Guitar strings - What's your favorite?

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 19 Apr 16 - 08:34 PM

D'Addario Phosphor Bronze Mediums on my 6 string, though they just sent me a set of the Nickel Bronze which seem to be pretty good. On my 12 string I use a custom set for Lead Belly tuning; .014-.014, .018-.018,
.026-.026, .036-.018, .046-.018, .070-.014, tuned down to B


Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: GUEST,DTM
Date: 19 Apr 16 - 01:57 PM

I like Elixir strings.
My mate uses Ernie Ball strings.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: GUEST,LynnH
Date: 19 Apr 16 - 01:47 PM

Martin bronze extra light gauge.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: GUEST,big dog
Date: 19 Apr 16 - 01:26 PM

I have a lot of sabine new and want to sell them they are called nitroStasis premium any body know . what they are worth?? a lot of them new. thanks

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Oct 98 - 12:01 PM

Just an update. I put on a set of DRS Rare Phosphor Bronze about two days ago. They sound gorgeous on old Blondie (my 1964 Guild 12). We will see how they hold up, but I suspect they will last very well based on the feel of them. As 12 string players know, its the octave G string that most often fails, due to its very small diameter. But so far, so good, they sound very good. I'll keep you posted.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Oct 98 - 11:55 AM

Just an update. I put on a set of DRS Rare Phosphor Bronze about two days ago. They sound gorgeous on old Blondie (my 1964 Guild 12). We will see how they hold up, but I suspect they will last very well based on the feel of them. As 12 string players know, its the octave G string that most often fails, due to its very small diameter. But so far, so good, they sound very good. I'll keep you posted.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Rockaday Johnny
Date: 23 Sep 98 - 02:02 AM

Did you keep your OM away from Martin Carthy? I bet he can take care of the Elixers in a single song...Just keep frailing away!

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: steve t
Date: 23 Sep 98 - 12:43 AM

I liked a set of Woodstock that I bought once. GHS broke more easily than anything I've tried. Martin Marquis were the worst sounding freshly strung, but the best sounding after a couple of weeks. I use D'Addario phosphor bronze now for the same reason one might buy Black Diamond Strings: 'cause you can buy D'Addario replacements easily. The absolute worst strings I bought were the former hexagonal core D'Addario phosphor bronze -- beautiful sound...for about two days. And I'm in a cold, dry climate.

Steve

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Big Mick
Date: 22 Sep 98 - 11:33 PM

In the beginning of this thread, I mentioned Nitrostasis strings which were marketed by Sabine for a while. Does anyone know if anybody else is selling strings which are packaged in an inert gas like this? They came out of the package so fresh and great sounding that I would love to find them again.

Mick

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Dan Keding
Date: 22 Sep 98 - 10:57 PM

I've used several brands looking for the Holy Grail of strings. I put a set of Elixirs on my OM Larrivee in late June. They're still on even after a tour of England and Ireland and they sound fine. Not the best sounding string, though they sound good, I've used but by far the longest lasting.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Bert
Date: 22 Sep 98 - 01:41 PM

I tried a set of Elixirs, The sound is OK, but nothing special. It's too soon to say how long they will last but they got to looking dingy after a week or so.

I was thinking of getting a batch of generic strings and putting together some biased sets to suit different guitars. Using heavier strings in those areas where the guitar is weak.
For example, my old Yamaha could use a little help at the low end. Perhaps a heavier gauge on the 5th & 6th strings would help.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Frank in the swamps
Date: 22 Sep 98 - 01:40 AM

Murray is right about the instruments responding differently, but Andres' remark about sweating made me realize that climate can be a big factor also. I live in a hot, humid place (Fla.) and my nylon strings all wanna turn to rubber and my steel strings all wanna rust. My Thomastiks last about 4 weeks, even six in a pinch, but I wipe them down with a cloth after I'm finished playing. Truth is, I prefer steel strings after they have been on a guitar long enought to lose that fresh trebly sound, but still have the longest sustain possible.

John Pearse was my choice before I found a Thom/Inf. dealer. Frank i.t.s.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Songbob
Date: 21 Sep 98 - 04:39 PM

Elixirs, first choice. Bought a year's supply (three sets!) and have 'em on my main guitar (D-28). Also very much like the John Pearse strings, and have them on most the other guitars (except the classic, which has GHS or Martins on it).

Bought a set of the Tomastiks for the archtop, but haven't changed 'em out yet. We'll see how they sound and feel.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Andre
Date: 20 Sep 98 - 11:14 PM

Here's another vote for Elixirs. Great sound for a good long time. For those of us who indeed sweat alot, they hold up so much better than uncoated strings.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Gene E
Date: 19 Sep 98 - 07:11 PM

I've just recently moved up to a custome set of 16-56 on my Doulian but of all the brands I've tried I like Earnie Ball Phosphor Bronze the best. Lots of people say their junk but they last a long time playing bottleneck. Go figure?

