How many guitar strings are there?

Most standard guitars have six strings. However, some guitars have 7, 8, or even 12 strings for extended range or special styles. For beginners and most players, the six-string setup is the norm and offers all the range needed for most genres

What are the Names of Guitar Strings?

The strings are named based on pitch: E, A, D, G, B, and high E. Starting from the thickest (lowest pitch) to the thinnest (highest pitch), the names go: E, A, D, G, B, E. A common acronym to remember the order of strings from thickest to thinnest is: Eddie Ate Dynamite; Good Bye Eddie.

What is the order of guitar strings?

From the thickest (top when holding the guitar) to the thinnest (bottom), the order is: 6th (Low E), 5th (A), 4th (D), 3rd (G), 2nd (B), 1st (High E). Knowing the order helps with tuning, learning chords, and following guitar tabs.

What are some common materials for guitar strings?

Strings can be made from stainless steel, nickel, nylon, phosphor bronze, flat wound

How to Choose Guitar Strings?

If you play electric guitar, nickel-plated steel strings are the most common and work well for most genres, If you’re into blues or vintage rock, pure nickel gives a warmer tone, Stainless steel is a good pick if you want a sharp, bright sound with less corrosion, For acoustic guitars, phosphor bronze strings offer a rich tone with warmth and brightness, 80/20 bronze strings are another option, giving a brighter, punchier sound, Nylon strings are only for classical guitars or beginner nylon-string acoustics; never use them on a steel-string guitar.

What are winding types for guitar strings?

Roundwound strings, flatwound strings, half-round strings

What are roundwound guitar stirngs?

These are the most common type of winding type for guitar strings. They’re bright and have a textured feel, but can be noisy when fingers slide across.

What are flatwound guitar strings?

Smoother and darker sounding, flatwounds are popular in jazz and blues. They produce less finger noise but feel stiffer. They have a very smooth feel and produce a mellow, warm, and dark tone with less sustain and a more percussive attack.

What are half-wound guitar strings?

These are a middle ground between roundwound and flatwound strings. They offer a smoother feel than roundwounds with more brightness than flatwounds, but can be more expensive.

What type of strings are bass guitar strings?

These are thick, low-tuned strings made for bass guitars. They’re available in roundwound, flatwound, or tapewound.

What type of strings are classical guitar strings?

Classical guitar strings should only be made from nylon, as steel strings can damage a classical guitar’s neck and body.

What type of guitar strings to use on acoustic guitars?

Use bronze or phosphor bronze strings, usually with steel cores. Never use nylon or electric strings on an acoustic.

What type of strings should I use on an electric guitar?

Use nickel or stainless steel strings for an electric guitar. Acoustic-specific strings won’t work properly with magnetic pickups.

What are guitar string sizes or gauges?

String gauge refers to how thick the strings are. Thinner strings are easier to play; thicker ones are louder and more durable. Guitar strings come in extra light or super light (0.008-0.038), light (0.009-0.042), medium (0.01-0.046), and heavy (0.011-0.052)

How do I care for guitar strings?

Keep your strings clean by wiping them down after each use. Oils and sweat can make them corrode faster. Store your guitar in a case to protect strings from humidity and dust.

How Often Should I Replace My Guitar Strings?

If you play daily, change strings every 2–4 weeks. Occasional players can wait 1–2 months. Replace them when they sound dull, feel rough, or are hard to tune.

Can I Boil Guitar Strings to Clean Them?

Yes, boiling can temporarily remove grime and restore brightness, especially on bass strings. But it weakens the metal, so it’s not a long-term solution and we recommend just buying new strings instead.

Why Do My Guitar Strings Keep Breaking?

Common causes include sharp bridge edges, worn frets, over-tightening, or old strings. Make sure your guitar is properly set up and check for sharp spots.

What are some popular brands of guitar string?

D'Addario, NYXL (by D'Addario), Ernie Ball, Elixir, GHS Strings, Stringjoy, Fender

Steel vs nylon strings – which is better?

Neither is “better”; just better for you and your needs as a guitarist. Steel is for acoustic and electric guitars with bright, strong tones; nylon is for classical guitars and gives a soft, mellow sound.

How much are guitar strings?

Most sets cost between $5 and $20, depending on quality, type, and coating.

What are guitar strings made of?

Guitar strings are made from a variety of materials depending on the type of guitar. Electric guitar strings are usually made of steel, nickel, or stainless steel. Acoustic strings are often made from bronze, phosphor bronze, or brass. Classical guitar strings use nylon or a combination of nylon and silver-plated copper. Each material affects the tone, feel, and durability of the strings.

Can you put electric guitar strings on an acoustic?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Electric guitar strings are made for magnetic pickups and won’t sound right on an acoustic. They also have lower tension, which can affect the guitar’s tone and feel. For the best sound and playability, use acoustic strings on acoustic guitars.

Does acoustic string gauge make a difference?

Yes, it makes a major difference. Lighter gauges are easier to play and better for fingerpicking, but they can sound thinner and break more easily. Heavier gauges produce a fuller, louder sound and are better for strumming, but they’re harder on the fingers and may require a stronger setup.

