I think I can speak for most guitarists when I say that there’s no feeling quite like a fresh set of guitar strings. Whether you’re in possession of a brand-new Gibson J45 or looking for better strings for a Gibson J45 that you’ve had for a while, this quick guide should help you out!

While it may be true that finding the best acoustic guitar strings for a Gibson J45 will generally come down to the players’ own taste and playing style, there’re still acoustic guitar strings that are a safe bet for most guitarists. Once you’ve locked in your preferred brand, gauge, and material, you’ll notice your Gibson J45 not only sounding how you want it, but it will play a lot better as well!

Best Strings For A Gibson J45 Guitar

When it comes to buying the best acoustic guitar strings for your Gibson J45, an important consideration to take into account is how they’re going to be used, for example, for strummers both the thickness and durability – are quite different from strings for pickers. You’re probably aware that you should be changing your strings regularly anyway – once a month is a good rule of thumb if your budget allows it – so if you don’t like one set of strings, you won’t have long to wait until you’re onto the next set.

With that said, if you’re looking for an all-around solid set of strings as a good starting point, then the Ernie Ball Aluminium Bronze string sets are hard to beat. With the clarity and projection of an uncoated set, these should fit the bill for a Gibson J45 and most players.

1. Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

One of the best all-rounder acoustic guitar strings

Spec: Steel core, aluminium bronze winding, uncoated

Reasons To Buy

Premium protection
For all types of player
Bright sound

Reasons To Avoid

Can be too bright sounding at times

Guitar strings will take quite a beating over the course of their lifespans. Whether it’s because of changes in humidity and temperature, or simply being touched by sweaty fingers, the life of a string is a tough one. It is for that reason string manufacturers offer ‘coated’ strings, which reduce the effects of corrosion that happen over time. However, coated strings don’t appeal to everyone.

The Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze acoustic guitar strings have tried to bridge this gap by using aluminium oxide wrapping, rather than using standard string coating. The aluminium oxide wrapping offers protection without compromising on projection.

2. D’Addario Nickel Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Great acoustic guitar strings for full-band situations

Spec: High carbon steel core, nickel-plated phosphor bronze winding, uncoated.

Reasons To Buy

Lets your guitar’s tone breathe
Great for full band setups

Reasons To Avoid

Not as durable as coated

The D’Addario Nickel Bronze acoustic string set could be up your street if coated strings aren’t doing it for you.

Uncoated acoustic guitar strings offer the ultimate clarity and crispness, meaning your guitar will sing the way the manufacturer intended. Although the trade-off is that they may not last as long. Acoustic guitar strings generally come at a modest price, so if you prefer uncoated strings, then they’re definitely worth the extra regular investment.

These D’Addario strings feature nickel-plated phosphor bronze, wrapped around a steel core. Although Nickel bronze strings are more commonly used for electric guitar strings, they do a superb job of accentuating the mid-range frequencies of an acoustic guitar.

3. D’Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Super thin coating adds life with an uncompromised feel

Spec: Phosphor Bronze Winding, Hex Core, Thin Coating

Reasons To Buy

Increased lifespan
Smooth feel
Balanced sound

Reasons To Avoid

Can be expensive if you change strings regularly

One of the more recent additions from D’Addario’s is the XS set feature a super-thin coating that we feel provides a superb feel with an extended lifespan.

These wound strings have an ultra-thin coating – D’Addario claims that it’s 10 times thinner than a human hair, so good luck noticing that! The unwound strings give a unique polymer treatment so that all six strings sound fresher for longer, giving a nice, balanced sound.

4. Fender Dura-tone Acoustic Guitar Strings

The strings have a balanced tone with longevity

Spec: Steel core, phosphor bronze winding, Dura-tone coated

Reasons To Buy

Unrivaled durability
Reasonably priced

Reasons To Avoid

Coating changes the feel

Despite the tonal benefits of using uncoated strings, there’re situations where using coated strings may be better. Changes in the environment, such as humidity, can have a huge impact on string life, tone and tuning stability. Additionally, if your Gibson J45 is being used by different people, the lifespan of the strings is shortened even more.

By coating the strings in their patented ‘Dura-tone’ micro-treatment, Fender has claimed that the strings can last up to five times longer than regular, untreated strings. These coated strings could be a worthwhile investment if you often have sweaty hands while playing, or just hate changing your strings.

Conclusion

To summarize, choosing the best acoustic guitar strings for a Gibson J45 is quite a personal decision and will vary from player to player. How you play, what you find comfortable, and the sort of sound you look for while playing. The string sets mentioned above should be good for most guitarists.