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I recently broke away from my old stand by... D'Addario 11's (3rd unwound) and got some Ernie Ball 11's. Other than the manufactured end (i.e. tip) of the strings (the Ball strings have rough cut rather than that clean proturding wire) I'm having a hard time telling a difference between the sound/playability of the two.

Which do prefer?

I overall prefer the ernieballs. I think they last a bit longer and have a good feel to them in the amount of tension they have. I prefer Dean Markley Blu Steels over both of them though there the best thing ive tried last a good time and just sound and feel right to me.

I like the D'Addario's simply because they sounded better to me and seem to last longer. I've tried Balls on several guitars and they never really turned me on. they seemed to go dead after a few days, even if I didn;t play that guitar much...

I also can't tell much difference, they are both good quality strings. I played EB for years and just switched over to DAddario's because there is a store in town that sells 5 packs for $20 (and the free stuff you get with the points is cool too) I will say this, the last set of D'Adderios I bought had a nasty kink on the G string (17plain). That string was completely unplayable because it was right about where 3rd fret is at. However, that's the only problem I have ever had in over 2 years. I had problems with GHS and DR strings coming unwrapped from the ball as soon as I strung it up. The string kept on going flat until finally, POP! I hear the ball hit the floor, never to be seen again!

I use D'Addarios but don't hear much difference. There are way fewer string manufacturers then there are brand names and many brands are made by the one maker.


Originally Posted by RockNRoling

I had problems with GHS and DR strings coming unwrapped from the ball as soon as I strung it up. The string kept on going flat until finally, POP! I hear the ball hit the floor, never to be seen again!

I've had a similar problem with a couple of sets of EB pinks. Very annoying. I've been using Rotosounds lately, they sound good and you get an extra top string. At least if the ball end comes off that you've got a spare!!

In my experience, D'Addarios sound better and last longer.

i use both... xl120's on my regular tuned guitars and beefy slinky's on my drop c guitar.

D'Addarios ... stopped using Ernie Ball strings a long time ago

When I'm gigging or recording, I like to replace strings very often-- particularly in the studio where I'll change after every session. EBs will turn black and caked on me after a few hours of heavy studio work, but the trade off is great tuning stability, very touch responsive, and they break in in no time- fantastic for overdriven lead playing. D'Addarios are a little stiffer, last longer, slightly warmer, and are more percussive--great for clean work.

D'Addarios , ive only used ernie ball strings once and i didnt like the tone, feeling, and quality as much as D'Addarios.

I hate Ernie Balls, they corrode fast as hell, and sound small and tinny to my ears. D'addario for life!


Originally Posted by LewguitarI use D'Addarios but don't hear much difference. There are way fewer string manufacturers then there are brand names and many brands are made by the one maker.

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D'Addarios.

Also there is a factory near me here where both Rotosounds and Ernie's are made... so certain strings (the wounded ones) are infact almost identical between brands!

DiAdarrio 11s everytime!

Ernie Balls work for me. I've not yet tried all the DR range, and haven't tried GHS, but those are really the only two major manufacturers I haven't used and EB's have been my faves so far...

The worst set of strings I ever tried were Black beauties. I took them off only a few hours after I put them on, sounded dull as soon as they were on. What a gimmick...

I never have these problems with my strings going black, but then again I guess that depends on your own personal sweat etc and how it reacts to the string?

Actually, my all time favourite string was Da Vinci, they came with a spare E and B. However they've been out of production a while, and I only found one shop that had some stock left over about 2/3 years ago and haven't seen them since.

Does anyone know if they got bought out and are now under a different name?

D'adddario 13-54's on my explorer.

i'm not a HUGE fan of EB but i also don't hate them. the only reason i prefer D's is the selection of guages and they're slightly cheaper here, but if i had to pick some up in an emergency, i wouldn't mind EB's too much.

D'Addario 10-46 for me .

Basically I look for Nickleplated, over Stainless ...

I'm really partial to D'Addario and SIT strings

I use eb's mostly- they just seem to quot;feelquot; a bit better. Granted, I haven't tried a lot of the D'Addario line, but the set I have tried was much too stiff. One thing I have noticed is that there are black spaces on the eb's after about a month but it doesn't seem to affect playability too much and I don't even remember the last time I broke a string(since switching to rosin picks). I use the regular slinkies.