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.

Gibson Custom Shop PSL ’59 Les Paul Standard Reissue Gloss Antiquity Burst Electric Guitar

Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Electric guitar in Iced Tea bust

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The Gibson Custom Shop PSL ’59 Les Paul Standard Reissue – Gloss Antiquity Burst is a meticulously crafted homage to one of the most iconic electric guitars in history. Combining vintage accuracy with Custom Shop craftsmanship, this Les Paul reissue delivers the legendary tone, feel, and aesthetics of a late-1950s instrument. Its Gloss Antiquity Burst finish showcases the natural beauty of the hand-selected AAA figured maple top, while preserving the elegance and warmth of a classic Les Paul through its nitrocellulose lacquer finish.

The body is constructed to exacting specifications, featuring a 2-piece hand-selected AAA figured maple top hide-glued to a 1-piece lightweight mahogany back. With no weight relief, the guitar offers full-bodied resonance, sustain, and the rich tonal character that has made the ’59 Les Paul a benchmark for electric guitar tone. 1-ply Royalite binding provides a subtle, refined visual accent, while nickel-plated hardware completes the authentic vintage look.

The mahogany neck is joined via a long tenon, hide-glue fit, creating a solid, resonant connection with the body. Carved to a 1959 Authentic Medium profile (.860" at the first fret, .975" at the 12th), it provides a comfortable and familiar feel for both lead and rhythm playing. The Indian rosewood fingerboard, with a 12" radius, 22 historic medium-jumbo frets, and cellulose nitrate trapezoid inlays, ensures smooth playability and classic visual appeal. A nylon nut measuring 1.687" at the width provides accurate string spacing and reliable intonation.

Electronics are a faithful reproduction of the classic PAF-style configuration, featuring unpotted Custombucker pickups with Alnico III magnets in the neck and bridge positions. These pickups deliver warm, harmonically rich tones with clear highs, articulate mids, and tight, defined lows. The controls consist of two volume and two tone knobs wired with CTS 500K audio taper potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors, while a 3-way Switchcraft pickup selector allows seamless switching between pickups. A standard Switchcraft output jack completes the professional-grade electronics setup.

Hardware is period-correct and crafted for both functionality and aesthetics. The guitar features an ABR-1 bridge with nickel-plated brass saddles, a lightweight aluminum stop bar tailpiece, and Kluson single-line, single-ring tuners, all finished in nickel. Additional vintage-inspired details include the laminated cellulose acetate butyrate pickguard, M69 mounting rings, gold butyrate top hat knobs, amber Catalin switch tip, and black Royalite control covers, all contributing to the authenticity and classic Les Paul appearance.

Strung with .010–.046 gauge strings and housed in a brown/pink Reissue 5-latch case, the guitar also includes a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its status as a true Custom Shop creation. The Gibson Custom Shop PSL ’59 Les Paul Standard Reissue – Gloss Antiquity Burst is an exceptional instrument for players and collectors alike, combining legendary tone, vintage-correct aesthetics, and unparalleled playability in a single, stunning package.

Other specifications include:

Body Shape Les Paul
Top 2-Piece Hand Select AAA Figured Maple, Hide Glue Fit
Back 1-Piece Lightweight Mahogany
Binding 1-Ply Royalite
Body Finish Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Weight Relief None
Profile 1959 Authentic Medium (0.860" / 0.975")
Scale Length 628.65 mm / 24.75 in
Fingerboard Material Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 304.8 mm / 12 in
Fret Count 22
Frets Historic Medium-Jumbo
Nut Material Nylon
Nut Width 42.85 mm / 1.687 in
End Of Board Width 56.89 mm / 2.239 in
Inlays Cellulose Nitrate Trapezoid
Joint Long Tenon, Hide Glue Fit
Finish Nickel
Bridge ABR-1
Saddle Material Nickel-plated Brass
Tailpiece Lightweight Aluminum Stop Bar
Tuning Machines Kluson Single Line, Single Ring
Pickguard Laminated Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Truss Rod Authentic 1950s No-Tube
Truss Rod Cover Authentic Stepped 2-Ply
Control Knobs Gold Butyrate Top Hats
Switch Tip Amber Catalin
Switch washer Replica Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Jack Plate Cover Laminated Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Control Covers Black Royalite
Strap Buttons Aluminum
Mounting Rings M69 Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Pickup Covers Authentic Profile Nickel Silver
Neck Pickup Custombucker Alnico III (Unpotted)
Bridge Pickup Custombucker Alnico III (Unpotted)
Controls 2 Volume/2 Tone CTS 500K Audio Taper Potentiometers, Paper-in-Oil Capacitors
Pickup Selector 3-Way Switchcraft
Output Jack Switchcraft
Strings Gauge .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Case Brown/Pink Reissue 5-Latch
Accessories Certificate of Authenticity
LPR59PSL000000580
8 lbs 8 oz
#953367

For more information on the Gibson Custom Shop '59 Les Paul Standard, please contact us.

Manufacturer: Gibson
Series: Custom Shop
Actual Weight: 8.8
Condition: Brand New
Color: Antiquity Burst
Body Style: Les Paul
Model: PSL '59 Les Paul Standard Reissue

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New 1 in stock

SKU: 953367

Weight: 8 lbs 8 oz

Gibson Custom Shop PSL '59 Les Paul Standard Reissue Gloss Antiquity Burst 8.8 #953367

$6,899.00

Condition:: New
UPC:: n/a

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Description

Other specifications include:

Body Shape Les Paul
Top 2-Piece Hand Select AAA Figured Maple, Hide Glue Fit
Back 1-Piece Lightweight Mahogany
Binding 1-Ply Royalite
Body Finish Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Weight Relief None
Profile 1959 Authentic Medium (0.860" / 0.975")
Scale Length 628.65 mm / 24.75 in
Fingerboard Material Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 304.8 mm / 12 in
Fret Count 22
Frets Historic Medium-Jumbo
Nut Material Nylon
Nut Width 42.85 mm / 1.687 in
End Of Board Width 56.89 mm / 2.239 in
Inlays Cellulose Nitrate Trapezoid
Joint Long Tenon, Hide Glue Fit
Finish Nickel
Bridge ABR-1
Saddle Material Nickel-plated Brass
Tailpiece Lightweight Aluminum Stop Bar
Tuning Machines Kluson Single Line, Single Ring
Pickguard Laminated Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Truss Rod Authentic 1950s No-Tube
Truss Rod Cover Authentic Stepped 2-Ply
Control Knobs Gold Butyrate Top Hats
Switch Tip Amber Catalin
Switch washer Replica Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Jack Plate Cover Laminated Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Control Covers Black Royalite
Strap Buttons Aluminum
Mounting Rings M69 Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Pickup Covers Authentic Profile Nickel Silver
Neck Pickup Custombucker Alnico III (Unpotted)
Bridge Pickup Custombucker Alnico III (Unpotted)
Controls 2 Volume/2 Tone CTS 500K Audio Taper Potentiometers, Paper-in-Oil Capacitors
Pickup Selector 3-Way Switchcraft
Output Jack Switchcraft
Strings Gauge .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Case Brown/Pink Reissue 5-Latch
Accessories Certificate of Authenticity
LPR59PSL000000580
8 lbs 8 oz
#953367