I found the best guitar strings

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Mar 08 - 01:40 PM

I tried some Pearse mandolin strings once - 11s on a short-scale mandolin (330mm). Ye gods were they tight at concert pitch. Huge sound - but as a result of the tension, very had on the fingertips. Broke in a day. I might try a set of 10s some time.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Grab
Date: 27 Mar 08 - 07:01 AM

Escapee, the strings are still going to cost you three times what your regular strings cost you, even if you buy over here. Although you could contact Newtone directly and ask how much a bulk order would be - Malcolm Newton is happy to take orders from individuals.

But you won't get spotted dick anywhere else. (Not of the food variety anyway. ;-) And you can stock up on proper cheese while you're at it, since no-one in the US seems to know what cheese should taste like.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 27 Mar 08 - 05:58 AM

After about ten years of experimenting with guitar strings, I followed a suggestion posted on an earlier discussion of guitar strings at mudcat and tried Spectrums by Thomastik Infeld, an Austrian maker better known for their violin strings. Put them on my 30-year-old 000-18 Martin and have used nothing else since. Head and shoulders above everything else I tried. I used to find this guitar a great finger picking guitar, but an indifferent strummer. With T-Is, that changed.

I've often wondered if the quality of American made or branded strings have slipped, like every other metal product made (or sold) in the USA. Boat builders I know complain that US made fasteners (bolts and screws and the like) are much poorer in quality than they were ten years ago. Chinese made metal is even worse. Where are the strings sold by Martin, etc. being made these days? Just as with our clothes and shoes, are they all coming from some huge Chinese Guitar String Factory?

John Pearse strings, which I also like, are made by Thomastik Infeld. I use them on my Nik Apollonio Bell 12 string, as the T-Is aren't long enough. But I think John Pearse knew what he was doing when he hooked up with T-I.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Mar 08 - 05:32 PM

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: kendall
Date: 26 Mar 08 - 07:58 AM

I've found that something called Fast Fret extends the life of guitar strings

no shit, kendall ...

I've found the stuff particularly effective on strings called "D'Addario" , especially when used on guitsrs made by a company called "C.F. Martin".

don't know if anybody is familiar with either of these brand names, but they are well worth checking out ...

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Escapee
Date: 26 Mar 08 - 12:06 PM

Great idea, Grab. I'll wait 'till I can get over there and then load up on Newtones. At least I can get a can of Spotted Dick here. It lasts longer than guitar strings. Nobody I know will eat it. They choke on the name.
SKP

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 26 Mar 08 - 09:48 AM

"Backwoodsman, here is a true story:
I was field picking at a bluegrass festival, playing my Taylor 810. A well known guitar collector came by and asked to try it. He picked it up, struck a few chords and said, "This is as loud as the Martin I just paid $10,000 for"! Someone else remarked, "And, it sounds just as good too". "

You got me there Kendall! Mea Culpa and Hail Mary! Sorry mate, you know I'm just biased and I can't resist temptation. :-) :-)
Good wishes to you and Jacqui - hope your health's holding up?
John

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Grab
Date: 26 Mar 08 - 08:47 AM

Interesting point, Richard. Worth saying then that it depends what sound you're looking for. :-) For me, being able to hear distinct notes is what I look for in a guitar sound.

Escapee, Newtones are a reasonable price compared to other strings in the UK. But in the UK, even online you're looking at £6 for a set of strings, and the same set in a shop can easily be £12, for strings that might cost $4 from Elderly Instruments. So on that pricing scale Newtones are OK for Brits, but they suck price-wise in the States.

Just one of the many ways Brits get screwed over by American firms - £500 for a $600 guitar, £50 for a $20 pair of jeans, £400 for a $500 PC, etc, etc.. That's why Brits go on holiday to the States with the clothes they're stood up in and come back with bulging suitcases - even with the air fare it works out cheaper. :-/

Graham.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: kendall
Date: 26 Mar 08 - 07:58 AM

I've found that something called Fast Fret extends the life of guitar strings. It costs about the same as a set of strings and it is well worth the price. Besides, it's easier to use than to change strings.

