So I broke the high E string on my new strat after about a week of playing it and I decided to just swap out all the strings as the stock ones were getting pretty dirty already. I used the free set of fender 150L that I got when I purchased the guitar and it sounded great right after I put them on. However it seems like they have already started to rust a bit... Was just wondering what strings you guys like and can maybe suggest a few different types for me to try out. I like 009-042 if that makes a difference in suggestions, probably will go to 10s and use my free setup after I get back from vacation. Got Ernie Ball 11s on my LP but I downtune to Eb because I find 11s a little too thick. Any suggestions appreciated.

I've been using Ernie Ball Super Slinkys (.009 - .042) since 1970 and am perfectly content with them.

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You dig?

Hi fatjam: I don't mix brands within a set, but I swap between Fender Bullets, Ernie Balls, D'Addarios and Rotosounds fairly indiscriminately.

Can't say I notice a significant extra tuning stability with the Bullets, though they sound fine. The Rotosounds give you an extra top e string included in the pack. And a potential advantage of D'Addarios and Ernie Balls is that you can buy strings singly, or a pack full of just e strings, or Bs, or whatever. Flexible.

I'm not going to pretend to find vastly important tonal differences between any of those named.

Cheers - C

My favorite strings are D'Addario XL's. Just bought another 10-pak of .010-.046 sets for $29 on sale at GC.

XL's provide the best tone, the most consistent intonation, innovative packaging that keeps the strings clean and fresh for a very long time, and at 3 bucks a set you can't beat them with a stick. I've been playing for 40 years, and I've never found anything I like better.

I use the Fender 150TR (.010 to .038) pure nickel strings. Been using them for years and years and they feel and sound "right" to me.

I love the new Ernie Ball Coated Titanium strings. Good bright sound, better than normal slinky's I think personally, and they stay in tune for a long time.

If the strings are rusting that quick you may have alot of acid in your hands. I have a son that can not go a week they totally rust.
Good Luck

I use Ernie Ball Classic Pure Nickel 10-46, the yellow Rock n Roll pack.

Wipe your strings down after each use and they'll last a lot longer. I run a cloth over + under the strings ,, Helps keep the fretboard clean too.

D'Aquisto, D'Addario, D-R are faves.

11s, usually with a wound 3rd, on electrics works here. Flatwounds for surf and jazz and lounge, round for much else. In this opinon, 11s are much more tone-ful for what this picker plays. 'Have found them the best personal gauge for a Strat.

+1 on the Ernie Ball titaniums

For string cleaning, I got one of these and it's amazing.

http://tinyurl.com/lzhbuw

Thanks for all the suggestions! I think i'll probably get the string cleaner too as my hands sweat a bit from the heat of the summer. Now I know that strings are mostly nickelwound and stainless steel but what about pure nickel strings? Are there any noticable differences between nickelwound strings and pure nickel strings?