With the number of online stores growing everyday, it was only a matter of time before people all over the world would be able to buy guitar strings with the click of a button.

While online string sites may never replace the local guitar store or Guitar Center, they are quickly becoming an essential resource for guitarists living in smaller and out of the way cities.  Online strings stores have now made it possible for someone living in Nome, Alaska or Timbuktu to have the same access to high end strings at a reasonable price as those living in New York or Chicago.  In this article we will take a closer look at two of the most popular string sites and what they have to offer to consumers, both in inventory and customer service.

Just Strings

Just Strings is an online store that deals with strings of all kinds.  From Autoharp to Violin, Just Strings offers a wide variety of products for any and all stringed instruments.  The site sells strings for over a dozen different types of guitars including tenor, lap steel and harp guitars, as well as for traditional electric, acoustic and classical guitars.  The string selection for each type of guitar is just as vast.  Whether you are looking for your favorite name brand or a pack of rare high end strings, you can find them on the site at a reasonable price.  Just Strings also carries plenty of accessories to go along you’re your string order including string cleaner, picks, cables and straps.  The site is well constructed and easy to get around. 

If you aren’t sure what brand or type of strings you would like to buy the search function will definitely come in handy.  Checking out is very simple and highly secure with a variety of ways in which to pay, including Yahoo wallet and the usual brands of credit cards.  Strings are usually shipped within 24 hours, unless it is a rare brand which may take a bit longer, and shipping is quick and reasonably priced.  The sites customer service is what one would expect from a big company, but they have managed to maintain a high level of satisfaction from its customers regarding their sales and service.

Strings by Mail

Strings by Mail is another leading online string store that has quickly made a name for itself amongst professional and amateur guitarists alike.  Though Stings by Mail has become known for its wide selection of classical guitar strings, they have recently expanded their selection of electric and acoustic guitar strings, and now rival any of the other string sites in these categories.  One of the main reasons Strings by Mail has become so popular is co-owner and resident expert Dr Brad Deroche.  If you are looking for a hard to find string, or are inquiring about a new brand or new model of string, Brad is the guy to talk to.  His knowledge of all types of strings and string brands is second to none, and his willingness to respond to customer emails and phone calls gives a personal touch to the Strings by Mail shopping experience.  Lately the site has started selling DVD’s and a wide variety of books for Flamenco, Classical and Acoustic guitarists.  The site is easy to get around and checking out is quick and secure.  If you are uneasy about giving you credit card information over the net, Strings by Mail also has a number of ways in which to order the strings you want offline.  Shipping is always 4$ US to anywhere within the fifty states, and international shipping rates are very reasonable.  If you are not happy with your strings, or in the rare occasion that you receive a defective pack, returns and exchanges are done quickly and painlessly.  Often the store will ship your new strings before they receive the old package, in order to ensure customer satisfaction.

If you are looking for those hard to find strings for your tenor guitar, or if you live in a remote part of the country or world, then shopping for strings online is the way to go.  While online stores may never replace the corner shop when it comes to strings and accessories, they make a nice addition to the guitar marketplace, and are quickly becoming more and more popular amongst guitarists from all corners of the globe.