Backwoodsman, here is a true story:
I was field picking at a bluegrass festival, playing my Taylor 810. A well known guitar collector came by and asked to try it. He picked it up, struck a few chords and said, "This is as loud as the Martin I just paid $10,000 for"! Someone else remarked, "And, it sounds just as good too".

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 26 Mar 08 - 06:35 AM

They're quite cheap here in the UK, Escapee. About the same price as D'Addhorribles or Martins, and much, much cheaper than any of the 'coated' brands( like 1/3 of the price). I think you're paying for the fact that they have to travel 4,000 miles to reach the US?

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Escapee
Date: 25 Mar 08 - 10:45 PM

I saw Newtones on the internet, but can't find them in the neighborhood. They seem to cost about three times what run-of-the-mill strings go for. Maybe I'll try a set when my pension comes next month.
I settled on my favorites some time ago, I should probably try some new ones just to keep from getting stale.
E

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Bernard Quenby
Date: 25 Mar 08 - 12:51 PM

Horses for courses as they say, and yes different strings sound better on different guitars, but far and away the best all-rounders I've found are D'Addario Custom Light Phosphor-Bronze (EJ26). They last well, and sound good for ages on all my guitars.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 25 Mar 08 - 04:49 AM

Thanks for the vote of confidence Bill, I take it as a compliment. Just tweakin' yer leg. :-)

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: number 6
Date: 24 Mar 08 - 07:44 PM

smartass !!

biLL :)

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Mar 08 - 02:00 PM

"I use Elixir Nanoweb's (medium guage) on my Taylor 310 ... Daddario EXP phosphor bronze (light guage) on my Taylor 214"

Use anything you like on a Taylor, D'Adds, Martins, Elixirs, Newtones, electric flex, barbed wire, anything. Nothing will make it sound as good as a Martin. :-) :-).

Exit, ducking and weaving.........LOL!

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: freightdawg
Date: 24 Mar 08 - 01:34 PM

You need to change strings???

I thought they were like light bulbs, only replaced when broken.

{snort}

Freightdawg

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Mar 08 - 12:52 PM

I tried Newtones on Jacqui's Hagstrom and it didn't like them. The sound lost its shimmer and meld and I got a set of separate round notes on each chord. Gone back to Elixirs.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: GUEST,Wheatman
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 05:19 PM

Newtone for me, for my small body Tanglewood (master class light 011-050) also for my six string appalachian dulcimer (made to order). Pete Coe told me about Newtone. The staff at the works are extremley helpful and only a phone call away but you have to wait for the strings .

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Grab
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 02:17 PM

Some strings work best on some guitars, but not on others. Some plywood guitars prefer brighter strings like Martin Fingerpickers or Dean MArkley Vintage Bronze, whereas some better guitars prefer strings with a less complex sound like vanilla D'Addarios.

But I've yet to hear a guitar that doesn't sound great with Newtones.

Sure, they're not the cheapest strings, and they don't last longest. But they're not that expensive, and they're pretty damn good. I've heard a couple of people report problems with them breaking at the saddle, but I've been using nothing but Newtones for about four years on three steel-string guitars with different bridge constructions (pinless Lowden, "regular" bridge-pinned Crafter and slotted resonator tailpiece) without it ever happening to me.

Graham.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Leadfingers
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 09:35 AM

Which strings work best for who seems to be one of these indeterminate things ! I find Martin Phosphor Bronze break the way I play , but D'Addarios last weeks ! And the D 35 likes Medium , but the Tanglewood likes Light Guage ! As in SO many Folkie things , different strokes for different Folkies !!

