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.

Santa Cruz HT/13 Happy Traum Reclaimed Redwood & Honduran Mahogany Acoustic Guitar

All photos are of the actual product. Learn More

Description
Media Gallery
Downloads

The Santa Cruz HT/13 Happy Traum is a masterful instrument that embodies both the vision of Santa Cruz Guitar Company’s founder, Richard Hoover, and the legacy of folk icon Happy Traum. Built with a rare combination of artistry, reclaimed materials, and historic inspiration, this guitar is as much a tribute to the tradition of American acoustic music as it is a tool for modern players seeking resonance, clarity, and timeless character. Richard Hoover’s commitment to hand craftsmanship and tonal refinement shines through in every detail, reflecting his philosophy that guitars should be both musical instruments and heirlooms of enduring beauty. Paired with the influence of Happy Traum, whose contributions to the folk community and instructional music world have inspired generations of players, the HT/13 is a guitar that carries both history and humanity within its voice.

The reclaimed Redwood top is a defining feature, offering not only a visual story with its striking grain but also a warm, complex tonal palette that is both responsive and deeply expressive. This Redwood is complemented by old growth Honduran Mahogany back and sides, chosen for their ability to balance warmth and articulation. Together they create a voice that is open, clear, and sweet, with just the right amount of depth to suit fingerstyle playing, folk accompaniment, and intimate songwriting. The HT/13 scallop Adirondack bracing with tapered design, joined with hot hide glue, ensures maximum resonance and long-term stability while enhancing the responsiveness of the soundboard.

The aesthetics of the HT/13 are a celebration of detail and refinement. An abalone top border and abalone rosette shimmer subtly against the Redwood top, while the S29 backstrip and grained ivoroid body, neck, and headstock binding add sophistication and cohesion to the design. The slotted headstock, capped with an ebony veneer and adorned with the Santa Cruz script logo in grained ivoroid, gives a nod to vintage tradition while remaining elegant. The ebony fingerboard and pyramid bridge continue the theme of understated richness, while the 42 style snowflake inlays bring a touch of classic ornamentation. At the 18th fret, Happy Traum’s signature is inlaid, making this guitar uniquely tied to the artist who inspired it.

Playability is equally considered, with a comfortable V-shaped neck profile finished in satin for a smooth, effortless feel. The gloss buffed body and headstock provide a striking contrast in finish while ensuring long-term durability and visual appeal. Black side dots guide the player discreetly, while Waverly nickel tuning machines with ivoroid buttons complete the vintage-inspired look and provide precise, reliable tuning stability. At just 3 pounds 9 ounces, the guitar is lightweight, resonant, and perfectly balanced for long sessions of playing.

With dimensions that include a 19.25-inch body length, 14.5-inch lower bout, and a 25.375-inch scale length, the HT/13 is designed for comfort and versatility. The 1 3/4-inch nut width and 2 3/16-inch bridge spacing offer generous room for fingerstyle technique while remaining approachable for a wide range of playing styles. Housed in a hard case, this guitar is protected as well as celebrated.

The Santa Cruz HT/13 Happy Traum is not simply a fine instrument. It is a collaboration of visionaries, a reflection of history reclaimed and reimagined, and a piece of living art that honors the voices of the past while empowering new music to come. It is an heirloom for players who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and the soul of acoustic music.

Other specifications include: