String Prices & Deals

[Pura Vida]

Nice.  I'm hoping we see a few more deals, as the holiday season approaches.  My fingers are crossed for the S&B Cyber Monday sale, which I've used to stock up each of the last few years.

Looks like 15% off on CM, based on the S&B website.

CJ 

Yep.  Sign of the times, I suppose.  I took up the 15% and ordered my 2022 guitar string supply.  I think I'm good on my GHS strings, but I ordered a bunch of DR Rare lights (my other go-to strings), plus ordered up a few sets of DR Sunbeams (which are PB, but round core design).

I really need to clear out the strings that I don't plan on using.  Perhaps I'll put together some holiday string packages like Sleigh and I did last year.

[Treenewt]

Martin is running $2 off their SP strings right now at all their retailers, so free shipping can be had on pretty much any size order. 

If you haven't tried their Light/Medium gauge (12.5 on the high E) I'd recommend giving them a try.  They've converted me from straight medium strings on both my guitar (though I still think I prefer standard lights on my Eastman).  I've been gravitating towards Martin's strings again after years of playing D'addario.  At less than $5 a pack, they're a dang good string.

[UncleJesse]

https://www.daddario.com/players-circle/

50% off XS strings if you use Player's Circle Points today

[Silly Moustache]

Interesting subject. It seems that everything is going up in price all over, and earlier this month (January 2022) I thought I'd do some price comparisons in he UK.
It was a little too complicated to compare Amazon (with sneaky delivery options), Ebay (my most frequent purchasing option), and "Strings Direct" the largest and most efficient string dealer in the UK) so I wemnt with the latter.

Here's what I found :

I specified 12-53/54 gauge, Phosphor Bronze Hex core, and included coated/treated/uncoated.

The first priceis he current UK price (including VAT) and the second was the equivalent in USD.

All UK Prices include 20% VAT.
Brand Type .....£UK .... $USD
D’addario XS .... 18 .....24.40
Elixir Nano...... 17 ......23
Ernie Ball Paradigm 17 ... 23
D’addario XT .....15.50 .....21
Optima Gold ..14 .....19
Ernie Ball .... Coated 14 .....19
Rotosound .. Nexus 14 .....19
Cleartone .. 13 ...17.70
Martin ... MA 540T 13 ...17.70
GHS PB 12 ...16.30
D’addario NB 10.30 ....14
La Bella ... 10 ....13.60
DR Rare 10 13.60
John Pearse 600L 10 13.60
D’addario EJ16 9 12.20
Dunlop DAP1254 9 12.20
Ernie Ball 8.50 11.54
Martin MA540 8 10.90
Martin EC 8 10.90
Rotosound Jumbo King 7 9.50
Fender 6 8.14
Darco 6 8.14
Legacy 5 6.80

Comparisons are difficult as I understand that sales taxes very over the USA,

Note that when a string manufacturer introduces an new "wonder" or "improved"  product it normally increases he prince significant price increase.  e.g. D'addario. I've used EJ16s and EJ17s for meany years which tend to sell for about £9 a set, I note that the new XS strings cost twice as much, and the XTs (which I am currently testing), and XS sets are 72% more than the EJs.

for me all strings tend to last 2-3 months so I wonder whether there is any benefit in the more 3expensive items,
FWIW I am quite impressed with the Martin MA540(T)

[Pura Vida]

Thx for the U.K. analysis.  Strings are definitely more over there vs. the U.S.  As for D'Add, I think the price difference is more a factor of coated vs. non-coated strings.  The XS and XT are aligned with the Elixir price, while the EJ are priced for less, which is the same in the States.

[cjhorne]

Elixir strings are currently 15% off through 01/31/2022 at Strings & Beyond using code Elixir15

CJ

[Treenewt]

Martin SP strings are on sale, $2 off per pack, right now at some retailers.  Good time to stock up if you like these strings.

[Glory]

When I ordered my AC308 I also ordered one set of EB aluminum bronze from Amazon, and they sent me a whole box by mistake.  Can’t beat that price, and I’m not complaining.

[sleigh]

EB ABs used to be my go-to string. I should try them again (and maybe I should order from Amazon in case they make the same mistake again!)

[Silly Moustache]

Hi, I try to keep things simple - for flat tops it is 13-56 for the bug guys and 12-53/54 for everything smaller.

For years I've been pretty loyal to D'addario but due to their economising on packaging I've done what their customer relations guy suggested, and moved to another brand! - Martin.

I usually buy via ebay or amazon and here in the UK 
EJ16/17 as are selling at £8 ($9.75).
MA540/550 are selling at £6.80 ($8.28).

I don't care for coated strings but the Martin "treated" strings have impressed me 

MA540/550 are selling for £12.10 ($14.75)
D'addario XT are selling for  £14.80 ($18.04) But dull compared wit Martins.

I don't buy J.Pearse as they are more expensive and I've had new string delivered corroded.
tried one set of DRs which were quite nice on my E20-P £9.80- £12 ($11.90).

Note all UK/EU prices include taxes and the above prices include delivery.