Black Electric Guitar Strings For Sale (2024 Update)

I have these strings on two bass guitars. Strings work very well with both. Great tone and sustain. Easy on fingers pretty smooth. They also add a great look to your bass They don`t create a lot of Stress on bass neck. Very durable and last long time. Every one has there own preference but after trying all types I still like these strings and they work well with any genre of music. Great value for what they offer.josephm1971

I like them. There a 4 of them. They make a cool sound. Actually they do sound a little zippier than typical bass strings. They are labeled as 105's but feel thinner and have less tension. Still dig them. They turned my fingers purple the 1st day.NATHAN

These are the string to end all strings. Black Beauties are not only strings they become apart of your axe. You can get so many miles out of these bad boys. They are perfect for any metal head who wants a great set of strings to match his/her black bass.Deimos

Bought these and never put in my taylor. Eventually sold that guitar and picked up an inexpensive Epi Hummingbird with old strings. I figured I would try these out since they were just sitting around. They actually look really good in contrast to the sunburst finish of this guitar and the sound is amazing. I have been playing for 12 years and have tried most strings on the market and DR is my favorite brand. I could not believe the tone coming from this guitar with these strings. Easy to go up and down the neck especially holding barre chords. Might not be the look you want for a '59 Martin but they sound great. Also a big fan of the Dragon skinsChris

I was stoked to try out DR BB's on my acoustic guitar (6) after falling in love with them on my electric bass (4). Coated strings just make sense for corrosion prevention and I really like the look of black strings but I think the technology needs some time to mature. While the wound strings seem to last longer, the black coating started flaking off the NON-WOUND B and E strings with less than 4 hours of playing time using normal degrees of picking and strumming intensities. This is very disappointing since the reason for the purchase was to have black strings! I mean, there are several brands of coated strings available but only DR offers them in black. Maybe I'll try these again in another year or two to see if they'll last longer.s1xstr1ng

They are awful. The only good thing is their tension is good. They eliminate your ground if your bridge wires to ground. So hummmmmmmmm! They are sticky as well Coating comes off on first day.megiddoedgeworks

These strings are a fantastic value! They sound wonderful, are easy on the fingers and your frets, and have some of the lowest tension out there. That means that your neck and truss rod will not suffer nearly as much as with other strings. Also, these strings look killer!nsalaza

Ive been playing Black Beauties for over ten years. Great tone. Long life. Hand wound in USA. Plus, they look cool. What more can you ask for?jgar96799

Initially received defective product (G string was dead). DR sent a replacement quickly. First impression was these strings were mid-heavy, not my style at all. With a few knob tweaks was able to make them sound really good. I love the look on people's face at the gig trying to figure out how something that looks this way sounds just like non coated strings! They look great, sound great, and they're a fantastic conversation starter on breaks!Will Hurtubad

These strings come across as warm initially when playing slowly. However the moment they're put under the force of rasgueados they perform incredibly well. Very punchy. The attack is crisper than most nylon stringsAprendio

In the 30 years I've played music,these strings have been a rare find. They respond even with the lightest touch. I'm very particular about quality,sound,and feel, I would recommend these strings to anyone that is tired of fighting their instrument. With a reasonably low action,your fingers will sail across them.Robbie Alan

I have to tell you. I really love these these guitar strings! I play bass guitar and this is the second set that I have bought. I have two guitars and I have black beauties on both of them now. They sound superb! Also the feel of the strings is amazing! I would recommend these strings to any serious bass or lead guitar player!slick-slim5604

These sound great, feel great on the hands and last for awhile! not to mention it does give my Fender Jazz a more aggressive look!bsimon21

Overall: These DRs are a pleasure to play, very nice sound whether his or lows. And their price is very competitive and that is what makes them special. Buy a pair to see what the bragging is all about. I don't know how long they'll last but my first set are well over a month old and still sounding super. Way to go!!!Glenn

I had dead strings on a guitar I bought new! I had tried the drop tuning strings from Dr and liked them. So I thought I would give these a try! Only thing I don't like is how the strings are packaged! Wish they were separate, not mixed with other sizes in the same envelope! But overall these sound great!Spike

I really like this and they look really cool against my maple strat or my ebony neck strat. Sound is great and unlike a lot of others I have played on my first set perhaps a half dozen times and I am not seeing the coating wear off as some state. There are perhaps a couple small spots where the coating is missing but hardly noticable. Smoother to the touch, less fret wear and using a high end board and half stack my tones are as good or better than they have ever been. I dig these and plan to make them my std on acooustic as well. Getting rid of that squeek on acoustic (even using finger ease) might make me play it a little more. The same size acoustic strings are a lot cheaper, they always raise the price when things get popular. DR I think makes the best strings going, handmade and the coating is done before wrap.stratosaurus

