professionals were taken into account.
Rating of the best manufacturers of guitar strings
| Nomination | a place | manufacturer | rating |
| Rating of the best manufacturers of guitar strings | 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 started a family business to make strings from pets. Over time, the company grew. Along with new technologies, the traditions of the first masters were preserved. At the beginning of the 20th century, the company began to be based in America and produced only violin strings, but in 1920, thanks to the increased popularity of the guitar, they 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 were born. Metallic ones also did not go unnoticed. In 1956, the brand introduced the first electric guitar strings. The modern company produces a wide range of products that are very popular with musicians. The network has 3500 specialized stores around the world, selling accessories for any tool, produced by one of the oldest brands.
According to reviews, the strings give out accurate sound production. The quality of materials is always the best. Professional musicians, playing both acoustic, classical and electric guitars, agreed that this is indeed the best deal on the musical market. Beginners will also be able to find a model to their liking and budget.
Dunlop
Rating: 4.9
On the second line of the rating is an American music company widely known around the world. It cannot boast of a rich history, as it was founded just 50 years ago, but has already managed to prove that it deserves to be one of the best string manufacturers. It was Jim Dunlop who first created and patented the capo for a 12-string guitar, and at first he and his wife made them by hand. Then he took up the production of claw picks, which were immediately appreciated by folk and country musicians. After a tremendous success, a full-fledged enterprise was opened, producing high-quality accessories.
From day one, the founder studied the music industry in general and each genre in particular. During the heyday of rock, an experimental string part was released in collaboration with renowned heavy metal guitarists.
The company expanded. Today it is a large concern whose products are considered to be of the highest quality and most convenient among similar products. The lineup includes more than 30 lines of various strings for electric, acoustic and bass guitars, as well as other string instruments. The products are used by legendary musicians and bands, including Metallica, Linkin Park and others.
Ernie ball
Rating: 4.8
More than 50 years ago, a company was founded, which is not inferior in popularity to older manufacturers. Ernie Ball is in third place in our ranking. Its products are used by musicians all over the world with different playing levels and genres. Among them are beginners, professionals, and legendary guitarists, whose name is heard by every connoisseur of quality sound. The founder of the brand Ernie Ball in his youth got acquainted with the styles of jazz, Dixieland, constantly broadened his horizons. While playing in a band, at the age of 19 he started thinking about making strings.
At first it was a small shop selling guitars, which by then he knew everything about. The first strings received many positive reviews and were sold out instantly. They were intended for electric and acoustic guitars. E. Ball devoted his whole life to one musical instrument. Launched in 1962, the Super Slinky line of electric guitar strings is considered iconic, and the popular model can still be found on modern store shelves.
The plant's products are recognized as the quality standard. The strings have a unique sound. According to reviews, they are durable, but require care with the help of special formulations.
DR
Rating: 4.7
The fourth line of the rating is occupied by a fairly young brand, which was founded in 1989 in the USA. Mike Drongo was a hereditary musician and for several decades tried many strings, but none of them satisfied him 100%. Then he decided to create the perfect product himself, which, in the end, he did. The production used manual labor. This influenced the popularity of 'homemade' strings, as they were popularly called. The sets were distinguished by rich and clear sound, durability, were comfortable during the game.
In the early 90s of the last century, many producers focused on the styles of jazz, blues and other light music. DR released a kit for down-tuned performers, anticipating the future of hard rock fashion. In a couple of years, the small enterprise has become one of the leaders in the world music market.
The company still produces handcrafted goods. DR products are often counterfeited, which proves their popularity among artists around the world. Original strings are parts with excellent sounding, high wear resistance, and excellent timbre characteristics. They are chosen by people who want to achieve a truly professional sound of the instrument and prefer premium products.
Elexir
Rating: 4.6
The honorable fifth place in the rating is taken by an American company founded in 1995. Many musicians consider her strings to be the best among other options. The range includes accessories for acoustic, bass and electric guitars. They all have a bright sound. Legendary solo guitarists choose Elexir for their instruments.
The company was the first to introduce new technologies into production processes, thinking about how quickly the winding wears out and rusts, dirt accumulates in it. As a result, strings lose their quality sound and must be replaced with new ones. The company's engineers suggested making their coating from a special polymer. A thin layer is not felt, fills all the gaps, making the surface perfectly smooth, and reliably protects against all external influences. Some kits additionally use an anti-corrosion compound.