Gene E

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Morris
Date: 19 Sep 98 - 11:55 AM

I recently started using R. Cocco (sp.) Red package. 11 or 12 on accoustic (depending on style being played) 10 or 11 on electric. These strings have very good sound and are gentle on the fingers.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Jack mostly folk
Date: 17 Sep 98 - 11:39 PM

I use Euphonon Strings which are of high quality and cost a fraction of those fancy packaged strings. My medium Phosphorus wound string sets average about $3.00 a set. I've been using them for ten years.Contact by snail mail only and ask for a price list. Euphonon Co, Orford NH 03777. Jack.....

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Nielsen
Date: 17 Sep 98 - 02:32 PM

I´ve tried a lot of different strings. I prefer "Thomastic-infeld" Plectrum 110.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Allan S.
Date: 16 Sep 98 - 08:51 PM

Martin Silk and Steel on my Martin oo-18

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Mountain Dog
Date: 16 Sep 98 - 01:37 PM

I usually use Martin Marquis mediums on my Guild D-4; they provide a nicely balanced sound on a nicely balanced guitar.

I have tried a couple of sets of the Gore Elixir mediums recently and agree with clansfolk that they last - and continue to sound good - an incredibly long time. I've found the lower strings tend to "moult" their Goretex coating after about a month or so, but haven't noticed any ill effects on their sound quality or longevity after that's happened.

Even though the inital price is a bit high (averaging about $15 a set in my neck of the woods), I've found they will last 3-4 times as long as a set of the Martins, which I get for about $8 locally. The economics speak for themselves, but there are still times I just like to put on a fresh set of Martins anyway.

If you haven't tried'em yet, I'd say it's worth giving the Elixirs a shot.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Rockaday Johnny
Date: 16 Sep 98 - 10:41 AM

I've just heard rumblings about a fairly recent guitar string brand called "Prairie State" (Like the old Larson bros gtrs) has anyone seen or tried these..they're supposesd to be great..?

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From:
Date: 11 Sep 98 - 09:04 PM

I think it depends upon the guitar. I have an Epiphone dreadnaught which sounds good with Vinci Phosphor Bronze Extra Light strings. It didn't sound so good with D'Adario strings of the same weight. It sounded downright dead with Tomastiks.

On the other hand I bought this parlor-sized guitar at a pawn shop. It is at its best with Tomastik 110 (the lightest) strings. D'Adarios and Vinci extra-light sound too harsh. Of course, this instrument has much lighter bracing.

I would like to add a question to this thread. What is your favorite "sissie" medium strings? I still tend to get sore fingers with D'Adario and Vincis. On the other hand these extra-light ones I am using get too floppy when I tune down a note (eg for open or dropped D tuning.)

Finally, a story brought back to memory by Roger's posting. In the 50s I lived in Philadelphia and there was a high-school student who was a prodigy on the violin. He played as concertmaster in the all Phila orchestra and was given a Strad on loan.

With the Strad he was given instructions to take good care of it, and especially not to let it out of his hands.

Well the All Philly was accompanying Stern playing a violin concerto. During the concerto Stern's string broke.

It is the custom for somebody in the first desk to give the soloist his/her fiddle to continue playing and to replace the string on the soloist's instrument as quickly as possible.

Now you have probably guessed what happened. Stern reached for the Strad and the young fiddler held onto it for dear life, remembering his instructions.

I won't say it was the highlight of the concert; but it is the only thing I remember.

Murray

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Frank in the swamps
Date: 11 Sep 98 - 03:22 PM

I was never happy with any of the steel strings I tried until I came across the Thomastik-Infelds. I'm willing to pay the price because they not only play & sound well, but they last longer than any other steels I've tried. For nylon I use Savarez, mainly because they have a high tension, which is good if you're switching back & forth with steel. Frank I.T.S.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: clansfolk
Date: 11 Sep 98 - 02:04 PM

The Gortex strings are expensive! but have actually saved me money... I tried a set of the Gore Elixir lights (12-53's) on my Manuel Rodregrez steel strung. Normally I change strings every week (sometimes even twice a week!) as I tend to sweat a lot.

The set I put on the M.R. have now been on for 6 weeks!!! still sound bright (and look it) have also done 2 festivals (playing outside by the sea for 6-7 hours a day)as well as the usually clubs. I love the feel of the strings the only problem being that they are so smooth at first I overshot the frets (I think I need new brakes on the old fingers).

Take a risk - they may please you as much as the have me - I just ordered a box of ten sets ( could this be a years supply?) - and you may even save some pounds / dollars / whatever.

Keep strumming

Pete

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Roger Himler
Date: 10 Sep 98 - 09:54 PM

I string my Martin D-28 and my Guild 12-string with D'Addario Phosphor Bronze lights. Both guitars are quite loud and quite old so they do best with light strings. I tried Adamus lights for quite a while and like them, but they are much harder to find nowadays.

