Strings

I just stick to Elixers now after a few of my tests showed that a regular set of strings will start to rust within 1.5-2hrs or so. I do cover band gigs so we play 4-5hrs a night and they've gotta last a while. I do buy boxes of regular strings just to have as replacements and stuff if I break a string or so.
 
Really happy with Ernie Ball strings myself. I like Dean Markleys, but it's a lot easier to get exactly the guages I want with Ernie Ball, so I'm sticking with them for electric.

On acoustic, NOTHING even comes close to Dean Markley Alchemy strings. They are expensive, but they are like getting a totally new guitar. HIGHLY recommended.