Guitar players: What strings you usin'?

Subject: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Bobert
Date: 24 Mar 03 - 08:51 PM

So what strings do folks like. I've always played D'Addario's with an .013 1sr but have just tried some John Pearse's which don't seem to sound the same when playing bottleneck.

But waht are others playing?

Bobert

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Cluin
Date: 24 Mar 03 - 10:50 PM

I like D'addarios and J.P.s. Very nice strings which sound good right away (I always prefer a more "played-in" sound).

But in the last little while, I've been using Martin SPs. They sound good right away too and last a long time for me, but for some reason I don't break them as often as the others.

Or maybe I'm developing a lighter touch with the pick. I doubt it though...

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Benjamin
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 12:18 AM

The cheapest D'Addario's I can find.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 12:29 AM

I'm not what you call an expert guitarist, but I've become a fan of the D'Addario EXP coated strings. They were wonderful when I lived in Hilo, the rainiest town in the U.S., where standard strings lasted about 2 weeks. They feel good (I've heard that Elixirs feel "slippery"--these don't), sound great, and keep sounding good for a long time.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 12:30 AM

Everyone of them.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Kaleea
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 03:24 AM

Give a looksee at all of the threads listed above. Depends on the guitar, what kind of sound one wants, how one plays, the playing style, etc, etc, etc, as to what are the best strings. I have been using Martin Marquis Light gauge for over 20 years on my 1964 Gibson J-45. I like the sound. But then, I'm a finger---oops, I mean fangerpicker! I only rarely use a flatpick when it's needed to hear the struming in a setting with no sound equip, or when I must strum because of the style of the music. I tried the elixers, the durn things broke--the 6th!! & the 4th!! I've never in all my life had a 6th or 4th string break----until then.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Greycap
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 03:30 AM

Martin Mediums on both the D-28 and the D-18 ( flatpicked )- I've tried all kinds, but these seem constant & good.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: alanabit
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 03:39 AM

I really like Maxima strings when I can afford them if they are available. They last longer and as I have truly atrocious right hand technique, it is good to have strings which are nearly unbreakable! I only really like the sound of very new Martins - I mean the first three days. They have an advantage for a busker though, because if you break them at the bridge, you can rewind them and use them again. They are cheap too...

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Gurney
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 05:35 AM

D'Addario light. I'm no expert though. I love the sound Martins make for 3 or 4 days, but then they go dead for me, and the balls break off too readily. (From the strings, I hasten to point out.)
DonMeixner: All the way down too, I bet.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: GUEST,a picker!
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 05:59 AM

D'Addario's...I've tried everything out there and for me they are tops. That's an opinion which is based on 38 years of pickin flat tops so I've tried more than a few brands in my day.

As for the coated strings I keep them on a guitar I always have laying around and seldom put in a case. You know ...when the urge strikes and you don't want to pull the heavy equipment out of the case. The coated Dad's stay bright for a really long time. They do sound thinner however.

Later

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Sandy Creek
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 07:15 AM

www.gtstrings.com

Guthrie Thomas phosphor bronze strings...

Medium and light gauge 6 string...$3.75 per set, light gauge 12 string..$5.25 per set

As good as any you can buy especially if you go through as many sets as I do 'cause I buy and sell as many as 12 acoustics a week. Check out the above website for other guitar related stuff.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: IanC
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 07:18 AM

Oh dear!

I just read this as "what string" ... just had to say, how about Garden Twine?

Sorry. Tears streaming. Ian

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: HuwG
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 08:40 AM

I have a (most of) a set of Elixirs on an acoustic, which I have been using for more than a year. They have turned an unpleasant shade of green around the second and third frets, but do not suffer from buzz or any loss of tone.


