Guitar strings U.K.

Subject: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Betsy
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 09:11 AM

Hi Comments please ,
I'm getting sick of being limited to a tiny selection of Guitar strings in the U.K. Music Shops and especiall in my area .I play a Martin guitar - but seem to be limited to achoice of D'Addario, Martin and Elixir strings. I'm looking for gauge ( approx) .011 to .050 and I play both finger and plectrum.
A set of D'Addario went dead after a couple of sessions, I vowed many years ago to stop using Martin strings after being constantly disappointed because of strings going dead too quickly - and I am now being recomended Elixir which I am being asked to pay £12.50 , which is double the normal price which is approx US $ 22.00.
Ok - maybe I'm being a bit tight-fisted . The questions are,are these Elixir worth it, what happened to strings I liked like Labella ?,and can you recomend any strings that will keep the base strings ringing for a bit longer than the stuff presently available .


Cheers ,

Betsy

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: GUEST,Giok,
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 09:59 AM

Betsy, I am having good results from Newtone strings. I too don't like Martins, I find Elixirs too slippy, and D'Addario are OK, but only just. Newtone certainly do a great selection of strings and on the Eagle Music site you can buy them singly if you want to make up your own sets.
Giok

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: GUEST,chris
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 10:07 AM

Hi
try D'Addario coated I find them better on my Fylde than Elixir. Whilst any coated string is more expensive than uncoated they do tend to last longer whichexplains the higher price I guess
chris

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Singing Referee
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 10:17 AM

I also play a Martin and find that the Elixir Nanoweb are nowhere near as slippy as the original Polyweb. I'm currently using Nanoweb phosphor bronze from Strings Direct for £9.95 a set. They do an .011 to .047 set.

I used to love the sound of new Martin SP strings but they went off so quickly. The nanowebs are pricey but whilst initially not quite so bright as brand new Martins they DO maintain a good sound for several weeks of daily playing. I tried the coated Martins, but they didn't last as well as the Elixirs.

I tried the Newtones and they did sound good and last longer than other uncoated strings but I went back to the Elixirs for the extra convenience of longer life.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 10:19 AM

Fully agree with Giok. Try Newtones (Eaglemusicshop is my supplier to). They also last a while even without the coatings that the likes of Elixir use.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Pete_Standing
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 10:36 AM

Check this thread for a discussion on strings. There is lots said about the merits of Newtone and Elixir. There are plenty of thread, just put in Newtone or Elixir in the Mudcat search bar.

I use Elixir Nanoweb bronze on my guitar and phosphor bronze on my bouzouki (the PB have a slightly warmer tone). I used to use D'Addario but although they sounded lovely when put on, they went dead within a week. The cost of replacing these regularly is much less than the cost of Elixir which will retain a decent enough sound for several weeks, if not months. The Nanoweb has a thinner coating than the waxy feeling Polyweb and also retains some of that "string squeek". They can be obtained quite cheaply mail order but I like to go to the local music shops. I'm not reluctant to try Newtone, I just like the ease with which I can get Elixir.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Scrump
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 11:02 AM

I've got Elixir nanoweb now, and they seem good although I haven't had them long enough to tell how they will compare to other types. You might get them cheaper on eBay (I did!)

I've used Martins (uncoated) and they lasted quite well for me - it might depend on what you play, how sweaty your fingers get, etc. I also used to use La Bella - are they still made? Haven't seen them for ages, but I haven't looked.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Grab
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 11:07 AM

which is double the normal price

I don't believe the US dollar has dropped to being worth 25p just yet. ;-) If it's $22 in the US and £12.50 in the UK, you're not doing badly. More commonly, they're $5 in the UK and £6-8 in the UK. If you don't mind bulk-ordering a dozen at once, it's often cheaper to import them from Elderly Instruments or somewhere in the States.

For "ringing on", you might try the Martin coated strings.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: breezy
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 12:16 PM

Elixir Polyweb me, they last an age and I play alot mostly out doors!

Wife and kids cant stand me playing indoors

I also go to strings direct, I'll sell you a set for less than 12.50 ?