I play in D standard, and have been at it for 23 years. I've tried all brands and gauges, but these stick out as one of my top five favorites, and I came across them by accident. I wanted to buy a set of 11-50 DR TiteFits and accidentally bought these. When i got home I looked at the pack, realized I got the wrong pack and thought, "Black coated strings?! What a gimmick." Still I figured, why not try them out. Was I glad I did. Heavy and thick for melodic riffs and chords. Brights are crisp and clear. Smooth on the fingers and fretboard. I have a black guitar so they look fantastic as well. One thing, the part of the string that is picked fades after awhile, but it is no different than what happens to nickel plated strings. I waited months to write this review as part of the selling point is extra life-durability, and they deilver. They've lasted longer than any string I've had and have never broke one. Don't be scared away by the coating,colour or cost. I used to be one of those guys that said he'd never play on coated strings, but that was before I tried them. Better than any nickel plated string I've played.ESPLTDAL600

great strings. they really last close to forever without getting that "rubbery" feel or sound with age. having used both pick techniques and finger plucking, these strings stand the test of time and durability. my first set i bought in november and lasted until june. im on my second set right now and they are still going strong. i know it seems unnatural to last this long but they do without any sound or feel difference over time. when i put on my second set of these my bass sounded exactly the same as the first. whether you use a pick or pluck, the paint still comes off where you pluck but its not noticeable unless you're up close. and these sound great from drop D to drop B tuning (since my band switched tuning). very very good buy!JohnTFF

I haven't used these yet, but with 6 basses, it's coming. I Have used DR Black strings, and like them. Your heart can feel the bass, but clear enough to cut through. I wipe with alcohol, and they keep it awhile. Using a set now, over a year, still good. Use DR, feel the sound. BennyBbenny501

As far as sound goes, these strings are great. The quality you expect from awesome DR strings, makes your guitar sound like butter! I generally play Eb, drop Db, or D standard, btw. But you don't buy black strings just for the way they sound, do you? The string paint along the frets hasn't dulled/chipped or anything, but any part you hit with the pick (or maybe finger nails, if that's your thing) will scratch the paint off with just a couple hours of play, revealing the nice silver of a regular string. Doesn't bother me all that much, but I can see where that would frustrate others. I have an ebony fretboard (ESP LTD EC-1000 Vintage Black) and with these strings, it is very difficult to see the strings in dimly lit areas. Also, had them on for 4-5 months or so, and with regular cleaning, they still sound amazing.Tim

great strings. they really last close to forever without getting that "rubbery" feel or sound with age. having used both pick techniques and finger plucking, these strings stand the test of time and durability. my first set i bought in november and lasted until june. im on my second set right now and they are still going strong. i know it seems unnatural to last this long but they do without any sound or feel difference over time. when i put on my second set of these my bass sounded exactly the same as the first. whether you use a pick or pluck, the paint still comes off where you pluck but its not noticeable unless you're up close. and these sound great from drop D to drop B tuning (since my band switched tuning). very very good buy!JohnTFF

I haven't used these yet, but with 6 basses, it's coming. I Have used DR Black strings, and like them. Your heart can feel the bass, but clear enough to cut through. I wipe with alcohol, and they keep it awhile. Using a set now, over a year, still good. Use DR, feel the sound. BennyBbenny501

Sound just fine. Black coating started coming off after short time playing. Fixed with a sharpie. No biggie. Still a good buyjohnnyb2112

I always used martins and black diamonds. My black diamonds got higher and i saw these strings and thought why not? So glad i did these coated strings sound and feel amazing. These will decently be my sting of choice from now on.thrashedandlost

Had them new on a Squier Jazz bass that I set-up and sold to s friend. The buyer was satisfied. It was something new for the both of us. I recommend. Cool new look to a tired 'ol sunburst bass.gonzalesherman

Haven't had them long enough to give a review. One thing I did notice was that they're coated round wound strings not flat wound as I originally thought. Not a fan of round wounds. I have used nylon taped strings before but they were flat wounds. We'll see as time passes how well they work for me.Oz

These sound good. They lose a little twang when they get a couple months old, but that happens with most strings. The black coating starts to wear off after 2 – 3 months. They sound pretty good though.Paul

BB King famously convinced Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top to switch to lighter strings and Billy never looked back. Tone can be shaped so much by the amp so the primary function of strings is feel and playability. Lighter strings like these mean you can play harder for longer. I also find I'm playing more accurately because my movements needs to be more delicate.Jack C.