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 07:44 AM

Newtones on my Gibson and Levin guitars.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: number 6
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 11:51 PM

I use Elixir Nanoweb's (medium guage) on my Taylor 310 ... Daddario EXP phosphor bronze (light guage) on my Taylor 214 .... and Martin Marquis phosphor bronze (light guage) on my Epiphone Biscuit.

biLL

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Escapee
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 08:05 PM

I like Martin 80/20 bronze mediums. I buy them by the dozen and usually replace them in 6 to 8 weeks. I like the bright sound and they give full voice to my old Hummingbird. Never ran across Newtone, it seems like you guys think they're worth a try.
I got a Guild a couple of years ago and the owner's manual recommended using Fast Fret string cleaner and I've come to like the stuff pretty well. Seems to help strings last. Feels a little funny at first, though. A bit oily. There. Thats my two cents worth.
E

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: GUEST, Tom Bliss
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 07:38 AM

Oh and I forgot to say, don't waste money on lots of string cleaning fluid (a little does help).

A scotch pad (cut off the sponge leaving a few mm to protect the fingerboard when you clean under the strings, and put a cloth under when doing the top) will restore round core strings to nearly new.

No amount of cleaning will restore hex core strings because you can't get at the six slivers of dirt inside. (Except boiling - but I'd only recommend that for bass strings, as smaller strings are too tight to let the dirt out).

Tom

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 07:33 AM

Couple of points...

It's mainly dirt that makes the difference between bright and dull.

If you find new strings too bright, rub up and down with the palm of your hand - it'll settle them down at once.

Newtones are rubbish. Don't ever buy them (actually that's a complete and utter lie. They are brilliant - but sometimes it's hard to get them because of demand, so don't tell anyone else about them, ok?)

Newtones come in two forms - round core and hex core. Both are significantly better than any other string because Malcolm is a genuinely expert metallergist, and uses a unique combination of metals. Plus they are all hand-made to a unique spec.

The hex core strings are like 90% of other makes.

They all have six tiny gaps between the core and the winding, which run the length of the string. These soon fill up with dirt, and so cause the string to dull very quickly - almost as quick as other brands in fact.

Newtone hex core strings are still softer to the fingers, louder and warmer to the ear, than any other make, but they don't last very much longer. I just put some on my Martin because I was low on round core (I keep a few sets as backup in case Malcolm has a supply problem) and they only lasted a couple of gigs.

The round core will last maybe two weeks of gigging every night - and months if you're not full time.

Hope that helps.

Tom

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: GUEST,Terp
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 06:36 AM

Melissa, S&S are about a couple of bucks more expensive than PB sets as I recall. I used them to take a sort of metallic edge off a H&D dread which I no longer own. They give a different, lighter feel due to lower tension and you'll have to judge the sound for yourself. I'm kind of interested in these new Silk and Bronze that John Pearse makes. Let us know how you do. Terp.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 12:48 AM

I have used Martin Bronze lites on my guitars for 30 years. They have always sounded better than the others I have tried. Of course that is opinion and not a provable fact. I have used bronze pins on my Guild guitar for 15 years. After much experimentation I find they make my Guild look nice but as to additional sustain, I don't hear it and neither do my band mates. Also opinion.

But the strings. I'll keep them.

Don

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Gurney
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 11:37 PM

Like Redsnapper, I've found different guitars like different strings. I used Martin strings once-upon-a-time, but often had the balls snap off, and also they were terrific for about two hours, then dead for about 7, and then fairly good again for a few days.
If I was pro I might consider them again, but you'd have to time your gigs to the good period.
These were the silver-plated strings. Did anyone else have similar findings?

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: redsnapper
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 07:25 PM

Having tried just about every brand of string over the past 45 years I've settled on Newtone Heritages for one of my guitars (000-size), Rohrbacher nickel-titaniums on my 0/parlour size one and Savarez Alliance HTs on my classical. All of these are in the upper price range but last very well. Most of my previous guitars seem to have been happiest with specific brands of string which seems to bear out the comments in this thread.

