Description
Since my arthritis has been getting worse, I've been on the search for an even lighter gauge string set than the standard 10-38 Hendrix gauge. I may have found it in the Mapes Octacore 8-38 set. Mapes has been in business since 1912 and their piano strings are installed in every USA made Steinway piano. I always thought the .026" D on the standard Hendrix set was a little too heavy for the set so the .022" seemed promising and more balanced. But, I love the sound of round core strings. A round core .022" would probably last about a week before I cut through the winding. Hence, the Octacore string to the rescue. Plus, they were originally designed to sound more like round core strings but without the slippage. Give them a try. The gauges are 8, 11,14, 22, 30, 38. I recommend changing the 8 to a 9 E to get a fuller sound and tone. The 8 is just too thin sounding and does not project at all.
Mapes String - Elizabethton, TN - https://www.mapesstrings.com/product/octacore-electric-guitar-strings/
Plant tour - https://youtu.be/_l7H6rhwAaA?si=dY6MY5WJgwjdWcrE
The Mapes website was down when I posted this video.