Guitar strings

Subject: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,Guest Tony
Date: 31 May 10 - 05:55 PM

I,ve ordered a MARTIN D-15M and would appreciate any advice on what strings would bring out the best sound for this Guitar. I read a review that recommends Dean Markley acoustic gold, goldphos. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Leadfingers
Date: 31 May 10 - 06:11 PM

My old D 35 likes Daddario Mediums - A Luthier friend told me that Dreadnought Martins dont like Light Guage strings , but its all a matter of personanl preference

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 12:30 PM

Daddario strings were a revelation when they were first produced in the mid 1970's and you won't go far wrong with them. I have recently been using Elixir on a couple of guitars - chiefly because they last so long on guitars that only get played once in a while.

The problem with this thread will be that if you ask 100 people to recommend something, you're likely to get 100 different answers.
Ray

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Will Fly
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 01:55 PM

I'm a huge fan of Elixir Nanoweb coated Lites (.012-.053). They have a wonderful clarity and last a very long time. I can dull Martin's Lite Gauge in a day, but Elixirs last much longer. If you prefer a less bright sound, they're not for you, but I love them.

Cons: The 3rd and 4ths tend to break - I personally believe the cores are slightly too thin for the external winding - but, in spite of that, I would use no other.

Just a personal choice... :-)

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Gurney
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 04:28 PM

I agree with Will and Ray, Elixir strings are VERY bright sounding. They are also loud, but are 'slippery' when you slide up the string, so the 'finger' noise is minimal. They last a long time.
To my ear, they don't have a lot of bottom, though, so aren't very mellow. They were great on my old jumbo, but a little bright on my new one.
If you try a set, you'll wait a while before you need to change them.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Bobert
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 04:55 PM

This depends on what kind of music you play... The Elixir Nanoweb play and sound real clean if that is yer sound... The de Aderios are a decent all around strings, too... I like something a little more oragnic and play mostly John Pearses which I think "season" faster which is important for slide players...

B~

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Bob Hitchcock
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 05:01 PM

I used to put John Pearse strings on my Martin D 28 for years, then switched to Elixir's for a while as they do last longer. I have now gone back to the Pearse's because they just sound better and feel a lot better.

Bob

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: michaelr
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 09:18 PM

John Pearse phosphor bronze mediums on my Lowden. Have used them for a dozen years and see no reason to change, even though I have to special order them because the stores around here won't stock them.

I am curious about the new RED strings (higher copper content). Has anyone here tried them?

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,Jonny Sunshine
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 12:47 PM

In my opinion, there's no substitute for trial and error. What works on one guitar with one player won't necessarily work for you and your guitar. After many years of trying different brands I settled on D'Addarios, they seem to be consistently good, and- maybe I'm just a gentler player than I was- but I can't remember when I last broke a string.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: PoppaGator
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 04:03 PM

I've been using Red Brand mediums on my D-18 for a while now. When I put on my first set, I was so fascinated by the tone that I felt like I did as a teenager playing my first few chords on my new guitar ~ the sound was just so great, so deep and resonant, that I felt like I was playing a new, better instrument.

If you prefer phosphor bronze to "regular" bronze, you'll probably like the Reds:

Per Wikipedia: "Bronze is a metal alloy consisting primarily of copper, usually with tin as the main additive, but sometimes with other elements such as phosphorus, manganese, aluminium, or silicon."

Traditional "80/20" bronze strings are 80% copper; phosphor bronze is about 92% copper, and the new Red strings are 99% copper. I've asked what the other 1% might be, and they're not saying; might be a trade secret. Whatever it is, it prevents the copper from oxydizing and turning green like the Statue of Liberty.

I've been fortunate enough to receive a number of free sets from Red via two different promotions*. Good thing; they're not cheap: 12 bucks by mail order. Along with several sets of free-sample Reds in my preferred weight/guage (medium/13), they also sent one set of their other product, Cleartone phosphor bronze, which are supposedly similar to coated Elixir-type strings in longevity without the slick feeling. After playing on Reds for a while, the phosphor bronzes sounded thinner and "tinnier" than what I had become used to. (Makes sense, since there's more tin alloyed with the copper.)

"MMMV," of course (Your mileage may vary).

Whether you like the Red Brand strings or not, I think we can all agree that medium rather than light weight strings are the best choice with Martin dreadnaughts. Well, most of us ~ "all" of any group never agrees on anything!

*The free-sample promotions have been publicized on the company's facebook page; I'd recommend you check that out if you can. If not, try www.redstrings.com.

An interesting pro-and-con discussion on the Acoustic Guitar forum:
http://www.acousticguitar.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=029275

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,Songbob
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 04:16 PM

"...if you ask 100 people to recommend something, you're likely to get 100 105 different answers."

