Final Month to SAVE on D'Addario Accessories

 FINAL MONTH to SAVE

Now's the time to stock up on your strings, sticks, heads, pods & more as D'Addario's Accessories Sale enters its final month!

 

D'Addario NYXL Strings

Strength tests prove that plain steel NYXL Strings are up to 40% stronger than standard strings. No string has ever offered this level of stability - torture tests prove that NYXLs stay in tune 131% better, so you can spend less time tuning and more time playing. At two whole steps higher, NYXL strings are still at less than 75% of their breaking point. In the same setting, standard strings are at 90% of their breaking point. The reformulated nickel-plated steel wrap wire boosts output in the 1 kHz to 3.5 kHz range, modernising overall tone, without ever losing that incredible nickel-plated steel feel you love. And from now till the end of June you can get up to 39% OFF RRP with these great deals! We carry the largest range of NYXL in Queensland - that includes 6,7 & 8 string sets, 4 & 5 strings Bass sets, in all gauges.

Save on NYXL Here

 

 XPND CORE Pedalboards

XPND Core is the non-adjustable version of our revolutionary expanding pedalboard. Built on the same principles, XPND Core is designed to be the foundation of your signal chain. When you're ready for more, pick up the expansion kit, turn Core into a fully adjustable XPND, and watch your pedalboard adapt to you. Core also features a unique cable management system and comes fitted with secure hook and loop strips, keeping everything neat while making pedal swapping easy.

Save on XPND Here

 

 ProMark ActiveGrip Drum Sticks

Utilizing D'Addario's patented, heat-activated ActiveGrip solution, ProMark's Rebound drumstick model is engineered to get tackier as your hands sweat and body temperature rises. These sticks are created for agility but won't tear your hands up or cause restrictions to range of movement or technique. Only $25 - that's 37% off!

Save on ActiveGrip Here

 

 Evans Snare Kits

For a limited time you can get a 14" Evans Snare Head in either Genera Dry, Power Centre or Genera HD Dry WITH a Snare Side Clear 300 Series Head for only $69 - that's over 20% off!

Save on Evans Heads Here

 

 Evans EQ Pods & EQ Pods Minis

Sculpt your sound with EVANS EQ Pods, the ultimate solution to overtone, tuning, and resonance control. These polymer gels feature a Teflon-coated top side, helping them to remain stain-free and hold their shape. Designed for experimentation, you can apply and remove without surrendering grip, shape, or effectiveness. Now only $20 - that's 20% off!

Save on EQ Pods Here

 

 Grab your accessories online here or come down to The Music Spot, 129 Browns Plains Rd, Browns Plains QLD to stock up on these and other great deals on Guitars, Drums & more!

D'Addario Accessories for Guitarists

 NYXL + XPND

Save $$$ on the best strings & pedalboards in the game!

 

 NYXL Guitar Strings

This is the best time to buy D'Addario NYXL Guitar Strings all year - from now till the end of June you can get up to 39% OFF RRP with these great deals!
We carry the largest range of NYXL in Queensland - that includes 6,7 & 8 string sets, 4 & 5 strings Bass sets, in all gauges.

 

 Strongest Strings In The Game

Maintain the power in your power chords. Strength tests prove that plain steel NYXL Strings are up to 40% stronger than standard strings. No string has ever offered this level of stability - torture tests prove that NYXLs stay in tune 131% better, so you can spend less time tuning and more time playing. At two whole steps higher, NYXL strings are still at less than 75% of their breaking point. In the same setting, standard strings are at 90% of their breaking point. The reformulated nickel-plated steel wrap wire boosts output in the 1 kHz to 3.5 kHz range, modernising overall tone, without ever losing that incredible nickel-plated steel feel you love.

Get Your Strings Here

 

 XPND CORE Pedalboards

XPND Core is the non-adjustable version of our revolutionary expanding pedalboard. Built on the same principles, XPND Core is designed to be the foundation of your signal chain. When you're ready for more, pick up the expansion kit, turn Core into a fully adjustable XPND, and watch your pedalboard adapt to you. Core also features a unique cable management system and comes fitted with secure hook and loop strips, keeping everything neat while making pedal swapping easy.

Get Your Pedalboard Here

 

 Shop online here or come see us at 129 Browns Plains Rd, Browns Plains QLD, for these and other hot deals this Autumn!

D'Addario / Evans / ProMark Sale FINAL DAYS!

** FINAL DAYS **

Hot prices on the accessories that everyone needs, but only till June 30 - so come in and grab yours TODAY!

