NYXL's vs Stringjoy's

[Dale Rottacker]

Anyone compare these two, and what was your experience?

[Bob Sigafoos]

Hi Dale, I've toggled between the two brands for a few years and I regard them as equal to each other. For a test I put some Sit strings on my S12 Infinity and a couple of strings got goofy as far as tuning is concerned a lot sooner than the NYXL's or Stringjoys. These two brands cost more but I think its worth the extra cost. Some steelers don't like the color coding on the NYXL's but if you take it slow the first time you change strings you will then be an expert. Both brands have protective packaging of the strings so they could sit on a shelf a long time.

[Bob Hoffnar]

I couldn't use the NYXL's because of the string gauge availability so I don't have a valid opinion.. I have been using the Stringjoy strings for a few years now and they seem to be worth the extra cost. I'm very happy with them.

[Steve Mueller]

I've used both. I feel they're basically equals. The advantage of Stringjoy is they'll make custom gauge sets. NYXL won't, making their sets more expensive in tht case. I contacted an NYXL rep and he confirmed no custom sets.

[Dale Rottacker]

Thank you all for your comments ... I was made aware that Sho~Bud is selling strings made by Stringjoy, but with gauges different from the "off the shelf" Stringjoys. It made me want to do a gauge comparison of those 3 brands, so there a chart below with those numbers. The lightest colored cells are the lightest gauge for that particular string.

Side note, I found it interesting that on the Sho~Bud "Stringjoy" C6th set, they're using a .012 on the first string rather than a .017. So for a G on top rather than a D. NYXL's provides both a .012 & .017 for however you want that first string.

[Steve Lipsey]

NYXL does also have a lighter 11-38 set, and a new program where you can create and save specs for custom sets

[Roger Crawford]

Great chart, Dale. As others have mentioned, you can custom order the String Joy sets. I’ve used both NYXL and String Joy, and found them to be equal as far as tone and longevity, but my gauge preference doesn’t align with NYXL sets.

[Steve Lipsey]

https://www.daddario.com/custom-guitar-strings/
Custom Guitar String Shop

[Dale Rottacker]

Great chart, Dale. As others have mentioned, you can custom order the String Joy sets. I’ve used both NYXL and String Joy, and found them to be equal as far as tone and longevity, but my gauge preference doesn’t align with NYXL sets.

Thanks Roger… I got the regular C6th set from Stringjoys which is a touch different from my regular NYXL’s, we’ll see what happens. They’ll be here Friday.

[Charlie Thompson]

I haven't tried Stringjoys.. Very pleased with the quality of NYXL and taking advantage of the Daddario Players Circle which allows you points on purchase. I use the points to get a free set and free shipping every so often.

[Brooks Montgomery]

I’m enjoying Stringjoy’s “Natural” Phosphor bronze 16-56 reso set strings. Haven’t tried their pedal steel strings yet.

My issue with Stringjoy is that they are in that trend of only being accessible via email, no customer service personnel are available by phone. I had a purchasing glitch, and the delayed back-and-forth with Stringjoy was sadly lacking, and never resolved.

I’ll buy the strings thru Sweetwater now (stellar customer service by phone) but Sweetwater doesn’t stock the reso sets and consequently the special order turn-around time is around four weeks.

[Jerry Overstreet]

It's discouraging to hear of your lack of resoution with your Stringjoy issue Brooks. If you bought strings, you probably have an account. If you don't, create one and email Scott Marquar directly.

He's always been very helpful and direct with me. However, I know as the business has expanded, there are other people in more positions. I'd love to hear they have contacted you and resolved your issue.

They are a Nashville company that draws and twists their own wire. I hope they don't get so big as to have customer service issues.

I haven't bought any steel guitar strings in a long time, but my experience with them in both custom baritone and standard reg. guitar strings has been terrific.

[Boo Bernstein]

I would like to reiterate what Jerry wrote. The Stringjoy people are usually very responsive and Scott will want to make things right. They are a relatively small company and put an emphasis on quality.

I am a huge Stringjoy fan -- they are among the most consistently great sounding and true-tuning strings I have ever used. So much so, that I have become an endorsee for them. As a very renowned steel player has advised me many times, if you're having tuning issues, before you start adjusting your guitar, change the strings. He pointed out that there are a fairly large percentage of strings that are just not good and have some anomaly that won't allow them to tune up correctly. I have found the StringJoy strings have very few of those and seem to tune up better for me.

This isn't to knock any other string company -- there are many great ones. I just found that the Stringjoys work best for me.

[Dave Grafe]

I order sets from Stringjoy because I like their business model and I want them to thrive, in the store I buy D'Addario singles because that's what they have. NYXL set packaging is a PITA so I avoid them unless it's the only way to get what I need. My working stringbox has remants of a couple of NYXL sets and probably still.a few Ernie Balls too. If I break a string I don't care what brand it is as long as the gauge is correct. There is far more variation in my hands and other gear than who packaged the strings.

[Jerry Overstreet]

I didn't mean to be casual about Brooks' issue. I realize it has left a bad taste. It's easy for those of us who've not experienced problems with a particular company to dismiss it. It seems it's only important when it's happening to us.

[David Wren]

So, I've been following this thread. In fact today I went on the Stringjoy website, and it asked me whether I played bass or guitar?

Sorry for being so dense, but how do I establish a custom set of strings for a U-12, with a 0.12 for the first G#?

Thanks guys!

[Dale Rottacker]

So, I've been following this thread. In fact today I went on the Stringjoy website, and it asked me whether I played bass or guitar?

Sorry for being so dense, but how do I establish a custom set of strings for a U-12, with a 0.12 for the first G#?

Thanks guys!

David try the link below ... go to each string option and pick the gauge you want for it.
Looks like you can have from .008 to .024 for the first string.

https://stringjoy.com/guitarstrings/str ... strings-2/

[David Wren]

Thanks Dale! Think I'll give these a try

[Roger Rettig]

I have NYXLs on my steel now. I think they are worth the extra $$, but I hated thd color coding.

They've been on there for five months and still sound great. Certainly, no breakage.

I just bought some Stringjoys for my Teles, and I love them! The tension seems less than the same gauges by D'Addario.

Next time, I'm trying Stringjoy for the steel. Additionally, I want their acoustic strings, but I can't find light enough gauges.

I found their advertising a touch patronizing, but the product is terrific.