Acoustic Guitar String Tension For Sale (2024 Update)

These are great strings be not for everyone. They are different in that they aid the upper register of vocals. I've put them on a 00-27 and a J 200; tow very different guitars. The affect is magical for those musicians who want a harp-like tone from their steel strung axe. They have an interesting configuration. From e to E; 12, 16,12,16, 23 W, 30 W. The result is crisp, clear highs and rich lows. These strings are different, but wonderful.goeller2006

I have tried countless strings over the years, and these John Pearse strings are fantastic! You name it, I've tried it. Everything from D'Addario, Elixer, Martin, Gibson, DR, Cleartone and even Dean Markley. Cheap and expensive, I have tried them. All I can say is that these are the best acoustic strings I have tried to date. I just went from a set of Elixers (which I thought were expensive, but good) to these, and these strings won out hands down. As soon as I installed these, my guitar absolutely came ALIVE! It was almost like night and day. Everything was better! Immediately what I noticed was the added volume and projection I was getting, but most of all, it was the tone that absolutely sold me on these. With these strings I heard more woodiness, percussive body, clarity, string to string definition, harmonic overtones, and resonance than any other acoustic strings I have heard to date. The top end also opened up and became even more tactile and transparent. These strings are just more organic, yet highly defined and less sterile than anything else I have heard, and they also have a very balanced output from string to string that is excellent. In no small measure, these strings have been a bit of a revelation. These strings are also very smooth, and I also noticed less finger noise between fretting notes and bar chords as well. However, regarding that smoothness, I also noticed something interesting as well. Just try to follow me with this: These are the first set of John Pearse strings I have ever installed, so I don't know if this is a "one off", but as smooth as they are, I also noticed that the unwound strings have an ever so slightly uneven and wavy finish to them in spots when you shine them in the light. I don't mention this as a negative IN ANY WAY, but just purely as an observation. Besides, I could care less because they sound so darn amazing. Anyway, my point of mentioning this (and this is based purely on conjecture), is I wonder if the barely perceptible finish inconsistencies contribute to the overall tonality of these strings? TBH, I have never seen strings that had this kind of "inconsistency" to their finish before, and I am wondering if this has anything to do with the great tonality of these strings? All the other strings I have bought over the years have been extremely smooth and consistent in their diameter and finish. Again, I don't mention this as a negative in any way because you never feel this while playing in the least. The only time I noticed it was when I looked at them under direct light. These strings sound fantastic, and obviously their specific alloy and construction plays a great part to their sound, but on the other hand, I have never seen strings with this kind of finish before, and yet I have also never been so excited about a set of strings before either. There has to be something to it. The only other thing I can mention is that these strings also have excellent string life as well. I have had these on my acoustic after about a month and a half of use, and they still sound fantastic! Anyway, all I can say is that I have tried A LOT of strings, and these ones are the standouts by far. Buy with confidence. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Peace. 🙂Eywa Dude

Had a pesky b and e string on short scale 000. Solution was it wanted more tension to ring true. The 13 and 18 did it; short scale so they play like lighter strings! The 22w g is awesome, the rest balance nicely. 52 is lite for E but not much of a sacrifice; drop D tuning still do-able. SO HAPPYJohn

I’ve used these Santa Cruz Mid Tensions for 4 string changes now on both my D18 and D35 and I continue to be impressed. I don’t think it’s just a marketing gimmick as these strings produce a more balanced and full sound than regular phosphor bronze sets. It’s a more mellow sound right away, almost like Monel strings. These have a great feel under the fingers as well. Great product!Michael M.

I’ve used these Santa Cruz Mid Tensions for 4 string changes now on both my D18 and D35 and I continue to be impressed. I don’t think it’s just a marketing gimmick as these strings produce a more balanced and full sound than regular phosphor bronze sets. It’s a more mellow sound right away, almost like Monel strings. These have a great feel under the fingers as well. Great product!Michael M.