I usually carry a set of cheap strings (various Ernie Balls, and whatever I can, ahem, acquire, at sessions), as emergency spares; I suspect that once Elixirs have worn out, they will have been worked absolutely to death, and there will be no point in keeping old Elixirs as spares.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 09:37 AM

D'Addario PB's of various gauges on most of my guitars. My Santa Cruz OM really likes Elixirs for some reason, but I can't afford them any more so I'm trying to break it of the habit.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: OBM
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 09:45 AM

JP phosphor bronze lights. Great strings - sound nice and last for ever. I routinely get 12 shows out of a set, then I change them as they might break even though they still sound OK.

For those folks in the UK I would mention Malcolm Newton's Newtone brand - excellent too, but _very_ bright until they're played in a bit.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Kim C
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 09:50 AM

I like D'Addario J-something or other, medium. They sound great on my little guitar. Mister likes Dean Markley Medium Light for his big ol' Washburn.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: breezy
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 10:19 AM

I play acoustic, I now use
poly web Elixir - better than nano and all martins an d'adarrio
I have moved on
I was introduced to them by Brook guitars of Devon England who fit them on all their new hand made guitars.
They are more expensive but last a very long time saving money in the long term.Boy they last along time
They feel great and do not tarnish or rust.
Used in conjunction with a speed pick they make a terrific combo.
Why use a dunlop thumb pick when Speed pick make the guitar sound like it can.
Its a long time since I broke a string !! -kiss of death??
My only concern is how long will it take for the coating to wear out and my anser is --ages

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 10:28 AM

Actually Martin Bronze lights, and I only use them in middle.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: mooman
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 10:45 AM

Elixir Polywebs (.012 - .053)....prefer them to the Nanowebs and D'Addario XPs and they last much much longer with an excellent sound (at least on my guitar used every day) than uncoated strings.

Best regards,

moo

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 11:13 AM

strings ??? Threads??? no idea just shake your eggs.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: DADGBE
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 11:40 AM

Being a giging player, I knock the living bejabers out of strings. It's a rare contra dance where I don't break at least one, usually a 3rd and/or 4th string. After about 50 years of pounding, John Pearce are the only brand that NEVER had a dead string right out of the package, based on about 250 sets I've used. They must have some quality controls that the others are missing.

That being said, I can't afford 'em. I save 'em for recording dates but for other playing it's bulk packaged Martin Phosphor Bronze lights. I get 'em 4 dozen sets at a time, unwrapped, for about $1.25 (US Dollars) per set. Over all, a little bit of tonal weakness is a cheap price to pay.

On the classical guitar it's a different story. The variation between poor, sorta ok, good and great strings is much greater than the range of steel strings. Bad nylon strings sound like rubber bands even on a fine instrument and the better your guitar, the more difference the strings make. My Ramirez A-1 is like an Italian countess. She'll kick me out of bed if I don't treat her right. Treat her to the finest nylon and, WOW! I use Saverez Corum Alliance 500 AJ's (at about $25 per set!)

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Grab
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 12:05 PM

Dean Markley Vintage Bronze - they go really nicely on my guitar, and make it sound a damn sight better than it is. Unfortunately I seem to be the only person in Cambridge who uses them, bcos both guitar shops have stopped stocking them. :-(

D'Addarios have always struck me as, well, *average*. Nothing really bad, but they're completely lacking in any kind of "snap" which I'd expect from new strings. Martins never did anything for me either.

The only really *bad* strings I've ever bought were a set of D'Aquistos. That's the only time I've ever taken off the new strings and restrung with the old ones!

Graham.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 01:19 PM

Strings are as much a matter of personal preference as instruments.I
like the D'Addarios - They sound OK and last a reasonable time and are NOT bank busters when bought from Highly Strung.com, my mate Nigel.The last time I put Martins on my D35 it took twenty minutes for the first one to break!Yet I know people who swear by Martin strings.Lke I said,its all personal preference.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Larkin
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 01:23 PM

D'Addario Phosphor bronze for the past 20 odd years on my C2 Martin and my fave, a very old (32 years) Fg140 Yamaha. I've gradually got heavier over the years- always used Ultra light but now on J16s. I tried the coated D'adds but they died within a week - Very disappointing.
Martin

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: GaryDon
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 01:24 PM

I'm surprised I have read my strings yet DRs. I use them on all of guitars. Guild; Lowden and Hoffman. Unwraped strings that last a long time for me

Gary®

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Naemanson
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 01:27 PM

While in California I broke a string on my Martin Backpacker guitar. I found a set of DR strings that I like, at least for that usage.

