SRV was an instant classic and absolute legend. While I’d like to believe tone is all in the hands, I know someone that good wouldn’t be so specific about their gear if that was true. Running multiple amps with the very specific tube screamer and a relatively narrow haul of single-coil guitars, he knew what he wanted and how to get it. The most unique part? Stevie Ray Vaughan’s guitar strings. We wanted to explore a bit of the history that lead to the many myths and truths behind that highly speculated but essential piece of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s tonal puzzle.
You can get a custom set like Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Guitar Strings here!
(or a balanced version of that set here)
Despite public opinion, SRV actually played as light as 12’s and as heavy as 17’s throughout his career. His most well-known Strats – Number One and Lenny – featured a unique set of 13’s tuned to Eb. A typical set of 13’s you might know for acoustic would look like: .013 – .017 – .025w – .034 – .044 – .056, but this is not what Stevie Ray Vaughan’s guitar strings were at all. SRV used a more unique blend of .013 – .015 – .019 – .028w – .038w – .058w, the only thing that has in common with the 13’s we know and love (or fear) is the 13 itself! Instead, this provides a more flexible top end, with a snappy mean low end. It makes total sense when you hear him absolutely rip the guitar apart.
4 Responses
Hello stringjoy!
My name Van, I have been using your srings for a year or 2 . I have been in joying on my acoustic a set of 11s light nice bright and crispy. I am wondering do you sell 13s set up like Stevie Ray Vaughan, all ready boxed up and ready to play.
Thanks
VAN
Hey there! We offer custom sets for anything you can dream up with the gauges we make. You can just put the gauges you want here and you’re ready to go: https://stringjoy.com/guitarstrings/strings/electric-guitar-strings/custom-electric-guitar-strings/
There is a link in the article for that custom shop form filled out with Stevie’s set.
I use 11 – 50s a lot – especially for Bigsby equipt guitars – sounds really right on a Gretsch. 👍
I play 2 different T5’s with 2 different gauges; one guitar with 12’s ( electric strings on both) & the other with 11’s. Also play a 339 with 10’s but have an 11 on the 1st string so I dont break it as easily. Still can bend!!!! I bought Stringjoy to try on all 3 but haven’t put them on yet.