About Guitar Strings
The right set of guitar strings shapes your instrument's tone, feel and tuning stability. SWAMP stocks strings for every guitar and playing style: electric guitar strings in nickel-plated and stainless steel, steel acoustic strings in 80/20 bronze and phosphor bronze, nylon strings for classical and flamenco guitars, and bass guitar strings in roundwound and flatwound sets.
Choose from Ernie Ball's famous Slinky sets, D'Addario's XL range, long-life coated strings from Elixir, and Alice strings, imported and distributed in Australia by SWAMP. Gauges run from super light 8-38 electric sets through to heavy 14-59 acoustic sets, so you can fine-tune feel and volume to suit your playing. You will also find sets for 12-string guitars. If you are unsure where to start, the FAQs below cover the basics of gauge and materials.
Guitar String FAQs
What gauge guitar strings should I choose?
Lighter gauges, such as 9-42 for electric or 11-52 for acoustic, are easier to fret and bend, making them ideal for beginners and lead players. Heavier gauges add volume, sustain and tuning stability, suiting rhythm playing and lower tunings. Most electric players start at 9-42 or 10-46, and most acoustic players at 12-53.
What is the difference between acoustic and electric guitar strings?
Electric guitar strings are made from magnetic alloys like nickel-plated steel so the pickups can sense them, while steel acoustic strings use bronze alloys for a louder, richer unplugged tone. They are not interchangeable: bronze acoustic strings produce weak output through magnetic pickups.
How often should I change guitar strings?
Regular players typically change uncoated strings every one to three months, or sooner once the tone dulls and intonation drifts. Coated strings, such as Elixir's, resist sweat and grime and last several times longer between changes.
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