I also discovered the Victor Capo! What a delight! Look it up, buy one, and you'll never look back.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 01:38 PM

Yo Brett!

The guy who invented the Victor capo is one of my best friends! He recently sold the design and patent to Jim Dunlop for a six-figure (USD) price plus a dollar per capo for each one Dunlop sells.

Wanna know a secret? The guy doesn't even play guitar. He's a concertina player.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Merritt
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 02:00 PM

Martin 000C-15E ~ tune to EADGBE, Drop D, Open G or Drop A ~ D'Addario Phosphor-Bronze Lights (EJ16s)

Standel 6-String ~ always tuned to open D ~ D'Addario EJ16s

Cort MR710F (maple back/sides) ~ always tuned down to DGCFAD ~ any medium phosphor-bronze strings seem to sound fine on this guitar

- Merritt


"It's all one big note." - F. Zappa

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Whiskey
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 02:27 PM

I've used several over the years....never did like Martin's..but settled on D'Addario EJ16's years ago.
However, last time my guitar went for a bit of work, it came back with D'Orazio light gauge (.11/.50). I was amazed at how long they lasted...easily two times longer than the D'Addario's.
I stuck some on a Crafter I use for studio work, back in December and they are still sounding true....Can't believe how cheap they are!!!

Whiskey

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 02:49 PM

I have always had good luck with Guild medium bronze phosphors. These are not always easy to find lately, but I do get them regularly from Elderly Instruments catalogue.

Great for rhythmn and flat-picking. Very bright and last quite long.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 03:10 PM

I admit I know nearly nuttin about strings these days, but I do the same as Kaylee, Martin Marquis Lights. I am the lucky part owner of one ringin MartinDM. It has now settled down and I try to fingerpick a few old favorites like Rubber Dolly etc...

I used play an Aria Acoustic, it rocked! - preferred any old bronze wound. So it depends on what you are playing.

I know very little about the big names except the box I now play. Since I am a like case of G-A-S I tend to avoid shops containing good brands.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Jim Colbert
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 05:34 PM

I love Elixirs... I know some of the purists poo-poo them, but for me they're comfortable, minimize finger squeaks and last near-forever on my taylors.

I didn't like the Martin coated strings as well; but the d'addario coated ones were also quite nice- I kind of stick with the elixirs out of habit now.

Jim

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 10:30 PM

Martin Phosphor bronze Medium gauge. I have a reasonably light but firm touch, and I rarely if ever break a string while picking. I use them on all 4 of my guitars and like the brightness of tone.
I can't stand Elixirs. I like to deaden the strings myself - I don't like them to come pre-deadened.
Oh yeah, I change my strings every week, so I buy them in bulk just like ol' DADGBE up there.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Genie
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 01:13 AM

Elixirs (extra light) when I can.

The Elixir folks really do stand behind their guarantee that they'll last 3 times as long (without breaking or going bad) as other strings or they'll give you your money back. I had a couple of Elixir strings break fairly quickly a year or two ago. I'll never completely know why (though in retrospect I suspect it may have been a problem with my Sigma's plastic saddle), but when I called Elixir about it, they gladly replaced both strings and sent me two brand new sets to boot.

The Elixirs do last longer, and I like the way they feel.   But I also buy some high E strings and some B's in bulk, since they break most often. I also keep a few $2 and $3 sets of strings (Dean Markley, Martin, D'Addario, etc.) around as spares. I don't usually buy the Elixirs unless they're on sale.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 07:05 AM

Well I now use Martin Light on both my D28, and my old Kalamazoo/ Epiphone 12 string. I always used and preferred La Bella strings, but can't find them any more.
Giok

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: mooman
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 07:15 AM

Dear Giok,

I can still get La Bellas here in Belgium if you ever want them sending over (used to use them but have now changed to Elixirs).

moo

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: GUEST,Marco B.
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 11:03 AM

For my Taylor: D'Addario Phosphor-Bronze Extra-Light.
Easy to play and good for finger-picking (NOT for flat-picking!).

