What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?

Subject: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: CanadianRambler
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 05:47 PM

Hello everyone. I've been lurking here for a while but finally signed up. First I'd like to say thanks to anyone and everyone that helps run this place, It's a great site and has been a huge help.

Second, does anyone know what brand of strings Jack Elliott uses these days? I've only been playing guitar seriously for a few months now and I'm trying to narrow down what strings I like. I figure what better place to start than my biggest influence? Thanks!

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: Will Fly
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 06:13 PM

I can't tell you what strings RJE uses - but I can say "Hallo and welcome!"

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: GUEST,jeff
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 06:39 PM

Don't know what strings Ramblin' Jack uses but I'll say 2 things: Welcome, even though I'm technically a guest.

For strings I'll recommend Elixer Nanoweb Phospher Bronze Light Gauge .52-.11. They're expensive @ around 15.00US per set, but they'll outlast any other string brand by months.

That's been my experience as I've got a 'string killer' body chemistry and these are the only strings I've ever run across I can use for any length of time.

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: BanjoRay
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 07:32 PM

I've yet to meet two musicians who totally agree on which strings to buy. You've got to go through the process - buy 'em, try 'em and make your mind up in a couple of years. First decide whether you prefer light or standard gauge, then gradually fine tune each string weight. After that you work out which brand makes the ones that suit you best. For banjo, I buy mine individually rather than as a set, because certain strings tend to break more often than others, so I put on a new set once a year (roughly), then replace the broken ones as they happen. Works for me!
Ray

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 07:47 PM

Rambling Jack probably doesnt use many strings at all - He IS 79 !

And as Ray says ,its all personal prefereence , and dependant on your instrument ! My Martin D 35 likes Medium Guage (13 thou first wereas the Tanglewood pretty box likes Lights (12 thou) - I havent sorted the Cheapo 12 string out yet ! as to Brand , D'Addario work for me , but thats just MY choice .

And welcome to The Cat !

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: kendall
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 08:47 PM

He liked my guitar and at the time I was using D'Adario medium phosphor bronze.

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: dwditty
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 09:02 PM

J16's for me...but you will have to make your own choice. Welcome, btw.

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: Amos
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 09:31 PM

I use D'Addario Extended Play mediums on my D35 and it sounds just like Rambling Jack's...

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: michaelr
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 10:32 PM

Amos, are those phosphor bronze? What makes them Extended Play?

I've been playing Elixir Nanos for a while on my Lowden, and I like how well they last, but I'm missing some of that low-mid tone.

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: tritoneman
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 02:43 AM

I don't know what strings Ramblin' Jack uses but I imagine whatever type they are, they won't be a light gauge. As has been mentioned earlier, strings are very much a personal choice and of course, much depends on the type of guitar that you've got. I use Elixir Nanoweb phosphor bronze medium gauge on my 1957 Gibson J200 but use Newtone Heritage 'low Tension'light gauge on my Lowden S12. The Newtone strings are a joy to play on and the little Lowden positively sings with them...

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: scouse
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 05:04 AM

Jack played my Lowden a few years back and commented on it's sound and ease of playing I was using D'Addario at the time but now use Elixir Phospher Bronze Light Gauge. Welcome to the mad House.

As Aye,

Phil.

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: Allan C.
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 05:49 AM

I don't know if it had anything to do with RJE's choice of strings, but I'll tell you a short tale about him and his guitar that may possibly have a connection.

A few years ago Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion were performing at the Common Ground on the Hill folk festival in Westminster, Maryland. It had rained and was still misty when they began their show from under the sparse protection of a small roof. The audience braved wet benches and the threat of rain while Sarah and Johnny waited for some sort of electrical and sound system issues to be rectified by the stage staff. After a lengthy wait, Sarah and Johnny started their first song. They had sung only a few bars when Johnny called a halt. His guitar had gone out of tune. Johnny struggled and struggled with retuning and made one other false start with the intro to the song; but the moist air was taking its toll on every effort he made.

Ramblin' Jack suddenly appeared under the stage shelter. He had already finished his first show of the day and had come to watch theirs. RJE offered his guitar to Johnny. Johnny gave its tuning a quick tweak and the show began almost without further incident. I said: almost. Although the guitar held its tuning throughout the show, the sound system failed once again. Troopers that they are, Sarah and Johnny stepped closer to the audience and continued the performance without mikes until the problem was fixed.

Now, I don't know if it was Ramblin' Jack's guitar or his choice of strings or both. I do know that Sarah and Johnny were extremely grateful that at least the tuning issue was not a problem for the rest of the show.

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: CanadianRambler
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 04:31 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I seem to have the same 'string killer' chemistry(and a bad habit of not wiping down my strings after I play) so I'll be sure to give the elixers a try. It took me a good year and a half to find the banjo strings I like, I suppose its all just part of the fun eh?

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: scouse
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 05:29 PM

Go for it old fellow............
as Aye,
Phil

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 10:22 PM

Jack uses mediums I think. If you have trouble with stringkiller hands like I do, when you change strings, tune the guitar up to pitch, and then don't touch it for 24 hours. I used to be able to kill a set in 15 minutes before I discovered this trick. Now they will last a month (or more) if you let them settle in before you start pounding on them.


Mark Ross

Subject: RE: What strings does Ramblin' Jack use?
From: breezy
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 08:28 AM

I've been through the lotion my time! yes and some, Martin . D'addarios, cheap and others, but Elixir last and last and last due to the coating and they are easier to slide up and down the neck resulting in little or no squeak.

and they last and last and last

and go on and on and on

do you know the offside rule ?

Janet does