Dean Markley provides the following lines of acoustic guitar strings:
Helix HD Acoustic
Alchemy Gold Bronze
Alchemy Gold Phos
Blue Steel
Vintage Bronze
Phos Bronze
Formula 82/R
We decided to try their newst line – the Helix HD Acoustic in a medium light gauge.
Here’s what Dean Markley has to say about these strings and this new technology:
The Helix HD String is guaranteed to re-define your music via an innovative patent-pending Hyper-Elliptical Winding process; the most heralded breakthrough in string technology in light-years.The Hyper-Elliptical Winding process allows an increased number of wraps across the length of the string, without altering its diameter. More mass, more tone, more life. Developed exclusively by the Dean Markley Music Labs. 80% Copper, 20% ZincThis true brass alloy is well-balanced and durable for loud, rich sound that is exceptionally long-lasting. Helix HDs unique Hyper-Elliptical Winding process adds more projection and tone than other strings of the same gauges , and reduces corrosion and finger noise on the surface of the string.
Here’s what we had to say:
We really liked the way these strings felt, and the sound that they produced. They seemed to be quite nicely balanced. They provided great tone throughout the strings and the neck. They also had a nice tension – not too tight – felt like less tension than most of this gauge. They definitely feel like a lighter gauge string. These strings also kept their tune right off the bat. It’s quite common for strings to have to settle in for quite awhile before they consistently stay in tune. These seemed to need a lot less time to get settled. We also noticed a lot of nice sustain and resonance.
As far as durability, they seemed to hang in there a long time. There wasn’t much tonal loss from new to week four. Time will tell if they physically last as long, but the technology seems to be in favor of longer life. The wrap also seems to cut down on string squeak.
The price is very reasonable. A little bit more expense than the Martins and Ernie Balls, but not much. You can find them online for about 6 bucks. These are definitely worth a try. A lot will depend on your guitar, but on an old classic like a Martin, I think you’ll really enjoy the overall experience.
Here’s a video which describes a bit more about the strings from the Dean Markley rep.