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: CraigS
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 05:17 PM

I have a guitar that likes La Bella Criterions better than anything else, but it usually gets a set of Martins because that's what I can get locally. If you've got a guitar with a tender front or a high action, I'd recommend La Bella Silk and Steel. If you want a set to last for years, I have found Gibson Mona metal strings very durable (but a bit dead to start with). Rotosound are my favourites for electrics.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: breezy
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 05:31 PM

fg 140 ,you cant be serious!
had one and an fg 300,I've moved on a long way since those days and got real guitars now.
elixir already deadened?,get your ears syringed!!
Must find out about this 'Victor'capo
Spoon now put away.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: GUEST,Yenna the Cat
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 05:40 PM

For Martin HD-28 - previously D'Addario Bronze 12, Phosphor Bronze 11, then EXPs 11, nowadays ELixir 11 - absolutely the best strings: clear tone and the longest life (but rather expensive).
Yenna

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 07:43 PM

Breezy, seriously, I like the bright metallic sound of new strings, and I find that the Elixirs with their "skin" sound kind of muffled, and don't ring out.
I was given a dozen sets as a promo at a festival once, tried a set, didn't like them and gave the other 11 sets away.
Whatever floats your boat.
The Martin Phosphor Bronze Mediums work very well for me.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: GUEST,vl
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 08:05 PM

John Pearse phos. bronze. Mediums on my Lowden and lights (and sometimes D'Addario Bluegrass, .012-.056) on my Collings OM. I like Elixirs but also like the rush of new strings (on the 2nd day) so I change up pretty frequently. vl

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Paul G.
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 10:26 PM

Elixir nanowebs on the Taylor -- D'addario EJ 16s on the Guild. I change the EJ's about bi-weekly as the Guild is my open-D tuned guitar and doesn't get 10% of the play time the Taylor 514 C does. -- the nanos on the Taylor last me a good month with decent sound and feel.

pg

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: ddw
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 11:04 PM

D'Addario phosphor bronze mediums (.013 high E) on my Guild, Palmer and Cort -- the Palmer being tuned pretty consistantly to open D and the others in standard or drop D.

I was a bit surprised to find my National Steel came from the factory with the same strings. Not sure they're D'Addarios, but they're definitely P/B .013s and they sound great, so I'll stick with them. I keep it tuned to open G or open D almost all the time.

cheers

david

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Bob Hitchcock
Date: 27 Mar 03 - 09:32 AM

I used to play John Pearse, but now use DR's. I put them on all my accoustics (Martin HD-28, Fylde Falstaff) and they sound great, stay in tune and last forever.

Their electric strings are pretty good too!

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: GUEST,linnet
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 07:41 PM

can someone tell me what the hell is nashville tuning?

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 08:44 PM

Nashville, also known as "high strung" tuning is essentially the high strings from a 12-string set. The high E and B strings are the same as regular standard tuning, but the other four strings are an octave above standard.

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Mark Clark
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 08:46 PM

There is a thread currently active called Nashville tuning-what gauge strings? that explains it. Basically it's the same as standard tuning save that strings 3-6 are an octave higher than standard.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: Amos
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 08:48 PM

Thanks to advice from the Gaelic Goddess I recently got a set of Thomastik Infeld acoustic Spectrum Bronze strings. Best strings I have ever had bar none. I love them and their tone and clarity is distinctly better than other kinds.

A

Subject: RE: Guitar players: What strings you usin'?
From: songs2play
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 05:30 AM

D'Addario EJ16's - From stringbusters.com - next day delivery. Good price.
Hey, I'm starting to sound like an advert.