STRINGS

What make of strings you use will depend on your personal choice but one thing that must be a constant is the string Gage ( thickness of the strings ). Light gage or thinner strings will be easier on your fingers and more pliable, BUT, for blues styles will sound too thin and weedy. For a good blues sound you want plenty of meat to the tone. You want a set of strings starting from 10 thou of an inch or in guitar parlance, a set of 10's. They will still offer plenty of resistance, you'll have to work at it, but, they are manageable and will still give a full bodied tone. A set of 10's will be able to sound good for trad or contemporary blues. I use D'Addario XL, Nickel Wound, 10's on all my guitars. I've used loads of different makes of strings over the years. I just find that I prefer the feel and sound of these strings. They mellow in nice with age and last a good while before string changes. The quality is consistant and they are a true professional product.  

To hear how set of 10's sound just click on the MP3juke Box at the top of the page and select any of my recorded title tracks.

Check D'Addario website on    www.daddario.com

STRING CARE.......Guitar strings are very durable and will last quite a long time in a domestic environment before they become dull, snap or need replacing. However, in a regular gigging situation they will obviously where out quicker because of wear and tear, sweat and grime!! Some guitarists wipe the strings down with a dry cloth after each performance and there are products on the market which are designed to clean the strings. Personally. I don't wipe down the strings or use cleaning products. WHY? I just can't be bothered because I don't have any major problems with string maintenance. Again. this is an issue of personnel preference and what your fingers and ears tell you.

TUNING PEG LEVER.