  

 D'ADDARIO NYXL STRINGS

Best prices all year on NYXL Strings! NYXL's feature D'Addario and Co. exclusive New York manufactured, high carbon steel alloy for unprecedented strength. Improved tuning stability compared to traditional nickel wound strings - get in tune faster, stay in tune better.
We carry the largest range of NYXL strings in Queensland - that includes 6, 7 & 8 string sets, 4, & 5 string Bass sets, in all gauges.

STOCK UP ON STRINGS HERE

 

 EVANS DRUMHEADS

Until June 30th get your favourite Evans Snare Drum batter head and pair it with the Snare Side 300 for only $69. Choose from the 14” Genera Dry, 14" HD Dry or 14” Power Centre Reverse Dot.
Bring in your snare, purchase a pack and we’ll change the top & bottom heads, clean and tune it for FREE (normally $50).
World class drum heads for an awesome price!

STOCK UP ON SKINS HERE

 

 PROMARK ACTIVEGRIP STICKS

Save on ProMark ActiveGrip Drumsticks!!!
Until June 30th you can pick up a pair of ActiveGrip sticks for only $25.
Utilizing D'Addario's patented, heat-activated ActiveGrip solution, these sticks are engineered to get tackier as your hands sweat and body temperature rises. They’re created for agility but won't tear your hands up or cause restrictions to range of movement or technique.

STOCK UP ON STICKS HERE

 

 

Grab these deals online here or come down to The Music Spot, 129 Browns Plains Rd, Browns Plains QLD to stock up on your accessories in person!
 

Best Time To Buy NYXL Strings...

 ... and why you should!

BEST TIME TO BUY

This is the best time to buy D'Addario NYXL Guitar Strings all year - from now till the end of June you can get up to 39% OFF RRP with these great deals!

We carry the largest range of NYXL in Queensland - that includes 6,7 & 8 string sets, 4 & 5 strings Bass sets, in all gauges.

SHOP NYXL

STAY IN TUNE BETTER

No string has ever offered this level of stability. Torture tests prove NYXLs stay in tune 131% better, so you can spend less time tuning and more time playing.

SHOP NYXL

CUT THROUGH THE MIX

No string has ever offered this level of stability. Torture tests prove NYXLs stay in tune 131% better, so you can spend less time tuning and more time playing.

SHOP NYXL

BEND FARTHER

At two whole steps higher, NYXL strings are still at less than 75% of their breaking point. In the same setting, standard strings are at 90% of their breaking point.

SHOP NYXL

NY STEEL

NY Steel is processed in D'Addario's exclusive wire facility in Farmingdale, New York. Through advanced machinery and processes, our premium high carbon steel delivers unmatched tuning stability and superior break resistance.

SHOP NYXL

Shop online or come down to our Browns Plains Superstore to stock up on your strings while prices are so low!

FIND US HERE

Final month for killer deals on NYXL Strings

 D'Addario NYXL Strings

Final month to save on NYXL Guitar & Bass Strings! You'll have to wait a whole year to see prices like this again!

LARGEST RANGE IN QLD

This is the best time to buy D'Addario NYXL Guitar Strings all year - from now till the end of June you can get up to 39% OFF RRP with these great deals!

We carry the largest range of NYXL in Queensland - that includes 6,7 & 8 string sets, 4 & 5 strings Bass sets, in all gauges.

SHOP NYXL

STAY IN TUNE BETTER

No string has ever offered this level of stability. Torture tests prove NYXLs stay in tune 131% better, so you can spend less time tuning and more time playing.

Shop NYXL

CUT THROUGH THE MIX

No string has ever offered this level of stability. Torture tests prove NYXLs stay in tune 131% better, so you can spend less time tuning and more time playing.

SHOP NYXL

BEND FARTHER

At two whole steps higher, NYXL strings are still at less than 75% of their breaking point. In the same setting, standard strings are at 90% of their breaking point.

SHOP NYXL

NY STEEL

NY Steel is processed in D'Addario's exclusive wire facility in Farmingdale, New York. Through advanced machinery and processes, our premium high carbon steel delivers unmatched tuning stability and superior break resistance.

SHOP NYXL

Shop online or come down to our Browns Plains Superstore to stock up on your strings before the prices go back up!

FIND US HERE

What Strings Do I Need? Part 2 - Electric Guitars

One of the products we are most asked for here at The Music Spot is strings. Our response is. “What sort?” which is often met with confusion or bewilderment. It's my hope this article will help you to choose the right strings for your electric guitar.

1. String Gauge and Construction

All guitar strings come in different thicknesses and sizes and are measured by the string's diameter in thousandths of an inch. The range of the set, from the thinnest to the thickest string, is referred to as the string gauge. 