Fixed!

I use Elixers, Martin, John Pearse, D'Darrio, Red, SIT, whatever I find. I like most of 'em, and each has its own characteristic. I used to use Mapes, 'back in the day', 'cause they came with extra 1st & 2d strings, and were dirt cheap.

Trial and error, don't use too heavy (dreadnoughts do fine with lights OR mediums, archtops like mediums better, older guitars may need extra lights), some strings start out bright and go dull fast, others (John Pearse, for one) start out "broken in" and stay that way for months of playing, others will sound like crap from day one.

How about trying two different brands, or three, and then tell us what you think. If you start with Elixers, you may not report back for months!

Bob

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Collingsgirl
Date: 03 Jun 10 - 12:22 AM

I use John Pearse PB Mediums on the Collings dreadnought guitars. I haven't found anything that sounds better. On an OM or parlor guitar, same thing in the light version.

Tinker around, experiment- it'll come to you :)

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,Guest Tony
Date: 03 Jun 10 - 06:29 PM

Thanks all, really appreciate your advice. I knew I could rely on the Mudcatters. I,m really excited about having ordered a Martin and wanted strings that would really compliment the guitar and provide the best sound.    Thank you again.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Musket
Date: 16 Sep 14 - 05:01 PM

I try all sorts on the basis they are all cheaper than Elixir nanoweb.

Them I go back to Elixir anyway. Tone, tuning and lack of squeak.

Every time.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,twerp
Date: 16 Sep 14 - 06:12 PM

Too right, Musket. Back to Elixirs every time

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: michaelr
Date: 16 Sep 14 - 07:36 PM

I switched from John Pearse to Elixir Nanowebs a couple of years ago, just because they last longer.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Einsetumadur
Date: 17 Sep 14 - 07:32 AM

Light Elixir Nanoweb on a Martin DM Dreadnought - the finest sound I've ever reached.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 17 Sep 14 - 07:56 AM

Mostly Daddario EJ-17,EJ-16 and Dadgad sets for me but more importantly wiping down the strings with a flannel cloth after every playing session and treating strings and fretboard with Dr. Duck's Axe Wax whenever action slows. Strings stay lively for a very long time with this treatment and the action stays fast.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 17 Sep 14 - 08:01 AM

Have recently been using tanglewood coated strings. To me they sound good and at £10 a set they are good value.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: cptsnapper
Date: 17 Sep 14 - 08:13 AM

I use either D'Addario 85/15 or D'Addario Flat Tops both medium gauge

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 17 Sep 14 - 09:04 AM

Ok, I know fresh strings make a lot of difference, but I'm not an acoustic player.

I own too many electric guitars to be able to afford restringing for the sake of it.

On electrics I seem to prefer really old dulled strings,
as long as they still hold their tuning.

I tend to roll the tone control almost completely off anyway,
to reduce harsh shrill tones.

Our basss player kept the same strings on for over 20 years until the singer bought him a new set
and forced him to change them.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 17 Sep 14 - 11:45 AM

Couple of friends with Martins I know use Elixir Nanoweb, as I do myself on my Cradter, and very happy with them

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,mauvepink
Date: 19 Sep 14 - 06:30 PM

Depends on what youfind pleasing.

Personally I only use Daddario PBs on all my work guitars. 11s are great for everything I do and I would be very sad to these strings go off the market.

mp

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 25 Sep 14 - 02:46 AM

The Martin Dreads get Martin MSP 7200 Lifespan PB Medium 13-56
The Martin OM gets Martin MSP 7100 Lifespan PB Light 12-54
The Lowden gets Newtone Masterclass PB Custom Light 12-54
The Fylde Mandolin gets D'Addario PB 11-40

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 16 Apr 17 - 04:58 AM

whatever happened to Nashville Straights - they used to cost a tenner when ordinary strings were about thirty bob?

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,Bignige
Date: 16 Apr 17 - 06:16 AM

There is a story that Merle Travis was asked by a young admirer "Mr Travis what strings do you use"? Merle thinks for a moment and replies "well son I use guitar strings". enough said.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 16 Apr 17 - 10:09 AM

Oops!

Nashville straights were quite good strings but, due to the packaging, it was difficult to fit a spare set in your guitar case.

I don't remember them being significantly more expensive than the usual suspects but I suspect that they post dated decimalisation so the others wouldn't have been 30 bob at that time!

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 16 Apr 17 - 12:15 PM

the country may have gone metric in the the 1970's - i didn't.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 16 Apr 17 - 05:41 PM

Doesn't it largely depend on who's selling them?

