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.

Paul Reed Smith Private Stock #12134 McCarty Tree of Life Brazilian Bronze Electric Guitar

All photos are of the actual product. Learn More

Description
Media Gallery
Downloads

The Paul Reed Smith Private Stock #12134 McCarty Tree of Life Brazilian – Bronze is a breathtaking example of PRS craftsmanship at its absolute highest level—an extraordinary creation born from the Private Stock Vault and hand-selected by Eddie’s Guitars. Built from a carefully curated combination of exotic and highly figured tonewoods, this McCarty showcases both heirloom-worthy elegance and exceptional musicality.

The instrument begins with a striking Curly Maple top, finished in a luxurious Bronze high-gloss nitro, allowing the dimensional figuring to pulse with depth and motion under the light. Beneath, resonant African Mahogany delivers warmth and sustain, while the Curly Maple neck—stained to perfectly complement the top—adds snap and clarity for a responsive, articulate feel. For the fingerboard and matching headstock veneer, only the finest Brazilian Rosewood was chosen, bringing a rare tonal richness and a silky, inviting playing surface.

Visually, this guitar is nothing short of enchanting. A stunning Modern Tree of Life inlay flows across the Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard and continues through the headstock veneer—crafted from Green Heart Abalone with solid White Mother of Pearl purfling, creating a vibrant and organic aesthetic that feels alive in motion. Side dots formed from Heart Abalone add an elegant accent, while the heel proudly features a White, Black & Gold Mother of Pearl Eddie’s Eagle inlay, marking this build as truly unique among Private Stock masterpieces.

The Pattern Thin neck carve ensures fast, modern playability with effortless comfort, perfectly suiting expressive bends, intricate lead work, and smooth chordal phrasing. PRS Phase III setscrew locking tuning machines, a bone nut, and a gold PRS Gen III tremolo bridge provide unwavering tuning stability and premium performance feel. African Blackwood backplates and a Brazilian Rosewood truss rod cover round out the exquisite material selection.

Powered by a matched set of PRS 57/08 pickups, this McCarty offers pure vintage-inspired character—full PAF-style warmth with incredible clarity and dynamic response. The electronics are simple and musical: a single volume and push/pull tone control paired with a 3-way toggle, allowing the player to unlock both powerful humbucking tones and sparkling, coil-split versatility.

Every element of the Private Stock #12134 honors Paul Reed Smith’s dedication to the pinnacle of guitar building—premium materials, inspired artistry, and obsessive attention to sonic performance. Freshly set up with PRS Signature .010s and housed in a Private Stock Brown Paisley case, this guitar stands proudly as a singular collector’s piece—yet one designed to be played and deeply experienced.

This McCarty Tree of Life isn’t simply an instrument. It is a masterwork—built for the musician who demands not only elite tone, but a truly transcendent connection with their guitar.

Other features include:

Model: McCarty
Neck wood: Curly Maple
Fingerboard wood:Brazilian Rosewood
Top wood: Curly Maple
Back wood: African Mahogany
Headstock veneer wood: Brazilian Rosewood
Neck Carve: Pattern Thin
Side dots: Heart Abalone
Color / Stain: Bronze
Fingerboard inlay: Modern Tree of Life
Headstock Veneer Inlay Modern Tree of Life
Heel Inlay: White, Black & Gold Mother of Pearl Eddie's Eagle
Finish type: High Gloss Nitro
Pickups: Treble: 57/08 Bass: 57/08
Electronics: One volume, one push/pull tone control with a 3-way toggle
Hardware: Gold PRS Gen III tremolo bridge, PRS Phase III setscrew locking tuning pegs, African Blackwood backplates, a bone nut, and a Brazilian Rosewood truss rod cover
Set-Up: PRS Signature .010
Case type: Private Stock Brown Paisley
Specials: High Gloss Nitro finish, Curly Maple top, African Mahogany back, Curly Maple neck stained to match, Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard & headstock veneer, Modern Tree of Life inlay consisting of Green Heart Abalone, Solid White Mother of Pearl purfling, Eddie's Eagle heel inlay, Gold Hardware, and features 57/08 pickups. The woods for this guitar were selected by Eddie's Guitars from the PRS Private Stock Vault.
8 lbs 2 oz
#415198

For more information about this PRS Private Stock instrument, please contact us.

Manufacturer: Paul Reed Smith
Body Style: McCarty
Color: Bronze
Condition: Brand New
Model: McCarty
Actual Weight: 8.2
Series: Private Stock

Product Images

Product Videos

Play

Paul Reed Smith Private Stock #9951 Hollowbody II McCarty 594 – Koa (Basic Demo)

Play

Inside Private Stock | Story and Factory Tour | PRS Guitars

Play

Rickenbacker Guitars Factory and Museum Tour

Downloads

New 1 in stock

SKU: 415198

Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz

Paul Reed Smith Private Stock #12134 McCarty Tree of Life Brazilian - Bronze

$18,100.00

Condition:: New
UPC:: 825362248248

Quantity:

Current Stock: 1

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

This McCarty Tree of Life isn’t simply an instrument. It is a masterwork—built for the musician who demands not only elite tone, but a truly transcendent connection with their guitar.

Other features include:

Model: McCarty
Neck wood: Curly Maple
Fingerboard wood:Brazilian Rosewood
Top wood: Curly Maple
Back wood: African Mahogany
Headstock veneer wood: Brazilian Rosewood
Neck Carve: Pattern Thin
Side dots: Heart Abalone
Color / Stain: Bronze
Fingerboard inlay: Modern Tree of Life
Headstock Veneer Inlay Modern Tree of Life
Heel Inlay: White, Black & Gold Mother of Pearl Eddie's Eagle
Finish type: High Gloss Nitro
Pickups: Treble: 57/08 Bass: 57/08
Electronics: One volume, one push/pull tone control with a 3-way toggle
Hardware: Gold PRS Gen III tremolo bridge, PRS Phase III setscrew locking tuning pegs, African Blackwood backplates, a bone nut, and a Brazilian Rosewood truss rod cover
Set-Up: PRS Signature .010
Case type: Private Stock Brown Paisley
Specials: High Gloss Nitro finish, Curly Maple top, African Mahogany back, Curly Maple neck stained to match, Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard & headstock veneer, Modern Tree of Life inlay consisting of Green Heart Abalone, Solid White Mother of Pearl purfling, Eddie's Eagle heel inlay, Gold Hardware, and features 57/08 pickups. The woods for this guitar were selected by Eddie's Guitars from the PRS Private Stock Vault.
8 lbs 2 oz
#415198