I also have fred kelly speed picks available too

Sunday 5th Nov Windward folk Club St Albans, at the Comfort Hotel , Holywell Hill


probably meet up with the ref and Chris Flegg

doors open 7.30, non-smoking

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: GUEST,Norm
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 12:22 PM

Maybe it's the Martin that's the problem

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: GUEST,mark addison
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 12:41 PM

try www.stringsdirect.co.uk who have never let me down.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 07:11 PM

I bought some Newtone Master Class strings over the net a few weeks ago, after reading ab outthem in that thread mentioned earlier. I find them much better than anything UI've used before - and it didn't really cost significantly more than it would have buying the normal range Betsy listed over the counter.

I got them from Strings Direct - and they arrived the next day after I ordered them by phone.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: terrier
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 07:48 PM

I've mentioned LION strings on these threads a few times recently but no one else seem to use them, they sound good on my dred and last a good few weeks. Not too expensive either. Any comments from other users?

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: cptsnapper
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 10:44 PM

Try Highly Strung at http://www.highlystrung.co.uk/

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Spot
Date: 04 Nov 06 - 03:25 AM

Allo everybody...

               Try Rohrbacher Medium Tension Titanium 12 - 55's ...Better than any I've ever had. They last months...$23.00 from
   www.rohrtech.com    (Somewhere in America.) Imo well worth the "faff" of of getting them..I prefer not to use anything else... Dont be put off by price and shipping costs, I'm sure you'll love them....

                        Regards to all...Spot

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Herge
Date: 04 Nov 06 - 05:02 AM

Just bougt 10 sets of Elixir strings from e-bay (from music shop in US) for $120 & $10 postage - UK = £68 total. You can specify any guage. Not bad value.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Cats
Date: 04 Nov 06 - 06:55 AM

We get all our strings from Highly Strung [ I haven't mastered blue clicky's yet or I would put one on]. They are excellent and have a good, well priced range. If they don't have what you want they can usually get them for you.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Raggytash
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 02:23 AM

Hi Betsy
I too have had D'Addario strings go dull on me after a very short space of time, in a couple of instances after just one session. I wrote to the company but although they sent me two sets gratis I have now stopped using them altogether. I now use Maestro strings which I but in Whitby at £5.00 per set which are nice and bright and last far longer then D'Addario used to. The only details I have to hand is on the package which says "MADE IN THE UK" "TREORCHY CF42 6EJ"

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 03:33 AM

Tried everything on the market - including those Rohrbacker things (absolute rubbish and hugely expensive - sorry Spot, your ears must hear something mine can't!), and I wouldn't give tuppence for D'Addorribles, Elixirs, Martin, Gibsons, Dean Markleys or any of the other mass-produced junk.

The only strings worth spending your money on are Newtones, either Masterclass or, if you like a 'softer' feel, the new 'Heritage' ones (you might need a set-up adjustment with the Heritage strings due to their much lower tension than a 'standard' set of strings).

BUT (and it's a huge BUT!), the Newtone guys desperately need to get their production volume and delivery problems sorted out - six weeks is too long to wait for a few sets of strings.

And try buying them from Eagle Music (www.eaglemusicshop.com), they're packaged as 'Eagle-Newtone', but they're actually 'Masterclass' in a different packet. Good base prices and great discounts available for bulk buyers.

IMNSHO! :-)
S:0)

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Spot
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 08:35 AM

Allo everybody...SJ particularly....

                I get the impression you not impressed with Rohrbachers?? Fair enough - one man's meat etc. I'd be interested to hear what guitar you put them on...I use them on Lowden 032 and I think it's a picky guitar- it only likes certain things but loves these!! Weird , eh? As an aside,I only use Sam Bush monels on my MT2 mando...it hates TI's yet my Eastman 515 thrives on them....   mebbe it's just horses for courses etc...I dont think there's just one answer to whatever the original question was!! (Wherever the shop may be located!!)

