You wanna get a string for your precious guitar, and then you want to decide whether either Ernie ball or Dunlop strings is the perfect one.
Several things go into consideration to decide which of the brands of these guitar strings the best is.
We are going to see these things and compare them side by side. And I will give you my pick.
Ernie Ball Strings
Ernie ball is arguably one of the leading guitar strings brands in the world. Their strings have been used on many bestselling albums and are being used by many top musicians in the world.
Ernie ball offers different kinds of electric guitar strings line which include
- Slinky nickel wound
- Slinky paradigm
- Slinky Cobalt
- Slinky M-Steel
- Slinky classic rock ‘n’ roll pure nickel
- Slinky RPS
- Slinky RPS coated titanium
- Slinky stainless steel wound
- Light electric steel wound
- Half sizes wound
- Mixed sized
- Papa Het’s signature set
- Slash signature set
- Electric guitar single strings
- Nickel wound custom gauge
These strings will be perfect for electric guitars like ibanez gio.
Ernie ball offers different kinds of lines of acoustic guitars. They include:
- Paradigm 80/20 bronze
- Paradigm phosphor bronze
- Earthwood 80/20 bronze
- Earthwood phosphor bronze
- Aluminum bronze
- Everlast coated 80/20 bronze
- Everlast coated phosphor bronze
- Acoustic guitar single strings
And these strings can be great for guitars like Gibson songwriter, or even the ovation guitars, and many more guitars.
Also, Ernie ball offers a different kind of line of classical guitars. They include:
- Earthwood 80/20 bronze nylon
- Ernesto palla nylon
- Single Ernesto palla nylon
There are also special kinds of lines of guitar strings which include:
- Ukulele strings
- Earthwood 80/20 bronze banjo or mandolin strings
- Stainless steel mandolin or banjo strings
- Loop end stainless steel plain banjo or mandolin guitar strings
- Pedal steel
Dunlop Strings
Dunlop strings is another leading brand in the guitar strings industry. They offer different lines of acoustic, electric, and bass guitar strings.
There are different series of electric guitar strings they offer. They are
- Heavy core
- Icon signature
- Performance plus
- String lab series
Also, there are different series of bass guitars that Dunlop strings offer. They are
- Dunlop
- Flatwound
- Icon signature
- Super bright
Lastly, there are different series of classical guitars that Dunlop strings offer. They are:
- Classical ball end
- Classical straight end
Ernie Ball VS Dunlop Strings: Which is Better?
Both Ernie ball and Dunlop strings are good, but if I’d have to choose, I’d go for Ernie ball. This is based on personal preference.
Ernie ball strings seem to have a cleaner tone and can hold tune better than Dunlop strings, depending on the exact strings being used though.
Dunlop produces great strings, but I just think Ernie ball strings are better than them. If you are looking for budget strings, you might just look to Dunlop strings. They can help save a couple of dollars.
You can see the ranging differences between the two brands, and the qualities widely range depending on the specific guitar strings.
Now, I need to make it clear that these differences might not apply to all lines of the guitar strings for each brand.
But if I were to choose one of the two brands, I will choose Ernie ball. Different guitarists have varying qualities. Some prefer Ernie ball strings, while others think they are crap. Some are die-hard fans of Dunlop strings, but some dislike these same Dunlop strings.
Individual preferences matter in this case, a lot. I have not used any of the two brands. The experience is gathered from those who have.
What are Ernie Ball and Dunlop Guitar Strings Made of?
The Ernie ball and Dunlop strings are made of different alloys of metals. The kind of metal alloy used is what will determine the tone and other qualities.
Which is More Durable Between Ernie Ball and Dunlop Strings?
Ernie ball strings seem to be more durable than the Dunlop strings. This does not mean that your Dunlop strings ain’t going to last long. No, that is not it.
A perfect example is Ernie ball’s regular slinky strings. They are very good and last longer.
This actually boils down to the specific strings you are getting. The Ernie ball strings seem to beat Dunlop strings here.
Which is More Cheaper Between Ernie Ball and Dunlop Strings?
If budget is really a thing for you, I think you might need to consider Dunlop strings. And this does not mean you are downplaying quality.
Dunlop strings are pretty good and quality. Just that most often than not, Dunlop strings are cheaper than Ernie Ball strings.
Ernie Ball VS Dunlop Strings: Our Pick
I go with Ernie Ball. This does not override the quality of Dunlop strings. They may work better for you.
You may need to try several strings from a different brand to know what works for you best. So, you might need to go on a test and trial journey.
But if you think you can’t afford to do that kind of testing, you might just go for Ernie Ball. And if you are looking at a budget, consider Dunlop strings.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a number of frequently asked questions related to Ernie ball strings and Dunlop strings. Here is a few of them:
1. Are Dunlop Strings Good?
Dunlop strings are great, and they respond very well. This allows guitar players to express themselves as they like.
2. Does Ernie Ball Make Good Strings?
Yes, Ernie Ball makes good strings. When it comes to acoustic guitar strings, Ernie Ball is the best.
3. Are Dunlop Heavy Core Strings Good?
Yes, they are good and perfect for guitars who play heavy music. If you play heavy music, it might be a good option.
4. Where are Dunlop Strings Made?
Dunlop strings are made in Benicia, California.
5. How Long Do Ernie Balls Strings Last?
You can use Ernie Ball strings for at least three months, it can last more depending on the level of use.
