strings for dadgad tuning

Subject: strings for dadgad tuning
From: johncharles
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 02:38 AM

which are better for DADGAD tuning light or Heavy strings?
John

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 02:43 AM

You want a DADGAD set - heavier fattest string adn heavier two lightest strings. THey come in gauges similarly to other strings.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 02:46 AM

It's pretty nigh impossible to get Heavy Gauge strings nowadays, Mediums (usually 13-56) are as heavy as it gets.

You don't say where you are? If in the UK, Eagle Music sell their own sets of Newtone DADGAD sets which are a mixture of light and medium gauges. THey're in Eagle-Newtone packaging, but they're Newtone strings (which means very high, hand-made, quality), and only around 6 quid a set.

Otherwise, if you're not so finnicky, a set of standard mediums (13-56) will work fine. I use lights on my OM for DADGAD and they're **OK**, but mediums feel better.

Usual disclaimers apply - IMHO, YMMV, IOSBTBDO, etc.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 02:49 AM

So, in summary, aye to what Richard said.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: johncharles
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 02:50 AM

Thanks. I did'nt realise you could buy DADGAD sets.
John

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: johncharles
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 02:54 AM

I shall get off to eagle music later today. Thanks
John

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 02:59 AM

Glad to help, Steve and his family are very nice people to deal with.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Will Fly
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 04:15 AM

Just a word of caution - if you happen to be putting heavy gauge strings on to a guitar which has, until now, been fitted with medium or light gauge strings, be careful that the neck action is adjusted to take the heavier gauge.

You may be playing in DADGAD tuning but you still have to fret the strings, so you don't want to (a) strain your guitar neck (b) have a hard action which makes playing difficult.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Deskjet
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 04:58 AM

I'd just use the gauge that the guitar ordinarily uses when in standard - so as you can change back and forth in tunings at will - yes there will be a difference in neck relief according to the tuning, but not an issue in my opinion.
The other alternative is to have a guitar specifically for DADGAD, then you can set it up as best suits.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Jack's Rake
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 05:26 AM

"The other alternative is to have a guitar specifically for DADGAD, then you can set it up as best suits."

... which is what I do. Martin 80/20s, medium gauge.

Having said that I can, sort of, recommend the Eagle Newtone DADGAD sets. I used to use these all the time; DADGAD sets for one guitar and standard light gauge for the other. These strings, to my ears, had the best sound of any I've used and tended to last longer than others before going scuzzy. Sadly, though, I had a period of time when roughly one in three 3rd (G) strings snapped when I first put them on the guitar plus a similar number going in gigs. I discussed this with Steve who had a look at my guitars and assured me nobody else was reporting this issue. It kept happening, though, so I decided to try out all the other types I could find and settled on the Martins, none of which have ever snapped when being put on the guitar and which only very rarely go whilst playing - usually when I've left them too long before changing (the Newtone ones often used to go first time out).

I stopped using the Newtone strings probably three years ago and I assume that they will have identified and dealt with the issue which is why I tentatively recommend them. I've got used to the sound of the Martins now, though and don't intend to return to the Newtones.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 06:01 AM

Will makes a good point about action.

However, if your guitar is well set up for lights (say 12-54) in standard tuning, a set of mediums (13-56) with three of the strings at reduced tension for DADGAD shouldn't present a huge difference in action, if any noticeable difference at all - on my Dread, I have mediums (13-56) which I tune standard, Drop D, Double Drp-D and DADGAD without any noticeable effect on action-height. Likewise the lights (12-54) on the OM.

It's always a good idea to know the maximum and minimum gauges recommended by the builder of your instrument - if you stay within those parameters, the likelihood of string-tension causing damage to the guitar is minimal.

Usual disclaimers - IMHO, YMMV, IOSBTBDO, etc.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: alex s
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 06:54 AM

for DADGAD I have started using Elixir Medium/light - 12-56, which I am happy with so far although I have yet to do a long gig with them. But they are expensive.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Silas
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 07:22 AM

Well, yer learn something every day! I never knew that there were special string sets for DADGAD.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 08:04 AM

D'Addario EJ24 Phosphor Bronze True Medium DADGAD Tuning .013-.056

£6.95 at Strings Direct.

Newtones are one of only two brands of string that I have put on and then taken off immediately and thrown away. Sounded like rubber bands. The other was Red something-or-other. Although I have to say that the "Stay-in-Tune" strings (apparently a US trade mark) that came on my ESP that is starting to settle down nicely after a shaky stanrt were pretty crap too.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 08:06 AM

Pierre Bensusan custom ones from Wyres

http://www.pierrebensusan.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=310

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Midchuck
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 08:20 AM

I realize this is mostly a British thread, but two or three manufacturers here in the US make what they call "True Medium" strings, which are actually standard mediums on both Es and the B, and standard lights on the other three strings. The logic behind this is that in a normal guitar set, the A, D, and G are under more tension than the others, and in these sets, the tension on all strings is more nearly equal.

The incidental effect, though, is that if you put them in DADGAD, you have the almost exact equivalent of a standard light set in standard tuning.

