Pricing and availability
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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
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What gauge are the Dean Markley Custom Lights strings?
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The Dean Markley Custom Lights strings have a gauge of 009 - 046, providing a balance between playability and tone.
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Are the Dean Markley Custom Lights strings suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What material are the Dean Markley Custom Lights strings made from?
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The Dean Markley Custom Lights strings are made from nickel-plated steel, offering a bright tone with good durability.
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Do the Dean Markley Custom Lights strings come with a wound G-string?
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No, the Dean Markley Custom Lights strings do not have a wound G-string, which can make bending and lead playing easier.
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What type of music are Dean Markley Custom Lights strings best suited for?
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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.
Videos
Acoustic Letter
The Ultimate Acoustic String Comparison - Extra Light vs Custom Light vs Light vs Medium
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
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Users appreciate the longevity of the "twanginess" in Dean Markley Custom Lights, noting they maintain good tone over extended periods.
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Some users report that these strings can feel rusty despite no visible corrosion, potentially due to personal chemistry rather than environmental factors.
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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.
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Setup and maintenance
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One user experienced a dead E string right out of the box, suggesting occasional quality control issues with new sets.
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Use cases and applications
Comparisons
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Owners compare favorably against flatwounds for finger comfort and playability but note personal preference is crucial, especially between different string types.
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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.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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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"
This site states that Alex uses these strings. I remember hearing the gauges he uses for six strings are 9-46 and 11-50.
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.
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."
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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