Would anyone be able to give advice on acoustic guitar strings..? I'm a complete idiot when it comes to instruments.

Does it matter what gauge of strings I get, and roughly how much is it likely to cost?

Oh, and while I'm thinking about it... is it normal for strings to break at the head while tuning? If anything, it was slightly downtuned. Oh well.

I know nothing about this, but Dan says: "Well it costs about six quid for a set of guitar strings. The gauge isn't really particularly important, although if you get REALLY thick strings they'll pull too hard on your guitar and they might warp it. Just try different thicknesses out and see what you like. Some people like thinner strings and they say they can play better (nicer bends etc) but some people like REALLY THICK strings for a powerful sound... but mostly that's for electric guitars...

"Strings normally break at or near the bridge, cos that's where the "instantaneous" forces are..."

Nice one... cheers to Dan for that.

Ask at your local music shop. They'll know best. In theory...

Alex reckons to change his every three months, but then he does use his guitars a lot! I'm learning with a cheapo acoustic and I use 10 gauge cos I've got delicate fingers. Don't go for the dead cheap ones - you get what you pay for. Six or seven quid will get you a nice set that will last you a while. As for breaking them, tighten slowly and use a tuning device!

Alex hopes to be back soon, once his student hovel gets t'internet sorted.

i use expensive strings but they do last a very long time and sound much better. cant remember the name but they work out 15 quid a set, and i change them every 3 months, cheaper ones i change more often. they have a "nandweb coating" on them to make them last longer.

a simple tip to make them last longer is always wash your hands before playing.

alex