                      Regards to all....Spot

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 08:58 AM

Lowden O25 and Martin J-40 Spot. Very different, but both great-sounding guitars, both made to sound like wardrobes made from old pallet-boards! Gutless, and all middle with the Rohrbackers on, huge and rich with anything else. Hugest and richest with Newtones! Gi'em a try lad!
S:0)

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: jonm
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 10:57 AM

I notice Newtone do them in phosbronze and nickel.

How do the nickel ones perform in terms of tone? I'm guessing you get a longevity on a par with EXPs and Elixirs, but is there a trade-off?

Presumably, actually, these would not work with a magnetic pickup - ?

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Spot
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 03:01 PM

SJ...
      I'm very surprised you got no bass with Rohrs... Mebbe I just dropped lucky with my set up.Having said that, I now want some Newtones to try....   (wish there was only one bloody make to put an to end to this experimentation!!)   Hee-Hee!!    The Lad's goin to give em a try!!!

                   Regards to all....Spot

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 03:12 PM

Good man - ENJOY!
S:0)
(And the Bi-i-i-i-i-g plus is that they're made here in the UK! Woo-Hoo!)

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Spot
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 03:18 PM

Ermmm..errmmm...ok...Woo-Hoo!! (I bloody hate that!!)   :-)

       Regards etc Spot

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 03:27 PM

Definitely try Newtone, and if you're wondering what gauge, go for the heavier one because they still feel good.
I used to rate Guild too.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Girl Friday
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 09:31 PM

Betsy. You can get Labella strings from Stringbusters according to Munbling Len. He likes Martin 13s.Even Elixirs are considerably cheaper, and he was impressed that, after ordering online the goods were delivered within 48 hours, and the postage was very reasonable.
stringbusters

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Betsy
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 06:54 AM

Thanks to all for you advice -I've ordered the Newtones from Eagle and will give you my verdict in a week or or two.I hope it proves that people do "listen" to you at Mudcat, even though I may not have gone the route that some of you suggested.
Incidentally guest Norm - I don't know how EXCATLY I should have read your comment,I was trying to be modest, but I actually have a couple of Martins , and two 35 year old Yamaha FG 180's - all of which receive the same care from me, and in return, they all give me pleasure from their own individual qualities and sound .I hope you'll appreciate that after having played for nearly 40 years ,I was fairly certain I knew where the fault(s)lay, faults which have articulately identified by, and borne out many subscribers to this thread.
Thanks again.
Cheers

Betsy.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Betsy
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 12:36 PM

Newtones fitted, pleased up to now, as, there is an immensely better sound and resonance. Early days yet, let's see how long they last. Will report at a later date.
Cheers

Betsy

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Betsy
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 08:21 AM

These Newtones are great - (the base strings especially) .The E has stayed crisp so I'm well-pleased .Thanks to everyone for the advice ,and ,to Eagle music who delivered very quickly with no fuss.

Cheers

Betsy.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: GUEST,14fret
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 09:09 AM

Have a look at www.bpstrings.com
They have a good range and prices that confirm we are, again, being overcharged in the UK.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Betsy
Date: 03 Dec 06 - 11:04 AM

Hiya 14fret - I had a look at the Site and I make that (about) we pay double the price in the U.K. don't you ?
Cheers

Betsy

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: GUEST,14fret
Date: 03 Dec 06 - 04:50 PM

Hi Betsy,
Yep! Also have a look at www.webstrings.com

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: JedMarum
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 08:56 AM

I am getting in late to this discussion, but I gotta say Newtone Master Class strings are the very best I've used. They are not easliy available in the US here, so I buy 'em in bulk - but they are worth the extra effort.

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: GUEST,epi player
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 08:27 PM

Betsy
You want to check out Wyres from Canada. They do machine made and handcrafted PTFE coated too. I have them on my epi jumbo. Blown away!

Subject: RE: Guitar strings U.K.
From: Betsy
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 07:54 AM

Hi EPIPLAYER- I'm satisfied to date with the Newtones. I told Luthier Nigel (from Richmond Yorks) about them and he sez that he gets New Tone to make individual strings for "odd" instruments which he is sometimes asked to repair.

Cheers

Betsy