I have been using these normal tension strings for my small acoustic guitar for several years now. They have a really smooth and resonant sound with my guitar and are very responsive for at least a few months of regular playing. I really like their sound in combination even with my small guitar, so I can only imagine the quality of sound they'll help produce on a larger guitar. I will keep continuing to purchase these strings as they are my favorites so far.Julia

These are in my opinion, and the opinion of most others I know the best classical guitar strings out there, period. They cost more, but they are worth it. I should change them more often, because the sound of the fresh strings (the crispness) would make you want to start playing all over again. I have a Hernadez Grand Concert. They are the only strings I use anymore. GREAT that you guys carry them!PETE

As Martin has claimed that this set of strings is developed along with Aquila in Italy (Made in Italy, packed in USA), this Manifico resembles to Aquila Rubino in my experience. It sounds good and it is suitable for classical staffs because the single note sound is very projective, deep and clear but if you try to strum a chord with these strings, it's quite difficult to control your dynamic. So, I would recommend this Manifico to those who play classical music or bossanova staff on their hybrid nylon guitar.Kritsada

Not strings for beginners as they take awhile to settle in and remain in tune, they also have a different feel to them as the top three are carbon, but they do have a great sound, rich powerful basses, warm mids and bell like higher tones, I love them, but they are a bit expensive.newbopau

I play mostly classical but do a lot of finger style as well. These strings are just the best. Love the fact that the treble strings are not so fat. Thinner makes playing so much easier.Keith

These are great guitar strings! They are long lasting (hence good value, although initially expensive). They have a lovely tone and the treble strings are beautifully fine. I've used them for years and would love to continue for many more years.davec7072

I play lots of Albinez, Tarrega and Bach concert level pieces. I am a huge Yairi fan and own a 1975 CY120. The tone of this guitar with regular nylon strings is rich and warm, if perhaps a bit dark. I was looking for a string to brighten up the trebles a bit and wanted to try fluorocarbon strings. These Savarez strings did the trick perfectly and now the trebles sparkle and the deep bass is more articulated and distinct. If you own a guitar you would consider "dark" sounding, this is the perfect string to brighten it up. Might not be the best set if your guitar is a bit thin sounding. My family hears my daily practice and everyone commented on the much improved beautiful tone these strings gave my beloved vintage Yairi.Kim

OK, In 37+ years of playing I have used all kinds of strings. Coated, Non-Coated, Frozen, Plain, Phosphor Bronze, silver colored, gold colored, nickel plated, even tried "retro" strings etc. The coated strings to me usually sound dead out of the box, or they are 3x the cost but don't last anywhere near long enough to justify the price. I have discovered it's mainly hype. I don't deny there is a coating on the strings but that is makes a HUGE difference…yeah not so much. The longest running type of string I have used were Phosphor Bronze. But with my guitar mellowing out there is more bass. The "Retro" strings were really not bad for tweaking the bass but longevity was lacking and the company YEARS ago made them in PA are now making them in Mexico. So I tried a set of D'Addario Nickel Bronze in Custom Light and they are FANTASTIC!!! The sound quality is over the top. Mids come alive, highs are clear but not overpowering, and the lows are clean, not muddy, bright but not jangley. My daughter says it almost sounds like a 12 string…LOL. They are fantastic and my Martin has NEVER sounded better. I play daily and have had these on for over a month and still not ready to change. I'll push the first few sets to the max just to see how far they CAN go. My guess is two months…we'll see. Disclaimer: I wipe down my guitar and strings after each time I play them. I'll also use dunlop string conditioner on them too. So that may help as well. Bottom Line – – If you are wondering about these strings…STOP WONDERING AND BUY THEM. If you've been putting off buying them STOP AND BUY THEM!!! They are worth EVERY PENNY!!!wife2seti

