Electro-Harmonix is undoubtedly known for some of the finest sounding analog pedals in the world. Classics such as the Big Muff and Small Stone Phaser to the patented Holy Grail Reverb, not to mention the finest vacuum tubes anywhere. Electro-Harmonix is a company constantly in search of "Tone"!

Introducing a brand new line of electric guitar strings, my friend and Electro-Harmonix President Mike Mathews was kind enough to supply Musicians Hotline with a set for review this month. Check out what we found out on these new strings.

Out of the Package:
Just so happens that one of my guitars was in dire need of a string change. So this 1996 White Les Paul Custom will be our testing instrument and I will enjoy having new strings on a guitar that is long overdue. The new EH Strings are packaged in cool retro looking cover sleeves with a different color representing the choice in gauges. Blue for 9's, Red for 10's and Green for 11's. These are the three gauges currently offered and represent the three most popular gauges in electric guitar strings. For testing purposes I am installing a set of 9's on my Les Paul, with a standard breakdown from high to low of 9, 11, 16, 24, 32 and 42.

Install and Let Her Rip:
Little did I realize how old the current set of strings were until I started taking them off the guitars. I should be ashamed! After conditioning the fret board and the usual clean up when you have the strings off, I start the install process. Each string is individually packaged and marked with the correct gauge so there is no confusion during install. Standard Ring Base on the EH Strings ensures a solid connection with the stop bar tailpiece. Install was a snap, nothing unusual to report.

Completing the install and initial tune up, I then begin the stretching process to ensure accurate tuning. This is a standard procedure on all string installs. It usually takes a few minutes but this allows the string to expand and retract. Playing acoustically these strings immediately feel great! In fact they bend with incredible ease. And bend them I do as part of the stretching process before I plug in.

After briefly retuning after the stretching process, it's time to plug in. Using an 80's Marshall JCM 800 half stack for testing, I am ready to rip, and rip these strings do! Great tone! Nice and tight on the low end and the high end strings sparkle with a shimmering high end. I fell back in love with this Les Paul Custom and certainly reminded me of how imperative it is to change your strings. The EH Strings are nickel wound and stainless steel, my favorite. Personally I've been using stainless steel strings for a few years now. I have found the tone is superior, as well as providing greatly increased string life.

Final Mojo:
All strings are not created equal and string selection for many guitar players is not taken as seriously as it probably should be. According to New Sensor President Mike Mathews, "A very long and tedious testing process was involved in the development of the new EH Strings". To ensure correct tolerance, playability and most of all tone, this research has paid off. I personally feel that these strings feel great, sound great and they stay in tune! With stainless steel construction and nickel wound, these strings will last longer and retain their tone longer as well. And isn't that just what you want in a string?

At a list price of $8.95 per set, the EH Strings are competitively priced. They are certainly worth checking out. Available currently in 9's, 10's and 11's, there is a gauge to fit you. EH is only offering strings for electric guitars, but is looking at offering a line of bass strings to follow.

Information:
New Sensor Corp.
32-33 47th Ave.
Long Island, NY 11101
718-937-8300
www.ehx.com