RS

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: SouthernCelt
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 06:37 PM

I have a '77 D-35 that I have been using the Martin phosphor-bronze on for some time now. I've bought some others but never found anything else that lasted any longer or sounded any better than the Martins (I haven't tried the Newtones however). I did change a number of years ago from medium to light weights and that seemed to brighten the D-35 a bit (that model is notoriously bass-y and boomy due to the body size). I probably sacrificed a little life by the weight change but the bass lets the treble blend better.

When I start needing to buy replacements I always look for sales on the higher rated strings and invariably the Martins come in as cheap or cheaper than the supposedly superior strings. I shop internet almost exclusively since the nearest music store is pretty far away in high-traffic areas that I avoid if at all possible.

SC

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 06:23 PM

La Bella silk and steel used to be nice
G

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Melissa
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 06:17 PM

Ah Terp..GHS still has the information on the back of their package! Thanks for pointing me that way.

I've never messed with silk and haven't even heard them as far as I know. How do they compare for cost, longevity, etc?

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: GUEST,Terp
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 06:00 PM

Melissa,
Most string companies describe the characteristics of their various string sets on their websites. GHS used to have a chart on the back of their packaging that had a "brite-warm" rating for their acoustic string sets as you described. Don't know if they still do.
Re excessive brightness have you tried silk and steel or silk and bronze? They're a bit more mellow and sound good on some instruments. D'Addarrio flatops are also a bit warmer and are easy to play.
I'm a Newtone PB Masterclass fan but am happy with D'Addario PB which keep for a long time in their sealed packaging and also John Pearse PB which don't in their more conventional packaging.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 05:52 PM

Tried Martin strings - once - never again; dead as a Dodo, from the start to the finish (they lasted about an hour)

D'Addario - every time

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 05:16 PM

FWIW I put Newtone strings on my Martin D28-S after reading the recommendations on here (probably by Giok) and have to say that they have lasted longer than any other strings I have used.

Coming up three months now, and they still sound bright, with true intonation, all the other strings (including D'Addarios )would be dead in the water by now.

That said, it should be noted that for professional players, the length of time a string lasts is irrelevant, as they will change their strings with a greater frequency than inspired amateurs.

Martin Simpson, for example, uses D'Addario strings, and restrings his Sobell guitar with a fresh set, not only before each performance, but also during the interval.

He does get them for free, of course ...

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: PoppaGator
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 05:08 PM

Mine is a 1969 D-18 Martin. I've been using medium guage (i.e., "13s") phosphor bronze happily enough for years. The Martin SPs are phosphor bronze, and are one of the brands I'll generally buy.

I don't change strings very often. Like a few others among you, I don't particularly like the extra-"bright" soung of brand new strings, and prefer the sound after they've been played for a least a week or so. Of course, at some point, the sound gets dull enough to require replacement; I usually wait well past the optimum time to change.

(Years ago, when I played very long hours on the street, whaling away as hard as possible, I'd break a string or two and buy a new set before too much wear set in. But now, playing a bit more quietly and not so constantly, my strings last long enough to become dull-sounding before they actually break.)

Last time I bought strings, I decided to try elixers (not Elixer brand, but a less-expensive competitor) on the theory that they'd hold their tone longer. Seemed to be a good idea for someone who postpones restringing as long as possible.

Bad idea. For some reason, this type of string produced fret buzz, notably on the B string. I got new frets and a neck reset a couple of years ago, and enjoy lower action than ever before. I have no problem with my customary medium-guage strings, but when the luthier gave me my guitar back strung with light-guage 12s, I experienced a bit of buzz after playing for a while and beginning to strum with abandon. Switching back to mediums solved the problem completely.

But these medium-guage elixers caused a much greater problem than the non-elixer lights. One string in particular, the B, buzzed consistently, even when played pretty softly. I had to replace the B string with its predecessor, the Martin SP string I had just taken off the guitar. Problem solved. I expected a noticable difference between the one old string and the other 5 newer elixer types, but it doesn't seem to be an issue.