How do I choose electric strings?

Start by considering your playing style and tone preference. If you want a bright tone and long life, stainless steel is great. For a warmer sound, try pure nickel. Light gauges are easier to play and bend, while heavier gauges offer more sustain and volume. Also, match your string type to your guitar’s scale length and setup.

Lowden O-38 Special ‘Batch 45’ Limited Edition - Bubinga & Cedar

All photos are of the actual product. Learn More

Description
Media Gallery
Downloads

Celebrating 45 years of ‘The 38’ A special run of limited edition guitars in recognition of the iconic 38 model.

The first prototype 38 model was designed by George Lowden in 1976 for his friend Alastair Burke who, in turn, showed it to the owners of Folk Quincampoix in Paris, France. So impressed were the store’s owners that they immediately ordered six guitars with a request for four more every month after that! George and his team quickly got to work and the 38 emerged to the market in 1977.

The 38’s reputation was further cemented in Lowden history when Irish musician Paul Brady gifted one to Eric Clapton in 1996. It was subsequently used by Clapton on his album ‘Pilgrim’ and during his performance at the 1997 Grammy award ceremony.

Until now, the 38 model exclusively featured Brazilian Rosewood paired with Red Cedar. In recognition of the importance and longevity of The 38, ‘Batch 45’ was conceived as a tribute to this iconic guitar.

The collection consists of three guitars, each a unique tribute to the original 38 featuring new, bespoke, wood combinations paired with traditional 38 style appointments. Just 45 guitars will be available worldwide. Each of the three models will be available exclusively from only 15 stores worldwide.

Built simultaneously in the new Lowden workshop in Saintfield, County Down, each set of three guitars consists of an F-38 with Indian rosewood and Lutz Spruce, an O-38 with Bubinga and Red Cedar, and an F-38 with Brazilian Rosewood and Sitka Spruce. Each guitar features 38 style appointments throughout, including a leaf inlay pattern on the ebony fingerboard, abalone soundboard inlays, a Rosewood head plate and Maple bindings. In addition, each guitar’s unique internal label will be individually numbered and hand-signed by George Lowden.

The Original Series was the very first Lowden range from 1976, just as the ‘O’ model is George’s original Lowden body design. Although the medium sized ‘F’ and concert sized ‘S’ have been added to the range since then, the Lowden standard of passionate commitment to no compromise was well and truly set.

Other specifications include:

Bubinga Back & Sides
Red Cedar Soundboard
Figured Maple Bindings
Five Piece Mahogany / Rosewood / Walnut Neck
38 Style Abalone Top Border
Abalone Rosette
Split Saddle, Pinless Bridge
Leaf Fingerboard Inlays
Clear Pickguard
Ameritage Case
1 3/4” Nut
2 3/16” Bridge Spacing
Hard Case
4 lbs 1 oz
#25879

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

For more information about this Lowden instrument, please contact us.

Manufacturer: Lowden
Actual Weight: 4.1
Series: Batch 45
Body Style: Jumbo, O
Model: O-38 Special
Condition: Brand New

Product Images

Product Videos

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Lowden F-50 built with reclaimed Church Pew Mahogany! | No Talking Demo

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Behind the Scenes at the Bourgeois Guitars Factory with Master Luthier Dana Bourgeois

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On Sale New

SKU: 25879

Weight: 4 lbs 1 oz

Lowden O-38 Special ‘Batch 45’ Limited Edition - Bubinga & Cedar

$10,100.00

$7,575.00

Condition:: New
UPC:: n/a

Quantity:

Current Stock:

Adding to cart… The item has been added

Free Shipping inside lower 48 states

48 Hour Return Policy

You can demo any guitar by making an appointment with our team. Just reach out to us through a message, email, or chat!

Description

Celebrating 45 years of ‘The 38’ A special run of limited edition guitars in recognition of the iconic 38 model.

Other specifications include:

Bubinga Back & Sides
Red Cedar Soundboard
Figured Maple Bindings
Five Piece Mahogany / Rosewood / Walnut Neck
38 Style Abalone Top Border
Abalone Rosette
Split Saddle, Pinless Bridge
Leaf Fingerboard Inlays
Clear Pickguard
Ameritage Case
1 3/4” Nut
2 3/16” Bridge Spacing
Hard Case
4 lbs 1 oz
#25879

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

Figured Walnut back & sides
Western Red Cedar top
Figured Maple bindings
5 piece laminated neck
The wooden rosette is rosewood, maple, walnut & mahogany
Clear pickguard
Split saddle, rosewood, pinless bridge
Gotoh Gold tuning machines with Ebony buttons
MOP headstock logo
Neat fit and finish, and the famous, smooth as silk, Lowden finish
Hiscox Lite flight case included

- See more at: https://www.gbase.com/gear/lowden-s23-2014-figured-walnut#sthash.e8iwHfBE.dpuf

For more information about this Lowden instrument, please contact us.

Manufacturer: Lowden
Actual Weight: 4.1
Series: Batch 45
Body Style: Jumbo, O
Model: O-38 Special
Condition: Brand New