Dean Markley LTHB

$6.99 to $8.99

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Page last updated Jun 10, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated June 9, 2026.

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5.0 (1)

$6.99

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4.6 (551)

$8.99

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$7.18 2 available New

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

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Description

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Elevate your sound with the Dean Markley LTHB guitar strings, a favorite among legends like Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Bonamassa. These strings are crafted to deliver a perfect blend of durability and dynamic tone, making them a staple for musicians who demand the best from their gear. The patent-pending Helix Elliptical Winding process sets these strings apart by offering a smoother feel and a richer, more resonant tone. This unique winding technique ensures multiple layers for a fuller tone and increased sustain, without altering the string's diameter.

The Dean Markley LTHB strings are engineered with a nickel-plated steel wrap, providing a robust yet articulate sound that's perfect for both high-speed solos and expressive chord work. The Light Top/Heavy Bottom gauge offers versatility, allowing you to achieve both delicate nuances and powerful bass tones. Each string is packed in tarnish-resistant envelopes, ensuring they remain as fresh as the day they were made. Whether you're shredding on stage or practicing in the studio, these strings promise longevity and clarity with every note.

Key Features:

Light Top/Heavy Bottom gauge
.010, .013, .017, .030, .042, .052
Roundwound with nickel-plated steel wrap
Patent-pending Helix Elliptical Winding process for smoother feel and richer tone
Tarnish-resistant individual envelopes for prolonged freshness

Product specs

Brand	Dean Markley
Model	2504 Nickel Steel Electric Guitar Strings - Light Top Heavy Bottom (10-52)
Finish	Standard
Year	2010s
Categories	Guitar Strings

FAQs

What gauge are the Dean Markley LTHB strings?: The Dean Markley LTHB strings are a light top/heavy bottom set with gauges ranging from 10 to 52. This combination offers a balance of comfortable playability for leads and robust tension for rhythm playing.
Are the Dean Markley LTHB strings suitable for drop tuning?: Yes, the Dean Markley LTHB strings are well-suited for drop tuning due to their heavier bottom strings, which provide stability and maintain tension when tuned down.
What material are the Dean Markley LTHB strings made from?: The Dean Markley LTHB strings are made from nickel-plated steel, which offers a bright and balanced tone with good sustain and durability.
How do Dean Markley LTHB strings affect tone?: Dean Markley LTHB strings provide a clear and bright tone with a strong midrange presence, making them ideal for genres like rock and blues where articulation and punch are important.
Are Dean Markley LTHB strings compatible with 7-string guitars?: Yes, the Dean Markley LTHB strings are specifically designed for 7-string electric guitars, offering a balanced feel and consistent tone across all strings.

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PROS

Exceptional tone and harmonics unmatched by other brands
Long-lasting with excellent pitch retention
Unique "woody" and harmonically resonant sound
Provides a penetrating sound that enhances guitar's natural vibrations
High-quality feel enhances playability
Alternating colors (purple and gold) for easy identification

CONS

Unwound strings may be tightly wrapped, risking kinks or bends

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Kurt Cobain

Singer, Guitarist

Nirvana

Verified via Photo

Dean Markley (Light Top/Heavy Bottom) Guitar Strings.

The only piece of information in regard to strings coming from Kurt himself comes from one of the interviews from the Musician magazine, in 1992, where Kurt mentioned that he’s using actual piano strings for low E and A. I use piano wire for guitar strings, ’cause it’s a lot thicker. I buy it in bulk, in these big long tubes, and just cut it to the length of the guitar. They’re thicker than the thickest guitar gauge that’s available. I don’t know what the thickness of ’em is anymore – I can’t remember. I use a really thick E string, and then a smaller size A. A few of the others are guitar strings – I think I use Dean Markley because they’re the cheapest.

However, this was most likely just a joke that over the years developed into a legend. Piano strings would be impossible to fit on most of the guitars that Kurt was using at the time, and if he indeed wanted thicker strings, there were easier ways to achieve that.

One of them would, of course, be to just use a heavier set – which is most likely what he did. Based on the photos, and a statement from Ernie Bailey, Kurt actually used Dean Markley LTHB set (.010, .013, .017, .030, .042, .052). For strings, he used .010-.052 Dean Markley’s (the red pack).

In case you’re looking to buy the same set, unfortunately, it’s no longer being made. If you want something similar from Dean Markley, their Blue Steel heavy set (10-52) should do a pretty good job (same principle as the original – Light Top/Heavy Bottom)