What is the primary material used in these strings?

These strings are made from nickel-plated steel. This combination provides a bright steel output with the added warmth and smooth feel of a nickel exterior.

What are the specific gauges included in the Ultra-Light set?

The set follows a standard ultra-light configuration, ranging from .009 to .042. Specifically, the gauges are 9, 11, 16, 24, 32, and 42.

Who helped design these strings?

These strings were designed in direct collaboration with the legendary guitarist and innovator Les Paul. The design aims to capture the specific tone and sustain he required.

What is the benefit of the hex-core construction?

The durable hex-core ensures that the outer wrap wire stays tightly secured. This prevents slippage, improves tuning stability, and allows the tone to remain consistent over many performances.

What is unique about the ends of Gibson Les Paul Premium strings?

They feature unique silk-wrapped ends. These are tested by master luthiers at the Gibson USA factory to ensure they provide the desired stability and signature Gibson personality.

Where are these strings manufactured?

These strings are crafted and tested at Gibson's esteemed USA factory. This ensures high quality-control standards and consistency across every set.

Which famous artists have been associated with these strings or the Gibson brand?

Notable users and associated artists include Les Paul himself, Mick Jagger, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Duane Allman. Other artists linked to the brand include Brian May, Eddie Vedder, and Hank Marvin.

How does the sound of these strings differ from pure nickel strings?

Because they are nickel-plated steel rather than pure nickel, they offer a slightly higher output and a brighter attack. However, the nickel plating still provides more warmth than a standard stainless steel string.

What is the typical price range for a set of these strings?

In the UK market, these strings typically retail for approximately £13 per set. This reflects their premium positioning compared to budget string options.

Are these strings suitable for beginners?

Yes, the 9-42 gauge is often recommended for beginners. The lighter tension makes it easier to press the strings down against the frets and reduces finger fatigue during long practice sessions.

Do these strings work well for sustain-heavy music?

Yes, the manufacturer specifically highlights that the nickel-plated steel design and hex-core construction are intended to provide a rich tone that 'oozes with sustain'.

Can these strings be used on non-Gibson guitars?

Absolutely. While they are designed to complement Gibson Les Paul models, they are compatible with any electric guitar that accepts standard ball-end strings.

Gear article

Gibson Les Paul Premium Ultra-Light Electric Guitar Strings 9-42

The Gibson Les Paul Premium Ultra-Light strings are a high-quality nickel-plated steel string set designed for electric guitars. Developed in collaboration with Les Paul, these 9-42 gauge strings feature a durable hex-core construction and unique silk-wrapped ends for enhanced stability and sustain.

See live prices

Background and Design

Gibson Les Paul Premium Ultra-Light strings represent a collaborative effort between the legendary guitarist Les Paul and Gibson's engineering team. The goal of the design was to create a string that provides a signature 'Gibson personality' while maintaining long-term durability. These strings are manufactured at Gibson’s USA factory, where they undergo testing by master luthiers to ensure they meet the brand's standards for professional performance.

The strings utilize a nickel-plated steel construction, a choice intended to balance the magnetic output of steel with the smoother feel and warmth of nickel. A distinguishing feature of this specific model is the addition of silk-wrapped ends, which serve to protect the bridge and tailpiece while improving tuning stability at the ball end.

Technical Specifications

The 'Ultra-Light' designation refers to the 9-42 gauge set, which consists of the following individual string thicknesses (in inches): .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, and .042. This gauge is favoured for its low tension, making it easier to perform techniques such as wide vibrato and string bending.

The interior of the wound strings features a high-carbon steel hex-core. This hexagonal shape allows the outer wrap wire to grip the core more securely than a round core, preventing the winding from slipping and ensuring the string maintains its intonation and 'fresh' tone for a longer period of time.

Tonal Character and Playability

These strings are engineered to produce a rich, powerful tone with significant sustain. The nickel plating provides a classic rock and blues character, offering a crisp high-end response without becoming overly harsh. Because they were developed with input from Les Paul, the tonal profile is specifically voiced to complement electric guitars, particularly those with humbucking pickups.

In terms of feel, the silk ends and light gauge result in a highly responsive playing experience. The strings are designed to be tactile, allowing players to 'feel the difference' in tension and resonance compared to standard mass-produced alternatives.

Target Audience and Market Comparison

The 9-42 gauge is ideal for players who prefer a lighter touch or those who play genres requiring fast lead work and frequent bending. It is also a suitable choice for vintage instruments where lower tension is preferred to reduce stress on the neck.

Within the market, these strings compete with other premium offerings such as the Ernie Ball M-Steel or Tim Henson Signature sets. While many competitors focus on high-output alloys, the Gibson Les Paul Premium series emphasizes traditional nickel-plated warmth combined with the structural reinforcement of silk-wrapped ends. They occupy a mid-tier price point of approximately £13, positioning them as a premium upgrade over standard bulk-pack strings.

Artists who play it

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in these strings?: These strings are made from nickel-plated steel. This combination provides a bright steel output with the added warmth and smooth feel of a nickel exterior.
What are the specific gauges included in the Ultra-Light set?: The set follows a standard ultra-light configuration, ranging from .009 to .042. Specifically, the gauges are 9, 11, 16, 24, 32, and 42.
Who helped design these strings?: These strings were designed in direct collaboration with the legendary guitarist and innovator Les Paul. The design aims to capture the specific tone and sustain he required.
What is the benefit of the hex-core construction?: The durable hex-core ensures that the outer wrap wire stays tightly secured. This prevents slippage, improves tuning stability, and allows the tone to remain consistent over many performances.
What is unique about the ends of Gibson Les Paul Premium strings?: They feature unique silk-wrapped ends. These are tested by master luthiers at the Gibson USA factory to ensure they provide the desired stability and signature Gibson personality.
Where are these strings manufactured?: These strings are crafted and tested at Gibson's esteemed USA factory. This ensures high quality-control standards and consistency across every set.
Which famous artists have been associated with these strings or the Gibson brand?: Notable users and associated artists include Les Paul himself, Mick Jagger, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Duane Allman. Other artists linked to the brand include Brian May, Eddie Vedder, and Hank Marvin.
How does the sound of these strings differ from pure nickel strings?: Because they are nickel-plated steel rather than pure nickel, they offer a slightly higher output and a brighter attack. However, the nickel plating still provides more warmth than a standard stainless steel string.
What is the typical price range for a set of these strings?: In the UK market, these strings typically retail for approximately £13 per set. This reflects their premium positioning compared to budget string options.
Are these strings suitable for beginners?: Yes, the 9-42 gauge is often recommended for beginners. The lighter tension makes it easier to press the strings down against the frets and reduces finger fatigue during long practice sessions.
Do these strings work well for sustain-heavy music?: Yes, the manufacturer specifically highlights that the nickel-plated steel design and hex-core construction are intended to provide a rich tone that 'oozes with sustain'.
Can these strings be used on non-Gibson guitars?: Absolutely. While they are designed to complement Gibson Les Paul models, they are compatible with any electric guitar that accepts standard ball-end strings.