Used trad phospher bronze strings initially. Sound was too bright and brash on my full mahogany guitar. Tried Martin Retro next- hated those. Couldn't make it a week with the set. Had to take 'em off. Tone was just lifeless. I expected these Nickel Bronze to be the same experience, but gave them a try and was pleasantly surprised – loved them! With standard phosphor bronze the guitar had a braying tinny cartoon voice, by comparison. With the NB strings all the warm tone I hoped the mahogany would be able to convey immediately appeared and began to bloom. Its like I'm finally truly hearing the way the instrument was made to sound. You will sacrifice a bit of volume, not alot- and its worth it believe me for the sound you will achieve. I'm mostly a hybrid picker- true fingerstyle players will get even more satisfaction I would expect. Again, this is on a solid top all mahogany guitar. I cannot say how these may sound on a spruce or cedar top. Try them and let us know!Strumbum

I am beginner guitarist and at the start Nickel Bronze thought a little bit harder to my fingers than other 2 strings I tried: D'addario 80/20 BRONZE (EJ11) and PHOSPHOR BRONZE (EJ16). You also need to strum harder. But sound I really like. Also Nickel Bronze is 2x expensive than 80/20 BRONZE (EJ11). Next time I think I go with 80/20 BRONZE (EJ11), because they are 2x cheaper and not so hard and have a deeper tone. But I think is worth to try. If you have a hard fingers and you like to strum hard, I think you can really like them. If you like warmer tone, I think PHOSPHOR BRONZE (EJ16) is better choice.djdeivs

I've been playing the same classical guitar for over forty years. The wrapped treble Savarez are my only choice. None better. They "stick." They're true. They deliver every time. Someone advised not to trim them. Boy, is that ever true. If you trim them…or pull on a frayed end…they'll unwind themselves and pull free. But, that's operator error; not a string problem.Beeper 812

Excellent service and quick delivery of two biz days. A similar order through Guitar Center took two weeks! Sam Ash is the go to store! Savarez wound strings are unbeatable.Lee

I use the coated EXP45 normal tension strings on my Guild GAD-C2NA classical guitar. This is the guitar I travel with and use for most fingerstyle applications. I reserve my Ramirez E4 for local classical performances. The bottom 3 strings have great definition and stay within a few cents of concert pitch for several months. The top 3 strings are the same nylons from the EJ45 set. They may drop 20 cents overnight, but tune right up and stay in tune while playing. This set has a respectable classical tone but is a little brighter than the EJ45 Pro Arte set. They are fantastic if you are playing and singing popular and rock songs along with a few classical favorites. You can beat on them with rougher technique and they hold up and sing out. The EXP45 set only puts about 81 lbs. on the neck as compared to 86 lbs. for the EJ45 set. The lighter feel makes them very versatile and reduces your fatigue. The D'Addario claim is true: The composite core bottoms really do last 3-4 times longer. With a lot of practicing and performing, I can burn through an EJ45 set in 1-2 weeks. I've changed EXP45 sets at 2 months for a gig and have not really needed to. The windings will show some wear, but the bottoms are still staying in tune. The coating pays off if you don't always remember to wipe down the strings and fingerboard after playing.There are some who call me...Jim

I recently purchased a used classical guitar and gave it a set up, replaced the strings. That's when I purchased these EJ45's….Took almost a month for the strings to stop stretching. Would not stay in tune !! Maybe drop these in some boiling water like E.V. used to do to his strings to stretch them out..?? THE BAD….I thought it was the tuners (machine heads) on the guitar and almost purchased a new set. I've used the red package normal tension with no issues, I will not buy the EJ45 again. While my guitar was just sitting on the stand the G string starting to unravel and eventural just broke…THESE STRINGS ARE A WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME !GhostGrappler

I am accustomed to subtle differences between acoustic guitar strings by various manufacturers, but those differences can seem less apparent with classical guitar strings. However, D'Addario's Pro Arte classical strings are clear standouts. My guitar never sounded better, to the point of sounding like a brighter and more resonant instrument. I'm hooked.Ronnie