Sets will range from extra light (8-38) to heavy (12-53). Jazz players may even go up to a 13-56 set for that thick, dark tone they are known for. There are sets specifically voiced for baritone guitars while altered and dropped tunings such as dropped C used in modern metal may require hybrid sets to compensate for the tuning used.

Generally speaking, the majority of guitar strings are constructed by wrapping a nickel plated wire around a steel core. However there are variations such as the use of a pure nickel wrap as opposed to a nickel plate, pure gold strings as used by Queen guitarist Brian May, stainless steel, and polymer coated nickel and steel to prolong string life. Each material offers different tonal properties, feel and overall sound for the individual player's preferences.

Another option some players go for is a flat wound string. The advantage of using a flat wound string is reduced finger noise when sliding up or down the strings. Jazz players and some bass players tend to go for this type of string.

Extra light strings such as a 7-38 set are what ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons uses and require a light touch. 8-38 is a common gauge in this category.

Light gauge string sets for electric guitar would range from 9-42 or 9-46 for a slight heavier bottom end. These gauges assist in bending strings, legato, and vibrato. They can feel fast to play too. Guys like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai use 9-42 gauge strings on their guitars.

Medium gauge string sets (10-46) is fitted to most new guitars in the shop and is a good all-round choice for most players. It is a perfect gauge for any style and for just strumming chords. If you need a bit more bottom end out of your guitar you could try a 10-52 gauge.

Heavy strings start at 11-48 and go up from there. If you're tuning down, the tension of heavier gauge strings will compensate for the looser feel. Using thicker strings on a guitar with a shorter scale length, e.g. a Les Paul or 335 style guitar, can feel the same in tension as a set of 10-46's on a Strat or Tele style guitar. It's a good idea to use heavy strings if you're drop tuning.

As a rule of thumb, thinner strings are generally easier to play, but won't sound as loud and may be prone to string breakages. Heavy gauges sound better but are harder to bend and play fast owing to their increased tension and thicker diameter across the string set.

Most string manufacturers produce a string set that covers all of these gauges. Check out Ernie Ball or D'addario for a starting point. Sometimes something as simple as changing a string gauge or brand will inspire fresh creativity and new tones.

2. Coated or Uncoated

Being made from metal, guitar strings will react with your skin and the atmosphere causing the string to corrode. Coated strings have a polymer coating that slows down the corrosion process. The result is strings that retain their tone, condition, and sound over a longer period than uncoated strings. A brand known for their coated electric guitar strings is Elixir.

3. Check the Bridge and Tremolo

There are three basic types of bridge system fitted to electric guitars: Fixed, 'Fender' style and Locking.

A fixed bridge is what a Telecaster (see left) , Les Paul or 335 (see right) style guitar will have. There is no tremolo arm or whammy bar fitted to the guitar. Generally it is possible to change between different string gauges without the guitar needing any setup work.

The second type of bridge is the Fender-style tremolo system (see left.) With this system, strings usually pass through the body of the guitar, travel over the saddles then up the neck to where they fix on the relevant machine head. Bear in mind that if you move to a different string gauge from the set the guitar was set up with in the factory it can change its feel. The increased tension of heavier strings, or the decreased tension of lighter gauge strings can cause the bridge to pull up or flatten out respectively. As a consequence the guitar will need some setup work for the new string gauge being fitted to optimise its playability.

The third variation is the locking bridge or Floyd Rose bridge (see right.) These units are specifically setup for the string gauge fitted in the factory. It is a counterbalance system whereby the string tension and the tremolo strings balance each other out to ensure tuning stability. Changing string gauges for these bridge types will require some setup work to ensure the system stays in tune and the spring/string balance is correctly balanced for best playability.

4. Choosing Your Strings

Here are some rules of thumb when asking for strings for your electric guitar.

1. What sort of guitar do you play? 
2. What type of bridge does it have - Fixed, 'Fender' style, Locking?
3. What style do you play? 
4. What is the sound I'm going for?
5. Do you drop tune?
6. What string gauge are you currently using? How does it feel?
7. Coated or uncoated?

5. When Should I Change My Strings?

To keep your guitar sounding and feeling at its best, you should change your strings every 4-6 weeks of regular use. Old strings will develop tuning issues, sound dull, and lose sustain and volume. As they corrode, some strings will begin to feel rough when you run your finger along the strings. Older strings also increase the potential for breakage during play. Keeping your strings clean by wiping them down with a clean soft cloth after every playing session with help prolong the life of your strings.

If you're still unsure of what strings to buy, bring your guitar into The Music Spot and one of our friendly staff will assist in getting the right strings fitted for your instrument.