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Martin LUXE MK10 Kovar Acoustic Guitar Strings
$20.99LUXE BY MARTIN Kovar Strings are where innovation and performance meet, for the player who knows exactly what they want from their acoustic guitar strings. Crafted with our high-tensile Superior Performance SP core ...h m s
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Martin Authentic Acoustic 80/20 12-String Marquis Silked Guitar Strings
$11.99The 80/20 Bronze Authentic Acoustic Marquis Silked strings offer thread wrapping for bridge protection, corrosion resistance and excellent tuning stability. Martin Guitar knows a thing or two about pampering valuabl...h m s
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Martin MA180 Authentic Acoustic SP 80/20 12-String Guitar Strings
$10.99The Authentic Acoustic SP 80/20 Bronze strings offer excellent tuning stability, corrosion resistance and great playability. These strings are engineered with the performer in mind and they will always stand up to r...h m s
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Martin LUXE MK1012 Kovar 12 String Acoustic Set
$26.99LUXE BY MARTIN Kovar Strings are where innovation and performance meet, for the player who knows exactly what they want from their acoustic guitar strings. Crafted with our high-tensile Superior Performance SP core ...h m s
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Martin Authentic Acoustic Marquis Silked 92/8 Phosphor Bronze Strings
$8.99Martin Authentic Acoustic Marquis Silked strings offer thread wrapping for bridge protection, corrosion resistance and excellent tuning stability. Martin Guitar knows a thing or two about pampering valuable instrume...h m s
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Luxe by Martin Kovar SP Core Acoustic Guitar Strings
$20.99Martin Kovar's SP Core Acoustic Guitar Strings are the perfect fit for any acoustic guitarists who need a clear, balanced sound with great response. Using our prestigious Kovar Wrap Wire, a nickel-cobalt alloy, thes...h m s
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Martin MA130FX Authentic Acoustic Flexible Core Acoustic Strings
$8.99It isn’t just about flexibility; it’s about bending the note till it rings true. Martin's Flexible Core strings feel soft to the touch, making them ideal for beginners. But don’t be fooled by comfort! They are for p...h m s
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Martin MJI12T Era Jason Isbell Signature Strings
$17.99Built to achieve unmatched tone and playability, Martin Era strings set a new standard for what a phosphor bronze acoustic guitar string can be. Combining the best technologies from the Martin Strings lineup, Martin...h m s
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Martin Era Treated Acoustic Guitar Strings
$17.99Built to achieve unmatched tone and playability, Martin Era strings set a new standard for what a phosphor bronze acoustic guitar string can be. Combining the best technologies from the Martin Strings lineup, Martin...h m s
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Martin 41Y19MM1012 Retro Monel 12-String Acoustic Guitar Strings
$14.99A 12-string set for players looking for a classic tone and long lasting strings! Retros are the original Nickel acoustic string all the way from the 1930s. Retro strings offer a uniquely mellow, yet crisp sound that...h m s
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Martin MA140T Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 80/20 Bronze Strings
$14.99Martin’s next generation Lifespan 2.0 80/20 bronze strings are engineered using a new, patented technology only available from Martin. This technology was developed to protect the core wire and the wrap wire to prev...h m s
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Martin MA500FX Flexible Core Phosphor Bronze 12-String Set
$11.99The 12-string set that provides brilliant sound and an ease of play that is often missing in 12-string sets! The Martin MA500FX Flexible Core Phosphor Bronze set isn’t just about flexibility; it’s about bending the ...h m s
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Guitar Strings
From acoustic to electric, it all starts with the string. Materials include chrome, cobalt, nickel, phosphor, bronze, nylon, silk and steel. Diverse windings, different gauges, crazy colors, cryogenics, and protective coatings are all called upon in the ultimate pursuit of tone, longevity, and well...yeah...looking cool. From eight-string to baritone to classical to straight-ahead rock, AMS has the right set of guitar strings for every player.
Guitar String: Where Your Tone Really Comes From
When it comes to tone, your strings are make-or-break (sometimes literally). Guitar strings are the first thing your hands touch and the first thing your sound passes through, which means they have a huge say in feel, response, and overall vibe. Change the strings, and the guitar can feel like a different instrument.
American Musical Supply carries guitar strings for every style of player and every type of guitar, from electric and acoustic to bass. You’ll find different gauges for lighter touch or firmer resistance, along with materials and coatings that influence brightness, warmth, and longevity. Whether you’re chasing snap, sustain, or something in between, you'll find top options from Ernie Ball, D’Addario, Elixir, and numerous others right here.
Choosing the Right String Gauge
String gauge has a big impact on how your guitar feels and responds. Gauges are measured in thousandths of an inch, so a set labeled .009 starts with a high E string that’s nine thousandths thick. Small changes on paper can feel very different under your fingers.
Here’s a general way to think about it:
- Light gauges feel easy to bend and play, making them popular for fast leads and lighter touch styles
- Medium gauges balance flexibility and control, offering solid tone without feeling stiff
- Heavier gauges provide more resistance, fuller tone, and better tuning stability, especially for aggressive playing or lower tunings
Electric guitars have the lowest-gauge strings, followed by acoustic guitars, and finished up with bass. What’s considered “light gauge” for acoustic would be considered medium (at least) for electric.
Your scale length, tuning, and playing style all matter. If bends feel like work, go lighter. If strings feel too loose or thin, stepping up a gauge can tighten things up fast.
How String Types Differ by Guitar
Different guitars ask different things from their strings. Materials, tension, and gauge all change based on how the instrument is built and how it’s meant to be played. Most types of strings can also come coated or uncoated, depending on your preference.
Electric Guitar Strings
Electric strings are usually made from steel cores wrapped in nickel-plated steel, pure nickel, or stainless steel, which allows magnetic pickups to sense their vibration. These tend to be lighter and easier to bend, and they work well with the low-tension feel many electric players prefer.
6- and 12-String Acoustic Guitar Strings
6-string and 12-string acoustic strings are typically steel, wound with phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze, for rich resonance and volume on a hollow body. Six-string acoustics use steel strings for brightness and projection, and 12-string sets pair each course to create a lush, shimmering chorus effect that’s thicker and fuller overall.
Classical Guitar Strings
Classical guitar strings use nylon strings (with the lower three wound with silver-plated copper or bronze), producing a warmer, softer tone with less neck tension. These are ideal for fingerstyle and classical techniques, and feel much gentler under the fingers than steel strings.
How Often You Should Change Guitar Strings
How often you change guitar strings depends on how much you play, how hard you play, and what kind of tone you expect from your instrument. Here are a few signs it’s time for a change:
- A dull or lifeless tone that doesn’t brighten up even after tuning
- Tuning instability where the strings won’t settle in
- Rough or sticky feel under your fingers
- Visible corrosion or discoloration along the windings
For casual players, every few months might be fine. Regular gigging or recording often calls for much more frequent changes to keep things sounding right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guitar Strings
Are coated guitar strings slippery?
Some feel smoother than uncoated strings. Preference comes down to touch and playing style.
Is it bad to mix guitar string brands?
It’s not ideal. Sets are designed to balance tension and feel across all strings.
Can the choice of guitar string affect intonation?
It can. Different gauges and materials may require minor setup adjustments.
Refresh Your Sound With Guitar Strings From AMS
A new set of guitar strings can change how your instrument feels and sounds in an instant. Whether you’re chasing brightness, smoother playability, or strings that last longer between changes, the right set makes it obvious the moment you tune up. American Musical Supply makes it easy to upgrade with a wide selection of guitar strings to stock up on. Browse our full lineup and find the strings that fit your guitar and your playing style.