Next set, of course, I'll be going back to my old standby phosphor bronze mediuims.

I might try those brass bridge pins. My set of black plastic pins is pretty chewed up (inside the bridge, where you can't see the damage) but perfectly functional; however, for a mere $14, I can afford to splurge on this next experiment.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Mooh
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 04:29 PM

Happy for you.

I once had a Gibson B-25 which seemed to prefer different strings than my other guitars. I'm not quite sure but I seem to remember that they were D'Addario Bronze, as opposed to D'Addario Phonsphor-Bronze which I normally play. Same was true of a "lawsuit" Takamine.

Guitars can be fussy about strings, though most of my current lot are pleased with D'Addario Phosphor-Bronze, which is nice because they're reasonbly inexpensive and readily found.

At any rate, I'm glad you're happy with your mate, true love is hard to find.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Cool Beans
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 04:18 PM

Lefty,
   You've found your perfect strings so I'm not going to give you advice. However, to all you others, I play a 45-year-old Martin D-28 and I've found the perfect strings for it: John Pearse phosphor bronze, medium gauge.
    De gustibus non est disputandum, eh?

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Amos
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 04:08 PM

Brass Bridge Pins

Lots of Strings


A

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 04:04 PM

I'm with Giok on the Newtones, never use anything else nowadays on either of my Martins or my Lowden. They are a truly class string.

Tried some Martin SP4100s on my OM28MQ when it arrived (the string Martin recommend) and it sounded like a wardrobe, dead as a dodo. Put the Newtone PB 12-54's on and she sang!

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: lefthanded guitar
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 03:49 PM

Well,Giok, it 's all up to personal taste of course, and perhaps that particular Martin sounds better with the Newton strings. I am very happy with the Martins tho. NOT the regular Martin strings tho, the SP set are the ones that worked for me.

Amos you are truly a lucky man. 35 is a terrific guitar, and prob. even better than your car. (maybe not, but the car can't ...mellow like a 35)

Harley that is a new solution to me, but I will check out it out! Thanks so much.

Not sure of the year, bought it in the 70's and it's a three quarter size..ahgg. I forgot the exact model tho, will get back to you. I tink it's a 25, does that sound familiar?


Melissa, I had that exact same experience of not liking the 'bright' sound.    I am not aware of any packaging that explains which would have a 'bright' sound or a 'warm' sound.   I never even heard of the different terms, or had them properly explained, til recently; but I just 'knew it when I heard it'. But maybe some other Mudcatters have their own personal list of 'bright' and 'warm' strings. HOpe you like the Martin SP's Melissa. And don't despair if they're not exactly the right ones for you. After all, it only took me 40 years to find my perfect strings, with Mudcatters help, it should be a far less timeworn task for you.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: kendall
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 03:45 PM

I had an old Gibson J-45 that liked Martin Bluegrass strings better than any other brand.

My Taylor likes D'Addario phosphor bronze.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Melissa
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 03:10 PM

Thanks, LHG..I've been string shopping too.
I can't find the brand I prefer anymore and would not have tried Martin strings again if I hadn't read of your enchantment.

General string question:
Is there something on the packages of strings that sort of shows a 'bright vs warm' rating or some-such? I generally end up playing a set until they start being fully dead because I truly dislike the 'bright' sound of new strings.

Thanks,
Melissa

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Deskjet
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 03:07 PM

Hi LG - what model and year is your Gibson?

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: HarleySpirit
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 02:37 PM

Hi LHG:

If you want increased sustain as well, try some D'Andrea brass bridge pins ... they worked wonders on my Washburn DM2000S.

Harley

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Amos
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 02:36 PM

Good news. I play an old D-35 that I love dearly. Next to my wife, and my car, no even more than my car, it is my best friend.


