Guitar and bass players are particular about strings. The brand, the material and the exact gauge are personal choices, and a set that's even slightly different can feel wrong to the person playing it.
We make guitar and bass strings, so we know how much the details matter. Here's how we'd choose a gift for a player: match their exact strings when you can, and when you can't, choose something that doesn't require guessing.
Quick Answer
If you know the exact strings they currently use, another set is a great gift.
If you don't know, give a gift card so they can choose their own. Add something that doesn't depend on string gauge: a pick variety pack, a strap, a care kit or a shirt.
If they're getting their first electric or steel-string acoustic guitar, a gift pack covers the basics in one box.
| Your situation | What we'd give |
|---|---|
| You know their exact strings | That exact set |
| You don't know their strings | Gift card |
| A stocking stuffer | Pick Variety Pack, a strap or a care kit |
| A gift for a fan of the band, or anyone in a music family | S.I.T. T-shirt or hoodie |
| A first electric or steel-string acoustic guitar, or someone getting back into playing | Electric or acoustic gift pack |
| They play bass, classical or a specialty instrument | Gift card, unless you can check the exact set |
Option 1: Buy Their Exact Set
The best way to find their strings is the old packet. Check the guitar case, a gig bag pocket or a drawer for an empty one. The brand, the line and the gauge (written as a range like .010–.046) are all printed on it.
An old packet is a good clue, though it may not be what they use now. If it's one of ours and recent, buy that set. If it's another brand, a gift card lets them try ours in the gauge they already use.
Can't find a packet? Our guide to telling what gauge is on a guitar covers other ways to find out. If you're still not sure, move to Option 2.
Is it electric, acoustic, classical or bass?
| Instrument | How to tell | Strings it takes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric guitar | Six strings, solid or semi-hollow body, plugs into an amp | Electric guitar strings |
| Acoustic guitar | Six (or twelve) metal strings, hollow body, usually with a round sound hole | Acoustic guitar strings |
| Classical guitar | Six strings, the top three clear or white nylon, wide flat neck | Classical (nylon) strings only |
| Bass guitar | Four, five or six thick strings, long neck | Bass strings, in the right length |
Our Help Center explains how many strings each instrument has.
Why bass is harder
Bass strings come in different lengths as well as different gauges. A set in the wrong length won't fit properly, and you can't tell the length from the outside of the instrument without measuring. Our bass string length guide explains it, but for a gift, a card is usually the simpler answer.
Option 2: A Gift Card
Good starting point for: any player whose exact strings you don't know, and every bass, classical and specialty player.
- Delivered by email
- Works on anything in our online store
- Available from $15 to $500
A gift card isn't a cop-out when it comes to strings. It lets them choose the exact set, gauge or accessories they want. Pair it with something from Option 3 so there's something to unwrap.
Option 3: Guitar Gifts That Don't Depend on String Gauge
These don't depend on what strings someone uses, so there's no gauge to guess. Think about how they play: a classical or fingerstyle player may not use picks, for example.
Pick Variety Pack
Good starting point for: a stocking stuffer for a player who uses a pick.
Our Delrin Variety Pack has all six of our thicknesses, from 0.50mm to 1.14mm, in the standard 351 shape. Pick thickness changes how playing feels, and it's hard to judge from a description, so a mixed pack lets them try every option. Delrin holds its point as it wears and doesn't get slippery.
Guitar Strap
Good starting point for: a player still using the strap that came with their instrument.
Our straps are two-inch polypropylene webbing with leather ends stamped with the S.I.T. logo. They're adjustable, fit guitar and bass, and come in several colors.
Care Kits
Good starting point for: a player who likes to keep their instrument clean.
- Guitar Polish with Cloth Kit: for finished surfaces like the body and the back of the neck. We make the polish ourselves.
- Lemon Oil or Orange Oil with Cloth Kit: for unfinished fretboards. Both do the same job, so pick the scent.
Polish and fretboard oil do different jobs and aren't interchangeable. Fretboard woods and finishes vary, so check the instrument maker's care recommendations before using either.
S.I.T. Apparel
Good starting point for: anyone. Players, fans of the bands they follow, and anyone in a music family.
