Pricing and availability

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Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Dean Markley Custom Lights". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the full potential of your guitar with Dean Markley Custom Lights, a favorite among top artists like Yngwie Malmsteen and Metallica. These strings are meticulously crafted to deliver a vibrant and resonant tone that caters to both seasoned professionals and passionate hobbyists. Featuring a nickel-plated steel wrap over a hex core, these strings are engineered for maximum sustain and a classic rock sound that is warm and full-bodied. The custom light gauge offers a perfect balance between playability and tone, making them ideal for expressive playing styles.

Each set of Dean Markley Custom Lights is designed with an eye towards sustainability, coming in tarnish-resistant envelopes and an environmentally friendly box. Whether you're jamming in your garage or performing on stage, these strings promise durability and a consistent performance, letting you focus on what truly matters—your music.

Key Features:

  • Custom Light gauge: .009, .011, .016, .026, .036, .046
  • Roundwound for a rich, full sound
  • Nickel-plated steel wrapped over a hex core for enhanced vibration and sustain
  • Warm, full tone with a classic rock vibe
  • Environmentally friendly packaging

Product specs

String gauge 009 - 046
Strength of the strings 0,009" – 0,046"
Material Nickel Plated Steel
G-String Wound No

FAQs

What gauge are the Dean Markley Custom Lights strings?

The Dean Markley Custom Lights strings have a gauge of 009 - 046, providing a balance between playability and tone.

Are the Dean Markley Custom Lights strings suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Dean Markley Custom Lights strings are suitable for beginners due to their lighter gauge, which is easier on the fingers and facilitates smoother playability.

What material are the Dean Markley Custom Lights strings made from?

The Dean Markley Custom Lights strings are made from nickel-plated steel, offering a bright tone with good durability.

Do the Dean Markley Custom Lights strings come with a wound G-string?

No, the Dean Markley Custom Lights strings do not have a wound G-string, which can make bending and lead playing easier.

What type of music are Dean Markley Custom Lights strings best suited for?

Dean Markley Custom Lights strings are versatile but particularly well-suited for rock, blues, and pop genres due to their bright tone and flexible playability.

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

The Ultimate Acoustic String Comparison - Extra Light vs Custom Light vs Light vs Medium

Video thumbnail for The Ultimate Acoustic String Comparison - Extra Light vs Custom Light vs Light vs Medium by Acoustic Letter

The Ultimate Acoustic String Comparison - Extra Light vs Custom Light vs Light vs Medium

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dean Markley Custom Lights.

User experience

  • Users appreciate the longevity of the "twanginess" in Dean Markley Custom Lights, noting they maintain good tone over extended periods.

    Source
  • Some users report that these strings can feel rusty despite no visible corrosion, potentially due to personal chemistry rather than environmental factors.

    Source
  • A long-term guitarist with 25 years of experience found these strings among the best they've used, highlighting a significant shift from usual brands.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • One user experienced a dead E string right out of the box, suggesting occasional quality control issues with new sets.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for bright tones on an active bass, but users seeking muted tones might prefer alternatives like Rotosound Jazz 77 Monel Flats.

    Source
  • Lifeson from Rush reportedly uses Dean Markley Custom Light 9-46, making them a choice for fans seeking a similar sound profile.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare favorably against flatwounds for finger comfort and playability but note personal preference is crucial, especially between different string types.

    Source
  • Owners with decades of experience prefer Dean Markley Custom Light 9-46 for their tone, often comparing them to D'Addario and Ernie Ball for a distinct preference.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses Dean Markley Custom Lights

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post from fabianexp84 a scanned image from an unspecified 1984 James Hetfield interview states "On my axes i use Dean Markeley Magnum custom light stirngs"

See how Alex Lifeson uses Dean Markley Custom Lights

Alex Lifeson

Guitarist

Rush

...
Verified via Rush Wiki

This site states that Alex uses these strings. I remember hearing the gauges he uses for six strings are 9-46 and 11-50.

See how Jason Becker uses Dean Markley Custom Lights

Jason Becker

Guitarist

Cacophony

...
Verified via Photo

Jason used Dean Markley and S.I.T. Strings. I remember hearing he used 10-46 for Cacophony and his solo albums and 9-42 for his time with David Lee Roth.

See how Steve Winwood uses Dean Markley Custom Lights

Steve Winwood

Singer, Guitarist

The Spencer Davis Group

...
Verified via Photo

In this article, by Vintage Guitar, while talking about Winwood's gear, it says, "An identical green Strat is tuned to dropped D for “Dirty City,” and he has a sunburst American Standard model as a spare. Strings are Dean Markley Custom Lights – .009, .011, .016, .026, .036, .046 – and picks are Fender Medium."

See how Nick Wheeler uses Dean Markley Custom Lights

Nick Wheeler

Guitarist, Drummer

The All-American Rejects

...
Verified via YouTube

In This Video Nick talks about his use of Dean Markley Strings (0.40s), he is also listed on the Dean Markley website as of 2015.

http://www.deanmarkley.com/artists

Album Usage

The Dean Markley Custom Lights has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Dean Markley Custom Lights, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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