A

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 02:35 PM

Well as a Martin owner, and player [allegedly;) I cannot abide Martin strings on it. I use Newtone strings after having tried several others, and I am very happy with them.
Giok

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: lefthanded guitar
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 02:34 PM

Hey Amos,

Thanks for writing (even more thanks for hanging in for the entire story.)May I ask what guitar(s) you play?

Well, I did try d'Addario, in fact, I had been using them for years on recommendation from professionals at the store. I'm not sure if I got the EP strings but I think I did. Here's what the problem has been, as explained to me by other musicians ..I'd been playing with strings that have a 'bright' sound. Which is fine for a big guitar I suppose, which is able to project a fuller sound from the bigger body. But I was looking for a 'warm' sound. Now I myself am not totally sure what these phrases mean, but I think the warm sounding strings have more bass and sustain. Or at least they do on my guitar. The D-addarios, ironically, sound great on the Martins. But on my Gibson, the Martins make it sound like a Martin. Or perhaps a Gib-Mar, you know like one of those new breeds of dogs like Cockapoos- that supposedly retain the best characteristic of each breed.

At any rate, I'm very happy now.

Subject: RE: I found the best guitar strings
From: Amos
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 02:25 PM

LHG:

Out of curiousity did you have try d'Addario Extended Play strings? I've been happy with them, partly because they last longer than my last infatuation which was a German brand with great sound but shorter life.


A

Subject: I found the best guitar strings
From: lefthanded guitar
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 02:18 PM

Some time ago, I became part of a long thread discussing what would be the best guitar strings for my guitar. (I may, in fact, have started same thread, but memory lapses currently prevent me from finding aforementioned thread on my personal page..or indeed, anywheres). At any rate, so many people gave such useful suggestions that it encouraged me to go out and try a few brands,but nothing sounded quite right to me. But as of this date- Eureka!- I have found the strings I've been looking for. Here is how it happened.

The problem is; I play a small, but mellow, acoustic Gibson, tho I have often yearned to have it sound more like a dreadnaught Martin. The sound of the Gibson was sweet, but never really full, and had little sustain. Or bass. Or strength. (Sigh). Well, one day I was browsing around my favorite well-stocked guitar store (Mandolin Brothers), and picked up an attractive Martin to strum, which cost more than I would spend on a used car...$8,000 or thereabouts (if I must shamefacedly admit my budget). As you can imagined, it sounded terrific. Magnificent. Full but mellow, intimate yet strong, action as easy as Eli Manning, and sustain as long as the River Nile. It was a perfect guitar. (And not one I could ever afford to buy unless that lottery ticket comes thru, or I remember to bet on ol' Stewball)

Ah, I reasoned to myself, maybe it's not really the guitar. Maybe...it's..the strings. That's it, I thought, I 'll just buy whatever strings are on this guitar and my lil Gibson will sound just like this 8 cylinder Martin. So I enquired at the counter, what strings were on this high performance guitar- and they said -it's the strings that always come out of the guitars from the factory- that is:

MARTIN SP bronze wound.

Light gauge (for a little guitar, the Martin actually came with meduim gauge)

I bought them. I went home and put them on my pretty lil Gibson. And guess what? ?? My guitar sounded just as good as that juggernaut Martin (alright, alright maybe it didn't sound QUITE as good, but quite frankly, I'm no longer in the store, and I don't remember exactly how that Martin sounded, but my Gibson sounds PRETTY DARN GOOD to me- in fact, it sounds better than it's ever sounded before and that's really all that mattters..isn't it?)

How do you like that? After 40 years of playing guitar, I finally found the right strings!!!! Well, better late than never they say.

I know this is a rather longwinded story, but then ...it 's been rather a longwinded journey. Which is done. At last.

I HAVE FINALLY FOUND THE PERFECT STRINGS FOR MY GUITAR!!!!YIPPEE!!!!

Jest thought you might like to know. And thanks for the encouragement; even if I didn't read it on the thread (and quite frankly I MAY have), the enthusasastic folks at Mudcat spurred me on to find them. And saved me $8000 to boot.