First, am not a musician, just an old Scouter who plays guitar at troops campfires, and encourages Scouts to learn some chords with the expectation that within lies the next Andres Segovia. Therefore, my judgement of the quality of the product is that of a neophyte. For me, they were better than I expected. However, I must add that I received them in less than five days, now thats service worth two extra stars. Thus, from that perspective, this string set has far exceeded my expectations. Another volunteer Scouterpalac-pr

I find all Augustine strings to be great value for high quality. These are my 'go to' strings that I use every day. I have not found better working strings. Much better than some of the rather twangy 'corum' strings that seem to be so popular (and expensive) these days. Recommended.Richard

I am not a classical guitarist, I am an acoustic/electric guitarist who has modified what I do to fit a classical format. When it comes to strings, I have always opted for the biggies, usually D'Addario extra hard tension (and the titanium treble set is my go-to). I believed in the SRV adage: Bigger strings give bigger tone. I picked up a set of these Augustines the last time they were on sale at MF. I confess I got 'em because they had Segovia on the package and were on sale. My heart sank when the strings arrived, they are the black label set and are marked "extra light tension." I teach in a public school and thought I'd put these strings on and beat them to death in a matter of days. That was over a month ago, and my mid 70s Yamaha (solid cedar/rosewood) has never sounded better. I don't know what it is about these strings (components, care of manufacture), but they seem to really lay flat on the board, and I mean that in a good way. I have already admitted that my classical technique really blows, but when I try to bear down on the lower strings, the heavier wound strings almost seem to "roll" under my stupid sausage fingers. Not so these guys. Very pleasant sound and feel, I may have switched brands to Augustine Blacks. And did I mention Segovia's picture is on the label?…E. T.

First, am not a musician, just an old Scouter who plays guitar at troops campfires, and encourages Scouts to learn some chords with the expectation that within lies the next Andres Segovia. Therefore, my judgement of the quality of the product is that of a neophyte. For me, they were better than I expected. However, I must add that I received them in less than five days, now thats service worth two extra stars. Thus, from that perspective, this string set has far exceeded my expectations. Another volunteer Scouterpalac-pr

I find all Augustine strings to be great value for high quality. These are my 'go to' strings that I use every day. I have not found better working strings. Much better than some of the rather twangy 'corum' strings that seem to be so popular (and expensive) these days. Recommended.Richard

I am not a classical guitarist, I am an acoustic/electric guitarist who has modified what I do to fit a classical format. When it comes to strings, I have always opted for the biggies, usually D'Addario extra hard tension (and the titanium treble set is my go-to). I believed in the SRV adage: Bigger strings give bigger tone. I picked up a set of these Augustines the last time they were on sale at MF. I confess I got 'em because they had Segovia on the package and were on sale. My heart sank when the strings arrived, they are the black label set and are marked "extra light tension." I teach in a public school and thought I'd put these strings on and beat them to death in a matter of days. That was over a month ago, and my mid 70s Yamaha (solid cedar/rosewood) has never sounded better. I don't know what it is about these strings (components, care of manufacture), but they seem to really lay flat on the board, and I mean that in a good way. I have already admitted that my classical technique really blows, but when I try to bear down on the lower strings, the heavier wound strings almost seem to "roll" under my stupid sausage fingers. Not so these guys. Very pleasant sound and feel, I may have switched brands to Augustine Blacks. And did I mention Segovia's picture is on the label?…E. T.

First, am not a musician, just an old Scouter who plays guitar at troops campfires, and encourages Scouts to learn some chords with the expectation that within lies the next Andres Segovia. Therefore, my judgement of the quality of the product is that of a neophyte. For me, they were better than I expected. However, I must add that I received them in less than five days, now thats service worth two extra stars. Thus, from that perspective, this string set has far exceeded my expectations. Another volunteer Scouterpalac-pr

I find all Augustine strings to be great value for high quality. These are my 'go to' strings that I use every day. I have not found better working strings. Much better than some of the rather twangy 'corum' strings that seem to be so popular (and expensive) these days. Recommended.Richard

