8 THE EVOLUTION OF STRING THEORY

Your next favourite tone might not come from a pickup swap – but a change of strings. Ernie Ball led the way with its new Paradigm range of strings, which it claims are virtually unbreakable – a huge deal for the company – and they are backing that claim by offering a refund for any Paradigm strings that break or rust within 90 days of purchase. Martin, meanwhile, had to devise totally new string-winding procedures to create its new Titanium Core [10] acoustic strings, which use the ultra-strong, lightweight metal to offer – they claim – superior tuning stability, playing comfort and corrosion resistance. It was back to the future for D’Angelico with their Electrozinc strings, engineered by D’Addario, and based on zinc-coated, Bethanized Steel strings developed in the late 30s. D’Angelico claim a fulsome, vintage-focused tone from this long-overlooked process. Finally, coated string experts Elixir introduced their Optiweb coated strings for electric – promising long life with comfy, natural playing feel if their previous acoustic efforts are anything to go by.