Same here, I also us Ernie Ballfor all of my electrics.

Update: Guitar back from the shop.

The before and after difference is nothing short of incredible. It feels like a completely different instrument. The strings are closer to the neck, making it easier to press down. (I still can't do decent barre chords on the low-numbered frets, but that's what practice is for). But the intonation is great, and it stays in tune consistenly.

I ended up going with the Elixirs, and they are fine. Once I get better I'll try some other string types to compare. Right now, I'm just happy if I can avoid them buzzing.

Thanks everybody for the advice, nice to see we all share things in common besides arguing endlessly about politics. I mean, Porsches.

Told ya! Guitar work is your friend.
:D

Enjoy the new axe.

If you're having trouble with the barre chords, try this exercise: Make a fist, then put your thumb over your fingers (2nd knuckle from the tip). Try extending fingers 1 & 3 at once, then switch to 2 & 4. You can use your thumb to hold the other fingers down while you are extending the pair. This is an old rennaissance piano exercise and works to develop finger independance and hand strength. It will be difficult at first, but keep working.

Jason

FWIW, lots of guys like to use slinky strings because they are easier to play. They sound like ****. They make a guitar sound like a banjo. Some of the best players I have known use Fender Mediums. Not easy on the fingers, but a world of difference in sound. IMHO.

Here in NYC, we have a different definition of "Action."

Noah, depending on the outcome next week, I may be persuaded to play a few choruses of Eve of Destruction by The Byrds.

Interpret that BOTH ways.

I always use D'Addario's on my guitars... although I'm a bass player and use only Rotowound (SP?) (the strings made in England)

For the conspiracy fold a music store owner told me once there are only a few actual string manufactures and they sell the string to other companies that packages and resell them.

Never liked any of the coated strings.

Funny, I was just talking to a bass playing friend who is a technology nut. And we started discussing "modelling" guitars (i.e. electric guitars designed to emulate the timbres of other guitars) and we wondered whether you could "model" a specific set of string as well. For instance, I spent years practicing with super heavy guage strings on my strat because I wanted that distinctive Hendrix/SRV monster strat tone . And while it sounded great, it killed my fingertips (plus you really need to tune the guitar down a half step). So now I wonder if there are any products out there which can "dial up" a Hendrix or SRV or Scotty Moore tone regardless of the guitar and strings actually being played.