The D'Addario's stay bright a reasonably long time, and though I change tunings, and sometimes bang out the Delta blues, I have never had a breakage problem. I had that problem with several other string brands, including Martin.

Some performers seem to break strings with some regularity. At first I thought it was their playing style, but I think now it is more the string or tuning peg's fault.

One of my favorite folk memories comes from the old Hootenanny show. I believe it was Paul Prestipino (corrections welcome) backing the Chad Mitchell Trio. He broke a string during a song and changed it, all the while playing enough guitar to keep the song moving.

I remain in awe and would not believe it if I hadn't seen it on TV (which may mean I'm truly gullable).

You may want to check the thread "Black Diamond Strings" to get Guy Clark's opinion of one brand.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Dave T
Date: 10 Sep 98 - 07:32 PM

I use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze lights. I've tried GHS and John Pearce also. Probably the nicest sounding are Thomastik strings, but I don't feel like paying that much! The D'Addarios sound nice and last well for me. I use them on my '67 000-18 as well as my other guitars that I keep in open G & D. The strings seem to be real versatile, so I don't have to keep a bunch of different sets around for different guitars and tunings.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Dave T
Date: 10 Sep 98 - 07:29 PM

I use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze lights. I've tried GHS and John Pearce also. Probably the nicest sounding are Thomastik strings, but I don't feel like paying that much! The D'Addarios sound nice and last well for me. I use them on my '67 000-18 as well as my other guitars that I keep in open G & D. The strings seem to be real versatile, so I don't have to keep a bunch of different sets around for different guitars and tunings.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Earl
Date: 10 Sep 98 - 03:49 PM

For a while I was using brass strings because I liked the brightness but the bass wasn't deep enough and they had to be be changed too frequently. Now I use Dean Markley bronze, medium light. It seems to be a good compromise.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Rockaday Johny
Date: 10 Sep 98 - 10:24 AM

I use Everly Phospher on Most of My Guitars -They sound great on my 1943 D18, my 66 0-21 and '72 D 41 I think John Pearce sound better on my Gibsons - a 43 J100 and a 44 Southern Jumbo as well as on my 77 OM-45 Martin and my '34 00-42 for some reason the ONLY strings that sound good on my 1950 000-18 are DRS - The Everly String Company is owned by Phil and run by his son Jason -Like D'addario but a hair better.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: FIDDLER MIKE
Date: 10 Sep 98 - 09:26 AM

I've found that string material and construction, is much more important than brand name. Brass and Bronze give a brighter tone but dull or corrode faster. Phosphor Bronze tend to last somewhat longer. If you want a richer but somewhat softer sound Monel is available. "Silk and Steel" are somewhat muted but easy to play and are great to mellow out a rough sounding instrument. I like D'Addario Flat Tops (which are a semi flat wound Phosphor Bronze)on my Martin.

Mike

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: DWDitty
Date: 10 Sep 98 - 08:54 AM

I've tried them all, and continue to look for new stuff as it comes out. I alway return to D'Addario, though. In the past I alway used J-16s, but I have found my 1970 Guild F50R (Jonathan Edward's old stage guitar) plays best with J-17s. Has anyone tried those Gortex strings - a bit pricey for me, so I haven't picked any up.

For years I used to changed strings often to get that bright sound. I guess my ears have dulled, though, because I actually prefer the sound and feel after the strings have been played for several weeks to a month. I continue to play them until the are just to difficult to tune.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Zorro
Date: 10 Sep 98 - 07:29 AM

Guild, medium

Subject: RE: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: kevin ryan
Date: 10 Sep 98 - 12:54 AM

hey big mick-- don't lknow about anyone else, but i've had more luck with ghs--medium and light--than with any others; i've tried john pearce, martin, d'addario, and god knows how many others. i'm a real string killer, and the ghs'-- for some reason--just handle my body chemistry better.

Subject: Guitar strings - What's your favorite?
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Sep 98 - 11:27 PM

Given the quality of the players that hang out in these here parts, I am interested in the strings you use on your stringed instruments. I am constantly trying different brands and gauges on both of my guitars. A bad habit that I have been doing for twenty years or so. On my vintage Guild 12 string, I usually use light or extra light Martin Marquis. I normally don't care for Martin strings, but they sound pretty good on the Guild. My favorite string ever for this instrument was a string marketed for a while by Sabine, better known for their tuners. The strings were called "Nitrostasis" as they were packed in Nitrogen. Hence they were very fresh when you opened them. They sounded great and were eminently playable. Unfortunately they suffered from lack of marketing and you can no longer get them.

I usually play D'Addario on my six string. I recently tried gold plated strings on my six. They last forever and hold their tune better than any string I have ever played. But they feel very stiff and are rough on your fingers. They sound fair to good.

How about the rest of you, let me know what you play or recommend. I am especially interested in premium grade strings.