Strings Direct Blog

When we first start learning to play the guitar we're often encouraged to record ourselves playing. For most of us, when we listen back this can prove quite a cringeworthy experience, but it is hard to deny the eye opening benefits such an exercise can offer. But surely we're listening whilst we're playing right. Surely that's enough!? Well yes. That is very true, however, our brain is being occupied in several ways when we sit... read more.

String gauge can be a really funny thing. String brands use a whole myriad of names to describe the gauge of their strings. Here’s just a handful of the names that we’ve come across; Light, super light, extra-light, super-light plus, light, regular light, regular, slightly light, custom light, bluegrass, light top-heavy bottom, medium, new medium, true medium, standard medium, medium-heavy, heavy, heavier, heaviest. Phew!?...and we could probably go on!! String manufacturers will give these little... read more.

I was recently given the chance to buy one of my Dad’s acoustic guitars before he put it up for sale on eBay (he has far too many!). I’m not an out and out acoustic player and if I was to reach for a guitar, it’ll most likely always be an electric. However, this Sigma acoustic I acquired (OMTC-1STE-SB+... that’s a mouthful of a model number - the guitar was easier to play than the... read more.

This time next week most of us will be indulging in the post-Christmas meat sweats (or nut roast sweats for all our veggie readers out there)! But if like me the very thought of hitting the local shopping centre brings you out in a cold sweat, have no fear, we’ve compiled a small list of gifts that would be perfect for your guitar playing friend or family member, to help you on your merry way.... read more.