Dogal may not be the most mainstream name in the world of electric guitar strings, but don’t let that fool you—these Italian-made strings bring serious craftsmanship, tone, and feel to the table.
A little while ago I got to try their acoustic strings and was pleasantly surprised by their performance. So do the electric strings live up to their acoustic brothers? Lets find out.
Pros:
Exceptional Tone
Dogal strings are known for their warm, rich mids and clear highs. Unlike some mass-produced strings that can sound a bit flat or overly bright, Dogals have a refined tonal character that’s great for blues, classic rock (that’s my bag), jazz, and even more nuanced metal playing.
Premium Build Quality
Handcrafted in Venice, these strings are made with high-purity materials andtight manufacturing standards. You can feel the difference under your fingers—smooth, responsive, and consistent across the set.
Longevity
These aren’t your change-every-week strings. With proper care, Dogals hold their tone longer than many competitors, and they resist corrosion well, even without a coated finish.
Playability
Tension is balanced beautifully. Bends feel natural, and fretting doesn’t require excessive pressure. The 10s I used felt lighter than expected but so did the acoustic strings we tried out so it was somewhat expected. They’re especially nice for players with a lighter touch or those who prefer expressive phrasing. I had worried that they would break given the amount of welly I tend to play with but was pleasantly surprised when they held out for several shows.
Cons:
Price
Dogal strings are on the higher end of the market. While the quality justifies the cost for many, budget-conscious players or frequent string changers might think twice.
Availability
Depending on your region, Dogal strings may not be easy to find in local shops. You might have to order them online, which could include shipping delays or extra costs.
Summary:
If you’re a tone-conscious guitarist looking to explore beyond the usual suspects (Ernie Ball, D’Addario, etc.), Dogal electric guitar strings offer a boutique-level experience. They may cost a bit more, but they reward you with rich sound, excellent feel, and impressive durability. Definitely worth a try if you’re serious about your tone and ready to try something off the beaten path.
On the whole Dogal have done a fine job of creating a very specific feel while retaining the longevity expected from a premium set of strings. I would certainly consider popping them on my gigging guitars due to the easy weight and play.
A solid 4.5 out of 5 in my book.
https://www.dogalstrings.it/en/
Article by Lee Etherington