I'm an aspiring Fingerstyle guitarist

I've always used light gauge D'Addario on my acoustic, they seem to be a good fit for strumming or fingerstyle. Then again I have not tried anything different to "gauge" whether or not there is a difference.

I use Elixir, but I would suggest you try several different kinds

I use heavy D'adarrio strings. Elixers are great if you have light to medium sweaty hands. With my hands it dont matter and all strings go black within the week, whatever the brand. You should seen the strings on my Rg550, kinda halfway between a musical instrument and a torture device. :D

Anyway, good luck on your search and have fun. Fingerstyle rocks!

I prefer Elixirs on my acoustic, too.

DR Sunbeams with a round core are excellent for fingerstyle playing. They have slightly less tension but lots of sustain. And they last a long time. Very similar to Newtones, which get lots of good reviews.

Some Sunbeam reviews:

http://www.maurysmusic.com/dr_sunbeam_strings___tony_s_review

http://www.maurysmusic.com/dr_sunbeam_strings___todd_s_review

They are quite warm though, so if you like "new string jangle" they are not for you.

I use heavy D'adarrio strings.

Thanx for the suggestion. As of right now I may stay away from the heavier gauge strings though but just for now :wink: (I am in the stage of learning barre chords)

DR Sunbeams with a round core are excellent for fingerstyle playing. They have slightly less tension but lots of sustain. And they last a long time. Very similar to Newtones, which get lots of good reviews.

Some Sunbeam reviews:

http://www.maurysmusic.com/dr_sunbeam_strings___tony_s_review

http://www.maurysmusic.com/dr_sunbeam_strings___todd_s_review

They are quite warm though, so if you like "new string jangle" they are not for you.
... I've just recently strung up some DR Rare Mediums on my guitar 2 days ago this is my first taste of the DR brand, and so far (I cant wait to take them off) :oops: but are the Sunbeams any different?

thanks for them replies everyone :D

And for the players using Elixers for their fingerstyle preferences :wink:

May I know Exactly what kind of Elixers to try and thier strength, lights? mediums etc? What are you guys using

... I've just recently strung up some DR Rare Mediums on my guitar 2 days ago this is my first taste of the DR brand, and so far (I cant wait to take them off) :oops: but are the Sunbeams any different?
VERY different. Different from any other string you'll try, other than Newtones which I believe have the same structure but cost more.

Notice that the same two guys who gave the Sunbeams great reviews really hated the Rares:
http://www.maurysmusic.com/dr_rare_string___tony_s_review
http://www.maurysmusic.com/dr_rare_strings___todd_s_review

But, of course, what works for you and your guitar may not be what works for someone else ...

By the way, Martin makes a fingerstyle version of their SP strings. Might be worth a try.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Martin-MSP41FS-928-Phosphor-Bronze-Fingerstyle-Light-Guitar-Strings?sku=104100

I am using D´Addario EXP Custom Light (.011) on my acoustic guitar.
EXP strings are coated for longelivity
My playing style is some sort of fingerstyle on chords, very seldom straight strumming.
.011 gauge is thick enough to give a good sound but not too hard for the fretting fingers.
/ Kalle

VERY different. Different from any other string you'll try, other than Newtones which I believe have the same structure but cost more.

Notice that the same two guys who gave the Sunbeams great reviews really hated the Rares:
http://www.maurysmusic.com/dr_rare_string___tony_s_review
http://www.maurysmusic.com/dr_rare_strings___todd_s_review

But, of course, what works for you and your guitar may not be what works for someone else ...

By the way, Martin makes a fingerstyle version of their SP strings. Might be worth a try.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Martin-MSP41FS-928-Phosphor-Bronze-Fingerstyle-Light-Guitar-Strings?sku=104100
I went to my local shop with interest in trying the DR sunbeam brand, I had read your link articles and got excited. When I had asked the clerk, :cry: she said they dont carry 'em :cry: then I got talked into purchasing Dean Markley alchemy's ....

~ I'm scared' ..... never tried them before

I am using D´Addario EXP Custom Light (.011) on my acoustic guitar.
EXP strings are coated for longelivity
My playing style is some sort of fingerstyle on chords, very seldom straight strumming.
.011 gauge is thick enough to give a good sound but not too hard for the fretting fingers.
/ Kalle

oh yes I have tried these. I like the feel of the EXP's a lot. But the strings sound dead right out of the pack. (well that was my experience)

then I got talked into purchasing Dean Markley alchemy's ...

Let us know how you like them. I used them once on a Yamaha and thought they were very good.

But again, the ones that work best for someone else's guitar may not work best for yours. On the same Yamaha, the phosphor bronze Elixers were horrible, but those are what my Breedlove likes best. (Well, Martin SPs really, but those just don't last for me.)

Your guitar will tell you which ones he/she likes best. :)

Your guitar will tell you which ones he/she likes best

Ain't that the truth! :lol:

The best thing to do is to try out a bunch of different strings on your guitar (I buy a different set each time I need to replace them, that way I get to try out different brands and find which is best).
On the same Yamaha, the phosphor bronze Elixers were horrible

Yup, each guitar will like / dislike certain strings.

for example, on my Yamaha electric I have tried;

D'Addario EXL116 Nickel Wound Medium Top/Heavy Bottom
D'Addario XL's
Ernie Ball Regular Slinkies
Ernie Ball Power Slinkies
Ernie Ball Hybird Slinkies
Elixir Anti-Rust Plain Steels
and DR Strings: Red Devil's

They all had different sounds, and my guitar seems to like the Ernie Ball Power Slinkies - both of the D'Addario's were rubbish, but then my acoustic was OK with their version of D'Addario's.

Got Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinkies on my acoustic at the moment - very happy with them. Think I'll be sticking with EB's from now on.

Try various ones - you'll find the best ones for yuor guitar in the end.

Pete