I am not a classical guitarist, I am an acoustic/electric guitarist who has modified what I do to fit a classical format. When it comes to strings, I have always opted for the biggies, usually D'Addario extra hard tension (and the titanium treble set is my go-to). I believed in the SRV adage: Bigger strings give bigger tone. I picked up a set of these Augustines the last time they were on sale at MF. I confess I got 'em because they had Segovia on the package and were on sale. My heart sank when the strings arrived, they are the black label set and are marked "extra light tension." I teach in a public school and thought I'd put these strings on and beat them to death in a matter of days. That was over a month ago, and my mid 70s Yamaha (solid cedar/rosewood) has never sounded better. I don't know what it is about these strings (components, care of manufacture), but they seem to really lay flat on the board, and I mean that in a good way. I have already admitted that my classical technique really blows, but when I try to bear down on the lower strings, the heavier wound strings almost seem to "roll" under my stupid sausage fingers. Not so these guys. Very pleasant sound and feel, I may have switched brands to Augustine Blacks. And did I mention Segovia's picture is on the label?…E. T.

This model of Savarez classical strings came on my Cordoba 10S guitar. I've tried D'Addario EJ-46 ProArte Hard tension and went back to the 500CJ Savarezwheelneil

My guitar came loaded with these strings, direct from the manufacturer. Having tried a few different makes over a period of time, I have taken to these. They just deliver the sound I like.roy h.

I bought a new guitar recently, spruce top, that is generally brighter than the guitar I had, a cedar top. I tried carbon strings because that is what I was used to. I result was a bright ping no matter where I plucked. It was bright but dead. I went on to look for nylon instead of carbon. This set had the corum basses which I loved already for their projection and sound. I have to say, this set changed my mind on nylon strings. After a week of settling, the strings project well and balance well with the basses. (Of course, I lost a bit of volume in comparison to the carbon strings) I get a different tone depending on where I hit the strings. The strings didn't die after three days. I thought that impossible with nylon strings. This is mainly due to my multiple bad experiences with D'addario. I will still go on and try other nylon strings from other makers but I must say, I will come back to this one.Chris

tried these normal tension strings – a little easier to play – good trebles, good base strings – sound about the same as the Cantiga High Tension strings – maybe a little louder – Have them on now so don't really know how they will hold up 'til another month or so – sound very nice!!Den

The Martin Extra Light 10 to 47 strings work very well on my Martin D28. They sound like Martin and are great for live gigs. Affordable strings for live Musician…Vernon

Definitely easier to play, but a bit lacking in tone( especially base). Big difference to a set of custom lights. Depends on your priorities! Barre chords and string bends noticeably easier to bring off.alex m.

I tried these Balanced Tension Nickel Bronze strings on my Gibson J-15. I figured that they would give me a little more volume and I was very disappointed. Not only was there no additional volume, but they sounded very muddy. I haven't given up on the idea of balanced tension, but these aren't the ones for this guitar. I'll try the lights and see if they are a little brighter.Fred

Personally, I think they are over rated. While they sound half-way decent, so do a lot of other strings….some costing less. Have yet to find a brand that really blows my skirt up.lwjon3443

Decided to try these on my Yamaha GC32S seeing these strings are used on the upscale GC82 from factory. I played my guitar with these on for three months. Needless to say I am rather disappointed with these and I am going back to Daddario Pro Artes.Azusa N.

I have been playing on these strings for about 3 weeks now. I love them! They may become my new favorites. They are carbon strings, which I had never played on before, but really enjoy. The have a great warm tone, and the basses and trebles compliment each other nicely. One thing to mention when you put these on, make sure you use a lighter to "ball up" the end of the string because these carbon strings are thinner than a standard nylon and they will slip through the tie block. Tone, sustain, and volume are all great. In fact I thought maybe they were a hard tension string because of the volume, but they don't feel that tight when tuning and Augustine does not say what tension they are. Anyway they sound great and respond wel, I don't think you would be dissappointed with these strings.Justin