Just a thought.

Peter.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Will Fly
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 08:32 AM

Interesting gauge set, there, Peter - they do sound about right for a light DADGAD set. If I was ever into serious DADGAD playing (which I'm not), I think I'd go for that string combination.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 09:02 AM

"Newtones are one of only two brands of string that I have put on and then taken off immediately and thrown away. Sounded like rubber bands.

Proof that we all hear differently, and that the old adage about 'One man's meat' is absolutely true.

People rave about various string brands which I personally wouldn't give house-room to - Elixirs (of any flavour) and D'Addhorribles being two - but that doesn't mean they're shite strings, just that they don't 'Do It' as far as my ears are concerned. It's absolutely a case of YMMV.

FWIW, Newtone Masterclass 12-54s sound like angels' harps in heaven on my Lowden, but not great on the Martins, for which I use Martin MSPs.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 09:51 AM

I just use Martin phosphor bronze light gauge. They work well for what I'm doing. I prefer the bite they have over elixirs.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Will Fly
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 09:55 AM

Strings are a very personal thing, aren't they! I used to use Martin Phosphor Bronze - had to take 'em off as they lasted me about a day before going brown and losing their ring (my hands).

D'Addarios were a disappointment. Then I tried Elixir Bronze Nanoweb - perfect. Polywebs - disappointment. Now I used Elixir Phosphor Bronze Nanowebs - which keep their tone and clarity on my guitars for a long time.

The variables appear to be: the strings, the guitars, and the owners' ears! :-)

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 09:59 AM

I use martin medium, personally i would not use heavy string for anything, as i prefer to fingerpick, and do not find heavy strings satisfactory.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 10:17 AM

"The variables appear to be: the strings, the guitars, and the owners' ears! :-)"

How true Will! But you forgot the 4th variable - the player's skill! :-)

Dick, you'd be very hard-pressed indeed to find sets of heavy-gauge strings anywhere nowadays. Mediums (13-56) are about as heavy as they get, IME.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Sep 11 - 08:04 PM

You won't get heavies in your average shop. But you can get them on the internet. However, you ain't going to want to put them on a flat-top and tune to E. If you want to tune to D or C or a related tuning then you need to consider where the core sound of your guitar is. Take the strings off and sing into the soundhole and listen for the notes that resonate.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: JHW
Date: 22 Jul 21 - 06:01 AM

I use a resonator guitar for my open tuning. Seems to suit it and no waiting to retune other guitar and back. Never thought of specific strings. Just use same d'addarios.

I wouldn't believe a one day offer.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: The Sandman
Date: 22 Jul 21 - 07:32 AM

Martin Carthy uses heavy gauge and has never said to me, that he found any difficulty in getting them

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: GUEST,James Phillips
Date: 22 Jul 21 - 08:22 AM

"However, you ain't going to want to put them on a flat-top and tune to E"

Why not? I used to use gauge 14's for fingerpicking, tuned to concert pitch. The only reason why I stopped was because I was advised to use a lighter set after a finicky bridge repair (nothing to do with the strings, but the repair left my bridge more fragile than it originally was).

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: gillymor
Date: 22 Jul 21 - 09:16 AM

I've got about 10 tunes I fingerpick in DADGAD and I keep a 000 Martin with a 25 1/2" scale strung with a set of D'Addario EJ24's, (.013,.017,.024,.032,.042,.056) for that purpose. Tried Elixirs and didn't like the feel and Newtones are great but they got too rich for my blood after I retired. As has been pointed out string choice is a personal matter and one size definitely does not fit all.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 22 Jul 21 - 09:59 AM

”As has been pointed out string choice is a personal matter and one size definitely does not fit all.”

Never a truer word spoken, Gilly! What strings this or that player uses is immaterial - what matters is the string brand/gauge/material that suits each individual. The only way to crack that nut is by trial and error, buy different sets and try them until you find the right ones for you.

FWIW, for DADGAD on my Lowden, I use the ‘True Medium’ gauges you mention above, but in GHS Phosphor Bronze, set #TM335. Nice, warm-sounding strings.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: gillymor
Date: 22 Jul 21 - 10:18 AM

I'll have to try that GHS set, BW. I didn't know they made one.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: GUEST,#
Date: 22 Jul 21 - 10:27 AM

gillymor, if you Google

GHS Phosphor Bronze, set #TM335

many sites come up. The following is just one of them.

https://www.ebay.com/p/1500125892

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: gillymor
Date: 22 Jul 21 - 10:30 AM

Thanks,#. The time for my annual string changing is fast approaching :).

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 22 Jul 21 - 11:01 AM

Not sure where you are, Gilly. If the UK, check out Strings Direct...

https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: gillymor
Date: 22 Jul 21 - 11:22 AM

Florida, USA, BW. I found and ordered a set from
Sweetwater.com . Heckuva price with no tax and free shipping from a first rate outfit that I've been dealing with for a long time.

Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 22 Jul 21 - 11:24 AM

Yeah, I did seem to recall you’re in the US. Hope they work out for you!