According to reviews and experts' opinion, Elexir strings are several times more durable than other similar products. At the same time, the sound is clear and fresh. Such characteristics allow maintaining the original qualities even with daily play. 2-3 changes of regular strings can replace the use of one set of this brand without the constant use of cleaning agents.
GHS
Rating: 4.5
The company, which took the sixth line of the rating, traces its history since 1964. Today it is one of the most popular and demanded brands, one of the ten leaders in the production of strings in the world. GHS specializes exclusively in these musical details. Other accessories account for only 5% of the total product turnover. Over the past six decades, the brand can be considered an expert in the world of strings. This is how she positions herself.
The American company has relied on cooperation with popular musicians and personalized string sets. This step was justified and led to unprecedented success. The small business has grown into a modern production facility with 300 skilled employees who make music themselves and know how to create the perfect sounding strings.
The use of high technologies allows us to make high quality goods at affordable prices. The production is subject to strict control, everything is checked manually. The assortment includes strings for all types of guitars, as well as for stringed folk instruments: ukulele, banjo, mandolin. All of them meet the requirements and wishes of performers of various styles and trends.
Martin
Rating: 4.4
The seventh place in the rating is given to the brand, which is known by all professional musicians. It dates back to 1833. In 12 months 1900, 180 guitars were produced. In 2000, their number was 24 thousand copies. 2004 was marked by the release of the millionth guitar. It is not just a tool, but a work of art, created entirely by hand and inlaid with diamonds and emeralds. The legendary Elvis Presley played his last concert on the Martin guitar.
The small company has been a family business throughout its entire existence. The large corporation is run by the founder's great-great-great-grandson Chris Martin. The strings are available in a wide range of models. Both a professional performer and an amateur musician will find the kit they need.
Over the years, the brand, relying on the opinion of world performers, has introduced many new technologies, improving the sound and durability of strings. Specializing only in guitars, he was able to achieve perfect results. This confirms the collaboration with the stars of the first magnitude. According to reviews, acoustic guitars and strings for them stand out favorably among many competitors' proposals.
Fender
Rating: 4.3
On the eighth line of the ranking is a brand from the USA, founded in 1946. He manufactures electric and acoustic guitars and accessories. The company is one of the ten world leaders in the production of musical instruments. Her inventions have become classics. The 1951 Telecaster electric guitar is today recognized as the most popular among professionals. Each new model developed made a revolution. Many are still produced unchanged.
Today, musicians of all levels and incomes can purchase high quality guitars. Cheaper, standard models are produced in factories in South America. The California-based facility specializes in luxury instruments, custom guitars, and signature guitars from popular artists.
According to reviews, the strings meet the highest requirements. A variety of models allows you to choose the best option for yourself. Over the years, the manufacturer has proven that all the products it produces are the best offer for both beginners and professionals. Founder Leo Fender did the impossible. His name is associated with new trends in music, freedom and unsurpassed sound quality.
Thomastik
Rating: 4.2
The ninth place in the rating is given to the 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, engineers were able to patent the flat winding. Soon the production of strings for other instruments was established: guitars, mandolins, double bass, lute.
During the Second World War, the enterprise was completely destroyed, as it was located in the areas of heavy bombing. But the owners of the company were able to completely restore the destroyed buildings and resume the production of high-quality musical accessories. Today Thomastik supplies its products to 90 countries of the world, which is 97% of all goods.
The reason for the success lies in several factors. Firstly, since its inception, increased demands have been made on quality control. Secondly, the company is constantly developing new technologies. Thirdly, all the wishes of people are taken into account, whether it is a professional performer or an amateur beginner.
Savarez
Rating: 4.1
Our ranking is completed by the oldest company that has a rich history and accumulated centuries of experience behind it. Savarez is in tenth place. The date of foundation is 1770. A small factory began operating in France under the leadership of the Italian family Savarezzi who moved here. The first known buyer was the King of France. Wire strings were supplied not only for guitars, but also for other musical instruments. Louis-Philippe gave the products and the factory royal status.
In the middle of the last century, the company began to introduce innovative technologies. She was the first to release kits for classical guitar. Today the Savarez 520 nylon kit is considered a classic and is produced unchanged. The real revolution was caused by the development of a material – a super-strong composite composition, which increased the life of the strings several times.
The assortment includes sets of various materials. This is both classic nylon and innovative alloys. The main thing is that musicians of all styles will find perfect strings for themselves. Unadjusted prices for premium quality are what every buyer of the French brand's products gets.
Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
