The right strings for the Gibson J45 enhance these qualities. A nice medium-gauge steel string is basically what you want, but there are a lot of options out there to choose from within this broad category. Changing up your strings is one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to personalize your guitar sound. If you’re looking for new strings for your Gibson J45, check out the options below.
These are our recommendations for the 4 best strings for Gibson J45 on the market:
Martin MSP7200 Lifespan SP Medium Strings
Martin makes some of the best guitars in the world, so it’s no surprise their guitar strings are equally well-regarded.
These MSP7200 strings are treated with Martin’s proprietary Cleartone coating. This gives them a longer lifespan than most strings, so while they cost a bit more per pack, you’ll end up paying about the same in the long-term—and get a better-sounding string out of it. They also repel dirt and build-up, keeping your strings sounding open and balanced for their entire life.
The Martin Lifetime SP strings use a 92/8 phosphor bronze mix. They’re more response and expressive than most strings. They’re also incredibly comfortable under your fingers. For something to live up to the beauty of your guitar, these Martins are among the best strings for Gibson J45’s around.
Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze Medium Light Strings
Most strings you’ll find use a phosphor bronze alloy, but these strings from Ernie Ball instead use an aluminum bronze. This gives your sound more front-edge punch. Your tone overall will be more articulate and a bit louder than with other strings, making them perfect for players in genres like bluegrass and country.
The use of aluminum bronze alloy doesn’t just change the sound. It also gives these strings better resistance to corrosion. They’ll not only last longer, they’ll maintain their best sound for their entire life.
These Ernie Ball aluminum bronze strings sound great throughout the guitar’s range. The lows have good power and projection while the highs are clear and sparkling, especially when you put them on a great instrument like the Gibson J45.
DAddario EJ17 Acoustic Guitar Strings Medium
D’Addario makes great strings that all musicians can afford. Their EJ17 Phosphor Bronze strings are among the cheapest ways to get a string that’s worth putting on a Gibson J45.
The D’Addario EJ17 use a standard 80/20 phosphor bronze blend. The tone is well-balanced with a bright high end. While they might not have the lifespan of the models above, they’re not likely to break on you during a gig.
This is D’Addario’s most popular guitar string for a reason. If you’re looking for an affordable way to bring out your guitar’s naturally beautiful tone, the EJ17 is a great way to do it.
John Pearse 150 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Finally, we present these bronze acoustic guitar strings from John Pearse. If you want to experiment with New Standard Tuning on your Gibson, these are the ideal strings for you. They’re the only high-quality strings you’ll find that can work well with the unique challenges of this tuning style.
These strings use a traditional 80/20 bronze blend. They have a nice warmth that’s especially rich in the lower end of your guitar’s spectrum. They have an ideal tone for folk, and have a sound that beautifully complements the human voice for singer-songwriters.
Our only complaint against these John Pearse strings is that they don’t last as long as others we’ve played. They’re fairly affordable, though, so if you don’t mind changing your strings a bit more often, you won’t end up spending much more in the long run.
Choosing the Best Strings for Gibson J45 Guitars
There are a lot of different options out there for acoustic guitar strings, and every guitarist seems to have his own opinion about which ones are the best. It often comes down to very personal factors, like the feel at your ideal level of action, or how well the sound fits with your particular style.
If you’re a bluegrass or country player—or anyone who wants a bit more brightness and projection in your acoustic sound—the Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze strings are an excellent choice. You’ll still hear the natural beauty of your guitar, just a bit louder and more articulated, ideal for faster passages.
While some strings do cost more than others, the price range is fairly narrow. This gives you liberty to experiment without busting your budget, even if you don’t have a lot of money to play with. If you are especially budget-conscious, consider buying multiple sets of strings at once. It costs more up front, but you’ll spend less per string in the long run.
Longevity is another factor you’ll want to consider, especially if you’re a gigging musician who plays every day (or close to it). This doesn’t just affect how much you’ll spend each year on strings. Some strings change sound as they wear out, and a break during a gig can be a stressful moment. If you frequently experience issues with breaking strings, consider the Martin MSP7200 (see full specs). The extra layer of coating protects them and extends the lifespan.
As we said above, new strings aren’t a huge investment. If you’re not sure exactly which one is right for you, buy a few different styles and compare them side-by-side in action. Any of the above could be considered the best strings for Gibson J45 guitars, no matter which iteration of the classic acoustic you play. Best of luck in finding the perfect strings for your axe!
