Silk and Steel strings

Subject: RE: Help: Silk and Steel strings
From: CraigS
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 09:51 PM

I started using La Bella Silk and Steel because I saw Stefan Grossman putting them on his guitar at a gig thirty years ago. I found the lower tension made playing easier on my tomato slicer, but when I moved to a guitar with an easier action I found that they were too slack in dropped tunings. Using a lot of tunings also makes them break more frequently than standard bronze strings. Martin S&S used to break more than La Bella, but the silver plating lasted longer. I tried some Fender S&S once - they were slightly higher tension, sounded good, lasted longer than Martin or La Bella S&S, included some plastic film in with the silk. Haven't used them for ten years - bronzes last three times longer.

Subject: RE: Help: Silk and Steel strings
From: GUEST,Andrew
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 12:45 PM

Thanks all. I will certainly try them. In fact I've picked up a set of D'Addario J-40 Folk Silk&Steels. I'm busy trying to wear out my current set so I can give the Silk&Steels a try.

All the best, Andrew

Subject: RE: Help: Silk and Steel strings
From: Willie-O
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 12:13 PM

I'm using GHS silk & bronze lights on my O-18 currently. They are nice, and cost about two-thirds the price of Elixirs, to which I have become habituated.

The comment about their relative lack of longevity and volume are no doubt accurate, but they are good for putting on the guitar that you don't play constantly, but want to sound good when you do pick it up.

W-O

Subject: RE: Help: Silk and Steel strings
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 10:55 AM

When I first started playing, I used silk and steels because I din't know any better. Now I occasionally throw a set on my 0015 for a change of pace. They do sound nice on a small-bodied finger-picking guitar, but they lack the bass response I want from a D or J.

The sound does get muddy a little quicker than PB's. If you play a lot and leave them on too long the frets notch out the wound strings (due to the winding wire being a softer composition than bronze-wounds). I use Martins, but that's just because it's the only brand any of our local music stores carry at a reasonable price.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Help: Silk and Steel strings
From: Suffet
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 10:35 AM

When I used to own a tiny old Martin 2-17 I would string it with silk and steel. The sound was rich in tone but very quiet. I would use that guitar only when singing in a living room, or when practicing while someone else was trying to get some sleep. I eventually traded the 2-17 for a Martin 0-15 which I string with extra light gauge steel.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Silk and Steel strings
From: Dharmabum
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 08:03 AM

Martin also makes silk & steel.
I use them on my old parlor guitar as the ladder bracing can't withstand the tension caused by steel strings.

I like the tone & they produce a fair amount of volume.
I like the D'addarios also,but the Martins are only about 8 bucks a set.

DB.

Subject: RE: Help: Silk and Steel strings
From: C-flat
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 07:40 AM

There's some here on Daddarios' mail order site. I've never tried them so I may give them a go myself.

Subject: RE: Help: Silk and Steel strings
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 06:57 AM

I always used La Bella Silk & Steel, but can't find them, anymore, unfortunately! That was on my old Epiphone FT85 12 string, I think they sounded good, but I don't think that they lasted as long as the steel ones.
Giok

Subject: RE: Help: Silk and Steel strings
From: smallpiper
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 05:06 AM

Long ago when I used to play the geetar I used silk and steel strings - I loved them, the tone was fantastic. I may return to twanging the geetar in the future and will be looking for silk and steel strings once more.

Subject: RE: Help: Silk and Steel strings
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 11:45 PM

I used them for many years, but haven't even seen them around anymore. I liked them because they were light, and had a great sound to them. If you can pick up a set, try them...

Jerry

Subject: Silk and Steel strings
From: AndyJim
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 11:35 PM

Any comments on silk & steel? Slightly richer sound? Not as loud as steel? Last as long? Any good?

All the best, Andrew