Electric Guitar Strings Test – Fender Stratocaster Guitar

Graphic Display

Gray Bars – Untreated | Color Bars – Treated with STRINGTone
Vertical Axis = dB, Horizontal Axis = Hertz (Hz) 60-band

See Larger Spectroscope Graphic Display Results

Test Subject

We tested the classic Fender Stratocaster electric guitar with a set of used Ernie Ball nickel wound, 9-42 gauge strings.

The fundamental range of the electric guitar (direct) is approximately 82-1319 Hz with the harmonic range from 1 kHz to 15 kHz. What gives electric guitars their unique tonal quality is mainly the type and positioning of the pickups in combination with construction.

Test Conclusions

We measured improvements in the upper fundamental frequency range around 500 Hz to 1 kHz which added slightly more definition to the instrument. Instrument clarity improved starting with harmonic improvement from the 2 kHz – 8 kHz range where some of that characteristic string “bite” resides depending on selection and position of the pickup. These results were not as dramatic as some of our other instrument test results, but we did see a measured response and improved sonic quality with the STRINGTone application to this model.

Quantitative Analysis

The electric guitar strings test results show that the application of STRINGTone does improve the sound and performance of the musical instruments that were tested. The frequency output results ranged from modest improvements in most of the electric guitars to more dramatic results with the bass guitars we tested. The upper register instruments like mandolins responded very well with smoother frequency output, improved upper harmonics, and increased sustain.

Subjective Listening Tests

A/B testing in a studio environment, considered by some to be objective, is still subjective and by no means a definitive measure of performance. We concluded after listening to each test sample there is discernible improvement in instrument tonal clarity, resulting in a more balance between fundamental and harmonic frequencies. The most dramatic improvements again were clearly apparent in larger mass strings of the bass guitar.

Qualitative Analysis

We noted that after applying STRINGTone to musical instrument strings, bridge area and nut, resulted in reduced surface abrasion along with significantly lower internal and external string friction. The after application tactile response yielded a slightly smoother feel and a more flexible string without any excessive residue. This clearly demonstrates the barrier lubricant properties of STRINGTone when applied to irregular surfaces. A slightly more flexible string indicates reduced surface tension.

Summary

The electric guitar strings test results would also indicate that STRINGTone can be used as a preventative surface treatment and barrier lubricant in all mechanical applications for a wide range of musical instruments.

These tests clearly show that the penetrating, barrier lubrication and restorative properties of STRINGTone not only produced measurable results, but prolong the life and sonic quality of musical instrument strings.