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Jun 19 - 07:32 AM

Elixir gets my vote too. I'd forgotten about Mapes, anyone remember Cathedral? Oh and Albion? Are Vinci still around?Time for a new thread Ithink!

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,colin Holt
Date: 01 Jun 19 - 10:07 AM

D'Addario every time.... I've used them for 30 years .. and always get my vote. Great supportive company as well.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: gillymor
Date: 01 Jun 19 - 10:49 AM

I have to agree about D'Addario. I've never pulled a dead string out of their sealed packaging and I can't say the same about any other brand I've tried that comes in unsealed packaging (always a good idea to check out the wound strings in paper packaging for oxidization when you can) plus they come 3 sets in a pack at a good price. Then, it's been so long since I've tried other brands that they might have caught up with D' for all I know.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 01 Jun 19 - 12:29 PM

Weren’t Albion an early incarnation of Newtone? From what I remember they were pretty awful. Northfield, in fact, make really good strings nowadays. In the last couple of years they’ve undergone a change in both ownership and premises.

Their mandola strings are cheaper than D’Addario and the best thing is that they will make up custom sets of more or less anything you want. They have made me custom sets of octave mandolin strings with ball ends which are impossible to source at anything like the same price in the UK. They also only charge a couple of quid for shipping

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 01 Jun 19 - 01:36 PM

Surely in this age of premium priced custom shop reproduction 'authenticaly' pre-aged and reliced guitars,
string manufacturers could charge even more for brand new strings that are already starting to rust in the packaging...???

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: gillymor
Date: 01 Jun 19 - 01:55 PM

Brilliant, pfr, the snob appeal would be off the charts.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 01 Jun 19 - 05:02 PM

I used a particular brand for a while because they were made in the little town where I grew up, and I wanted to show some support. Then I heard that the boss had a vast underground garage full of vintage Bugattis, so I figured they could manage without me. Elixir Nanowebs these days, for the reasons given above.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Stringsinger
Date: 02 Jun 19 - 11:37 AM

It always depends on the individual guitar. I use John Pearse medium lights on my Martin 0021. I think they are 12's. I'm using a light gauge jazz string on my Gibson 345.
The B.B. King set works well here too.

You have to experiment and try different brands to find the right ones.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 02 Jun 19 - 11:51 AM

I've a brand new good quality Epiphone semi acoustic gibson copy I bought cheap 3 or 4 years ago,
I tweaked bridge and trust rod as best as I could for my preferred lowest string height.
But still had a little fret buzz.

So I raised the string gauge to a new set of Ernie Ball Power Slinky 11-48 - problems solved...

[can't remember if the guitar was factory fitted with 9s or 10s...???]

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,DTM
Date: 19 Jan 21 - 05:05 PM

Back in my R'n'R days (1960s), I used Monopole electric guitar strings. IIRC, they were chrome wound and were very smooth. I haven't seen them for years. Are they still around?

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: JHW
Date: 20 Jan 21 - 06:26 AM

"if you ask 100 people to recommend something, you're likely to get 100 105 different answers."
Absolutely but I suppose you could see which get most enthusiasts. I stick with D'Addario on my Gurian but it's not a common guitar. I didn't like the flat finished strings, ie round wound then somehow ground flat. Felt stiff.
Not seen the Reds mentioned here so equally something unknown might be worth a try.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 20 Jan 21 - 06:56 AM

If memory serves me correctly, Red (brand) strings are no longer on the market. Red (colour) strings however...

DR Neon Reds

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,James Phillips
Date: 20 Jan 21 - 09:50 AM

I have tried all the "fancy" strings with funny coating and wild claims about enhanced longevity and tone, and didn't like them. Something in the feel and the sound. I always end up back with my basic D'Addario EJ16's. They're just perfect. Longevity isn't an issue for me because I buy strings in bulk and change weekly.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: Mooh
Date: 20 Jan 21 - 10:56 AM

I tend to dislike coated or treated strings except for some extra protection in super humid outdoor festival conditions. However the new D'Addario XT acoustic strings seem to feel and sound just like the tried and true EJ16 sets I've used for years. If they last longer, long enough to offset the extra cost, I might have a new preference.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,James Phillips
Date: 20 Jan 21 - 03:24 PM

I think I have a set of XT's on my Telecaster but I never play it often or long enough to have formed a solid opinion of them!

Subject: RE: Guitar strings
From: GUEST,CabinFeverPicker
Date: 21 Jan 21 - 03:33 PM

Our basss player kept the same strings on for over 20 years until the singer bought him a new set
and forced him to change them.

all 105+ opinions welcome   the above made me laugh    likewise the Merle Travis line!

the basss   must sound (badAss) with new strings

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