Sorefingers,
I use phosopher bronze strings, I like the initial tone. I use D'Addario 13 tops on my Gallagher, I found no advantage in John Pierce strings. Darco went dead sooner. D'Angelico seemed adequate, but D'Addario provided a better initial tone, more balanced. DRs are nearly equal, but on the Gallagher D'Addario has a slight edge in initial tone.

In recent months I have bought 3 sets of Martin Marquis and found one string (G) already dead and the others soon to follow. I will buy no more of them.

I use DR 12 tops on my Gibson J-45; they perform well.

Some will tell you that one or two string makers make all the strings, but in my hands and to my ear there are clear differences in the final product, regardless of who twists them.

Regards, Chance