Strings.

I have a confession to make. I used to take the attitude that all strings were essentially the same, string ads were crap, etc. The original demos for the recording were done with GHS Boomer TNTs on the electrics. Then I started using Ernie Ball strings, probably because they were easier to get. During the recording I was struggling to reproduce certain sounds. Finally I switched back to GHS Boomers, and found they made a significant difference. Yes, there is a difference in sound between brands! I'm not saying the Ernie Balls are no good, I'm just saying they sound different. Again, it's that thing of knowing what results you can expect, rather than battling with things in the studio. Maybe rock stars can afford to do that...