From Guitar World · · 1m
The Edge on guitar string gauges
The Edge says light strings sacrifice tone, but others disagree.
In brief
The Edge says light strings sacrifice tone, but others disagree. The Edge claims light guitar strings harm tone, but B.B. King and others prefer lighter strings for better sound. Originally reported by Guitar World.
The Edge's 1982 stance
The Edge claimed light strings sacrifice tone in 1982, saying players have become lazy with string choices.
“light strings are a bit of a fallacy. people have gone a bit lazy now”
The Edge's preferred strings
The Edge used Ernie Ball 10 gauge on Explorer and Gibson 11s on Strat in 1982.
B.B. King's advice
B.B. King advised Billy Gibbons to use lighter strings for better tone after testing.
“light is all right”
Stevie Ray Vaughan's preference
Stevie Ray Vaughan preferred thicker strings for fuller sound on his guitar.
Jimi Hendrix's string setup
Hendrix used heavy strings with specific gauges for optimal tone on his Fender Stratocasters.
Roger Mayer's insight
Roger Mayer explained heavy strings create more electrical output for better sound balance.
“the electrical output of the strings is dependent on the square of the diameter”
John Mayer's view
John Mayer said string gauges don't matter and called the debate silly.
Here's the gist
The Edge claims light guitar strings harm tone, but B.B. King and others prefer lighter strings for better sound.
