Recently I was approached by the folks at StringJoy who asked me if I wanted to try their strings out. I didn’t have to think too hard or long about that. I’d seen their work on Instagram and was very intrigued by the concept of custom string sets. I was especially interested in their ability to provide custom string sets for 7-string guitars. As a recent owner of a 7-string guitar, I jumped at the opportunity.
So far I’m very glad I did. These strings are truly amazing. They’re so good I don’t want to change the first set out yet!
The first set I went with was a standard set. That set is the Light Plus 7 String. The strings in that set go from .10-.66. by default those strings are .10, .13, .17, .28, .38, .50 and .66. That .66 string (low B) is one thick string. It’s a beautiful string though—there’s a sentence I never thought I’d type.
Truth be told, all of the strings are impressive in the Stringjoy sets. Each set is a custom set that is inspected, coiled and packaged specifically for your order. I don’t believe these are coated strings, but I have to say they almost feel like it. Even the thickest strings feel great and have so far been easy for me to play.
I really like the way each Stringjoy guitar string set is packaged for you too. Even if you choose a default set—which as I mentioned I’m using currently—you feel like a sponsored artist as you open your string set to discover the strings have been packaged in airtight bags that are hand labelled and sealed further inside another hand labelled envelope. So much attention to detail! A sub-par string doesn’t make it into packaging of that kind. This is personal and attentive packaging.
Another aspect of the Stringjoy business I like is their commitment to the music industry through their education sponsorship program. 50 cents from every string set purchase goes towards a music education organisation. That’s kind of cool.
Back to the strings though.
As someone who is primarily a rhythm guitarist, I spend the majority of my time on the wound strings. I prefer the feel of them. That is the number one reason I really wanted to trial the Stringjoy strings—they offer a wound third string. On my 7-string guitar that means I’ll soon have five wound strings and two straight steel strings. That excites me a lot more than it should. Add to that the ability to custom order the string gauges you desire and it’s easy to see how exciting the Stringjoy process can be.
As soon as I’ve played the death out of my first set, I’ll be putting my custom set on. The gauges I went with are:
- .11
- .14
- .18w
- .28w
- .38w
- .52w
- .66w
Five wound strings. And all strings are thick. I’m very much looking forward to that set. I’l share how they go as soon as I have them on. If they’re anything like this first set, I’ll be going back for more. Probably for my 6-string guitars as well.
It’s worth mentioning that the guitar strings are shipped for free for residents of the USA. Everywhere else in the world is a flat rate of $7 USD. Get enough strings in one order and that becomes cost effective for most locations I’d say. Considering the strings I have retail for $12 USD, these are more affordable than some of the more well known names here in Australia. They also feel better than a lot of the strings I’ve tried recently.
Strung Ibanez 
Strings in Bridge 
Strings in Nut 
Stringjoy Strings 
Seventh String 
Stringjoy String Sets 
String Sizing 
String Packaging 
Ibanez awaiting strings