You have to try these strings for yourself. No matter what anyone reviews or says, this is a matter of preference. So I say spend the money and try them. I will relate my personal review now. First off Ernie Ball strings are very good strings. I would say that about Curt Magnum, DR, GHS pure Nickels and Fender pure Nickels also. I play pure Nickel strings which are mellow strings btw. I normally use .10s and .11s. This was an experiment for me because I went down a rathole one night on the internet reading about what strings "the stars" use. I read what people said and honestly it is entertainment in itself!!! If you use 10s or heavier, you will have to adjust your neck, action and intonation. These no getting around that. The tension is very different. If you re-adjust your tone settings on your pedals and amplifiers, you'll get a usable tone with these strings. You'll have to play with your pickups also since they respond differently. Don't use these strings if you have a heavy picking hand like SRV. If you have a light hand or can switch it up and play softly, try them. DON'T go out and play a gig if you haven't spent some time with them, especially if you are dropping down from 10s or 11s. If you use 9s, you'll probably be ok. I am all for playing without tiring and playing without hurting my tendons. Maybe I will stick with these OR NOT. I have them on a PRS Custom 22 SE. I use 2mm V-picks. You had better use light picks with these strings. I switched to a Fender medium. So I use 11s when tuned down a half step. 10s up to pitch. If you have tendonitis from playing guitar 3 or 4 hours a day for 50 something years, these will be a refreshing change and you may not have any pain whatsoever. These are certainly the strings to use on a guitar that has a neck issue where the truss rod won't handle 11s or 10s. Nowadays, necks don't seem to be made to handle the medium or heavy gauge strings that I grew up with. Whatever I say doesn't matter. When it comes to strings, you will have to try them yourself and decide if they work for you or not. I purchased four sets to try on numerous guitars. I may get up enough nerve to use them at a gig. These may be strings to put on student guitars so they don't get discouraged.Rick

Ernie Ball has always been a high quality guitar string. Used by beginners, every day pickers, and professional musicians. They provide great sound and a great feel when played on a cheap guitar, or high dollar instrument. Im no professional guitarist , but I do know The Ernie Ball Slinky series string should be your number one choice when looking for a great all around string. There on all my guitars. And let me tell you, they really make my Strat talk like SRV s # 1uskev-xeu3yty9

I took a chance with these strings and was Not let down. I wish I would have bought more packs of Darco strings instead of trying other popular brands.string buyer

Overall: Got a couple sets of the extra light (D930) strings put one of the sets on my Gretsch G5425. Easy on, tunes well and after stretching the strings it holds tune very well. The bass is strong and no too overpowering and the treble was bright without being tinny. The middle was a little underwhelming at times, but I'm not sure if it was the strings or the amp I was using. When I changed amps there were no issues. I would definitely use these again. Next up will be trying a set out on my Les Paul, after I burn up the strings on it.Steve

My Mitchell MS450 (single cutaway LP style guitar) came with D'Add's, which sounded decent. When I switched them out, I went with the GHS 10's on a hunch based on things I've heard. Great move! Nice, brilliant tone, rings out for eternity if you let them! I have heard that the GHS 9's are really good on Strat style guitars, so GHS might be my go to on my Squier Strat Classic Vibe next string change.Joe

I used 11's from D'Addario for years and I would break a string consistently for every show that I played. I do not know why I kept with D'Addario for so long. I figured I needed to have a heavier string gauge for durability and better tone. Searched around and came across these strings in the heavy gauge, and I could not be happier with them. These strings have great sustain, are durable, do not corrode as quickly as other brands I have used in my professional career playing music, and, despite their heaviness, are easy to play in standard tuning. Along with playing well with a pick and fingers, these strings also sound terrific when playing slide. You can get the same great tones out of these strings that Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks have with their lighter gauges, as well as channeling the fat tones that you hear from Duane Allman from the Fillmore East show. Great Garcia tones can come from these strings as well. Basically what I am saying is that you can still get those classic guitar sounds on these heavy strings without feeling like your losing tone or playing opportunities utilized by the players that inspire you who may use lighter string gauges. These strings also (as far as I know) have a round core instead of a hex core. I think that might be a reason why these strings have so much sustain, especially when you have some distortion or overdrive keeping them warm while playing lead. If you are on the fence about getting these, I recommend you give them a try just see how they work for you. They are no that expensive and its worth it to figure out what works for you as a player. Feeling confidence in the gear you use is so essential to being comfortable on stage. Buy a pack and see what happens. You might find yourself just what you've been looking for.JFromJUNCO

I used to use Boomers for about 10 years, on all my electrics (9s). Until arthritis started creeping in. Switched to EB slinky 8s, and playing became much easier. Everything still had a huge sound, but previous order added a test set of the Boomer 8.5s for my Gibson Les Paul goldtop with P90s. Took a while to get used to the rougher feel compared with the EB 8s. But will probably order another set for the goldtop, and a set for my ES295.Joe S.