Our T-shirts and hoodie include Stay In Tune, Power Wound and Foundations designs, our logo shirt and hoodie, and the S.I.T. Founder shirt.
Option 4: Gift Packs for Beginners
Good starting point for: someone receiving their first electric or steel-string acoustic guitar, a new player who needs basic accessories, or someone getting back into playing. Just make sure the included strings suit their instrument.
Each gift pack holds:
- One set of S.I.T. strings
- One S.I.T. guitar strap
- Two S.I.T. Delrin picks
- One premium microfiber polish cloth
- One bottle of S.I.T. guitar oil
- A branded S.I.T. gift box
| Pack | Strings inside | Good fit |
|---|---|---|
| Electric, Extra Light | Power Wound Nickel .009–.042 (S942) | Lighter-gauge electric strings |
| Electric, Light | Power Wound Nickel .010–.046 (S1046) | A slightly heavier electric option |
| Acoustic, Extra Light | Phosphor Bronze .010–.048 (P1048) | Lighter-gauge acoustic strings |
| Acoustic, Light | Phosphor Bronze .012–.054 (P1254) | A heavier-gauge acoustic option |
If the player already has strings they like, skip the pack and choose a gift card plus a strap or care kit instead.
How to Choose a Gift for a Guitar Player
- Look for an old string packet. It can help identify their brand, line and gauge. If you can confirm it's what they currently use, buy that set.
- If you can't find it, don't guess. Give a gift card so they can choose.
- Add something to unwrap. Picks, a strap, a care kit or a shirt don't depend on string gauge.
- For a first electric or steel-string acoustic guitar, consider a gift pack.
- For bass, classical or a specialty instrument, stick with a gift card unless you can check the exact set.
Gift Mistakes to Avoid
Guessing the gauge
A set that's lighter or heavier than what they use will feel different under their hands, and they may never put it on. If you don't know the gauge, a gift card is the better gift.
Steel strings on a classical guitar
Classical guitars are built for nylon strings. Steel strings don't belong on them. See why steel strings don't go on a classical guitar.
Guessing a bass length
A bass set in the wrong length won't fit properly. If you can't check the instrument, choose a gift card.
Assuming lighter is the "beginner" choice
Experience level alone doesn't decide what gauge someone should use. If they already have strings on their instrument that they like, matching those is the right gift.
Final Thoughts
Players care about their exact strings, so treat strings as a gift only when you know the set. When you don't, a gift card lets them choose, and picks, a strap, a care kit or a shirt gives them something to open. For someone getting their first electric or steel-string acoustic guitar, a gift pack puts the basics in one box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy guitar strings as a gift?
If you know the exact set they currently use, yes. If you don't, a gift card lets them choose their own.
How do I find out what strings someone uses without asking?
Look for an empty string packet in their guitar case, gig bag or a drawer. The brand and gauge are printed on it, though it may not be what they use now.
What's in an S.I.T. gift pack?
One set of S.I.T. strings, a guitar strap, two Delrin picks, a microfiber polish cloth and a bottle of guitar oil, in a branded gift box.
Who are the gift packs best for?
Someone receiving their first electric or steel-string acoustic guitar, a new player who needs basic accessories, or someone getting back into playing. Make sure the strings suit their instrument.
Do you make a bass gift pack?
No. Bass strings come in several lengths, so we recommend a gift card for bass players unless you know their scale length and gauge.
How is the gift card delivered?
By email. It can be used on anything in our online store.
What's a good stocking stuffer for a guitar player?
Our Pick Variety Pack (if they play with a pick), a strap or a care kit. None of them depend on string gauge.
Do your straps fit bass guitars?
Yes. Our straps are adjustable and fit guitar and bass.
Which pick thickness should I buy?
If you don't know what they use, the Variety Pack has all six thicknesses, so they can find the one they like.
What's the difference between guitar polish and fretboard oil?
Polish is for finished surfaces like the body. Fretboard oil is for unfinished wood fretboards. They aren't interchangeable, and it's worth checking the instrument maker's care recommendations first.
Can I put regular guitar strings on a classical guitar?
No. Classical guitars take nylon strings only.
What if I buy the wrong strings?
See our return policy for what can be returned and how.
