5 Of The Best Strings For Parlor Guitars

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When it comes to picking the best strings for a parlor guitar, there are some key things to that need to be taken into consideration, such as the material, gauge, and price being the most important.

5 Of The Best Strings For Parlor Guitars

Many of the string sets in this list for parlor guitar strings are coated, as they have the combination of value and durability, which usually makes them a wise choice, although there’re some alternatives, uncoated and more traditional string options as well.

1. Martin SP Lifespan 2.0

Specifications
Material: Treated bronze

Reasons To Buy

  • A great value treated string
  • Versatile response for strummers
  • Hard wearing

Reasons To Avoid

  • Some players may want more coating

Martin offers a wide range of acoustic guitar strings, and the Lifespan 2.0 string set is their treated option of the SP ‘Superior Performance’ line. With ultra-pure steel SP core wire, the lifespans come in 80/20 and phosphor bronze sets.

If you want the extended life that coated strings provide without the coated feeling, then the Lifespan 2.0 string set are great overall strings. You won’t be surprised if, after using them a few hours a day for a couple of weeks, they still have some of that ‘new string’ brightness, even after they’ve been settled in and stretched.

Overall, the SP Lifespan 2.0 string set is simply a great-sounding acoustic guitar string that’s durable and fit for all styles of playing. Although this set mightn’t be for you if you’re into coated strings, unless you’re open to trying something different, then you should defiantly give them a go. They sound warmer and have dynamically responsive than some coated strings brand sets – and they’ll last a long time, too.

2. Ernie Ball 2564 Aluminum Bronze

Specifications
Material: Aluminium bronze

Reasons To Buy

  • Very clear tone
  • Natural feel
  • Long-lasting without coating

Reasons To Avoid

  • Might be too bold for some players

After stringing up with the Ernie Ball 2564, you should hear a booming performance that sees a fat low-end pair well with detailed mids and enough top-end shimmer to really make your chord playing ring out.

The Ernie Ball 2564 set isn’t just for strummers as the Aluminum Bronze set has nice natural playability, with the copper and aluminium wrappings over Maraging steel hex core that promises a long life without the coating.

Overall, these strings sound pretty bold, which is their biggest selling point. If you’re more of a finger picker, then these strings are a great way to find some extra brightness and presence in your playing – although, for those who play more with a pick, you could find them having a little too much at times.

3. Ernie Ball Earthwood Extra Soft Silk And Steel

Specifications
Material: 80/20 bronze wrap, silk, steel core

Reasons To Buy

  • Great feel
  • Soft feel
  • Low noise

Reasons To Avoid

  • May be too mellow for some

The 80/20 bronze Earthwood range from Ernie Ball offers the Extra Soft Silk And Steel iteration, which adds a layer of silk between the wrap and steel core which makes playing easier on the fingers.

Because of the silk core, the overall tension of these strings is greatly reduced – making them a perfect choice for guitarists with grip strength issues, smaller hands, or just anyone who feels as if they were constantly fighting with their parlor guitar. As a result, the tone that these strings produce is mellower, smoother and finger noise is reduced – which could prove useful for longer recording sessions.

Although you may be sacrificing some tone front when using Silk and Steel strings. It won’t be that big of a problem as the tone of these strings are still fantastic – but you’ll find your guitar won’t quite have the same punch or resonance that it has before. The Earthwood Extra Soft Silk And Steel string set is mostly about the feel.

4. Martin Retro Monel Vintage Tone

Specifications
Material: Monel

Reasons To Buy

  • Old-school tone will please purists
  • Soft feel with smooth playability
  • Good value

Reasons To Avoid

  • Maybe a little dark-sounding for some

These strings were launched back in 2014, you could still think of these as a vintage set.

Returning to the old nickel-based alloy blend of monel results in a softer touch and warm tone, which brings out the inherent tone of the acoustic’s wood. Because of this, players will find these strings to be thoroughly enjoyable to play and hear. The tonal drop-off of the ‘settling in’ period is greatly reduced as well.

There’s also a claimed longer life than some other phosphor or 80/20 options, as the Monel Vintage Tone set feels ‘worn in’ for longer. They definitely bring out some darkness and extra warmth from your guitar.

5. D’Addario Pro-Arte Laser Selected Classical Strings

Specifications
Material: Silverplated copper wrap and multi-filament core on wound strings, extruded nylon on treble strings

Reasons To Buy

  • Enhanced intonation and stability
  • Normal tension
  • Decent price

Reasons To Avoid

  • Can be a bit too bright at times

The D’Addario Pro-Arte Laser Selected Classical String set is available in light, normal and high tensions. These classical guitar strings from D’Addario are manufactured in the USA and produce a pleasant punchy and bright tone.

While they may be classical by name and nature, the custom-extruded treble strings are produced by a state-of-the-art, computer-controlled laser. Because of this, the consistency of these strings is next level – and your classical guitar tone and playing will thank you for it.

The Pro-Artes may seem a bit too bright at times – especially before they’ve had a proper chance to settle in – but once they’re bedded in and doing their job, you’ll soon have little issues.