Recommended by a friend. The action on them is great. Great tone. Love the way that they sound and feel. Have tried many other types of strings and these are by far the best ones I have used. I will use these from now on. I am still learning how to play and these strings are make it easier.Chris

I have used these strings for 3 or 4 years now they're really good I chose them because of the size and I found out that they are awesome. Not one ever broke on me as I did expect the 10 to from the speed and pressure I used sometimes. My particular style is metal, the strings work great for that. They are highly pliable. I am a bender and the tuning I think does not go out too much after the stresses I place on the strings. I have used deep standard E standard C standard a also be dropped down tuning no problem with any of the strings at all the sound is crisp and clear it's not a muddy sound and it's not a tinggi sound from the strings like a steel Acoustic sound.Big Mac

These strings work pretty much as advertised. They let you tune absurdly low without sacrificing note clarity or integrity… not perfectly, but reasonably. They also stay in tune remarkably well with little to no breaking-in.Regular DR 10's can handle my guitar tuned down 1 1/2 steps with no problems, but anything beyond that is flub territory and intonation is out by as much as a full half-step. With the DDT 10's, I can go 3 steps down and they still sound tight. If you check with a tuner, the intonation isn't quite right, but the difference is negligible to the naked ear. It's hard to break a DDT string. They are noticeably tougher than your average set of 10's. The feel is quite nice at 1 steps and lower though. They're surprisingly easy on the fingers. You don't have to pick hard to get heavy attack. They just exude brutal tone.Their quality stands true to the DR name. Definitely worth a try if you plan on experimenting with extremely low tunings. They can make your 6-string sound like a 7-string… only it'll still feel like a 6-string!Strizzwald

I typically play a half step down, sometimes drop C#. Guitar I have set up for that was giving me some occasional open string buzz in drop C#, but I didn't wanna go to a higher gauge because I like to be able to go to E standard once in a blue. Took the Daddarios off, put these on. Boom. Problem solved. Also very stable tuning wise and feel great overall. Thumbs up!Dustin J.

I got these strings yesterday, and they are AWESOME! I played them through my Line 6 Spider IV 15, and they sounded great. But I should've gotten the Alexi Laiho Signature strings instead. I didn't really think that one through. You can really beat on them too. I had a little trouble putting them on, but it wasn't a big deal. Thank you DR! You're the best!ESP_fanatic

These strings are a fantastic value! They sound wonderful, are easy on the fingers and your frets, and have some of the lowest tension out there. That means that your neck and truss rod will not suffer nearly as much as with other strings. Also, these strings look killer!nsalaza

Ive been playing Black Beauties for over ten years. Great tone. Long life. Hand wound in USA. Plus, they look cool. What more can you ask for?jgar96799

Initially received defective product (G string was dead). DR sent a replacement quickly. First impression was these strings were mid-heavy, not my style at all. With a few knob tweaks was able to make them sound really good. I love the look on people's face at the gig trying to figure out how something that looks this way sounds just like non coated strings! They look great, sound great, and they're a fantastic conversation starter on breaks!Will Hurtubad

I am a guitarist that likes the crisp tone of new strings, so maybe I'm not the right person to review these strings. I thought I'd give silver strings a try, so I put a set of these strings on my Ibanez AEL50 series acoustic/electric. They sounded "terrible/dead" unplugged AND plugged in, and were also quite hard to play in my opinion.-Comparison: I made a recording of the strings while they were on the guitar (via the pickup). Then I replaced them with some (acoustic) Black Diamond Phosphor Bronze strings and made another recording. As far as Phosphor Bronze strings go, I wasn't impressed with the tone, but they were way better than the silver set.-Conclusion:I don't see any advantage whatsoever to use silver strings on an acoustic/electric. I'm sticking with ElixirsSirHaxZealot

I am an intermediate guitar player so I don't know a lot about different kinds of strings. I went to a bluegrass work shop and overheard several people speaking of them so I thought I would give them a try. I like the tone when my guitar is not plugged in but they really seem to be at their best when I'm switched on to the amp, They are touted by Black Diamond as being made for acoustic electric guitars so maybe that's why. I have several hours of playing on them so far and they seem to hold tune well. I tune my guitar daily but I have noticed that it isn't really neccessary with these strings. I give them a thumbs up. Xandy Smithxandy smith