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03 Sep 11 - 02:38 AM (#3217445) Subject: strings for dadgad tuning From: johncharles which are better for DADGAD tuning light or Heavy strings? John |
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03 Sep 11 - 02:43 AM (#3217446) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Richard Bridge You want a DADGAD set - heavier fattest string adn heavier two lightest strings. THey come in gauges similarly to other strings. |
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03 Sep 11 - 02:46 AM (#3217448) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Backwoodsman 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. |
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03 Sep 11 - 02:49 AM (#3217449) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Backwoodsman So, in summary, aye to what Richard said. |
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03 Sep 11 - 02:50 AM (#3217450) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: johncharles Thanks. I did'nt realise you could buy DADGAD sets. John |
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03 Sep 11 - 02:54 AM (#3217451) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: johncharles I shall get off to eagle music later today. Thanks John |
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03 Sep 11 - 02:59 AM (#3217453) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Backwoodsman Glad to help, Steve and his family are very nice people to deal with. |
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03 Sep 11 - 04:15 AM (#3217460) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Will Fly 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. |
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03 Sep 11 - 04:58 AM (#3217472) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Deskjet 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. |
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03 Sep 11 - 05:26 AM (#3217483) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Jack's Rake "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. |
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03 Sep 11 - 06:01 AM (#3217494) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Backwoodsman 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. |
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03 Sep 11 - 06:54 AM (#3217508) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: alex s 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. |
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03 Sep 11 - 07:22 AM (#3217517) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Silas Well, yer learn something every day! I never knew that there were special string sets for DADGAD. |
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03 Sep 11 - 08:04 AM (#3217527) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Richard Bridge 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. |
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03 Sep 11 - 08:06 AM (#3217528) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Richard Bridge Pierre Bensusan custom ones from Wyres http://www.pierrebensusan.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=310 |
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03 Sep 11 - 08:20 AM (#3217530) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Midchuck 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. |
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03 Sep 11 - 08:32 AM (#3217535) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Will Fly 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. |
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03 Sep 11 - 09:02 AM (#3217543) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Backwoodsman "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. |
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03 Sep 11 - 09:51 AM (#3217558) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Phil Cooper I just use Martin phosphor bronze light gauge. They work well for what I'm doing. I prefer the bite they have over elixirs. |
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03 Sep 11 - 09:55 AM (#3217562) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Will Fly 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! :-) |
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03 Sep 11 - 09:59 AM (#3217563) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: The Sandman 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. |
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03 Sep 11 - 10:17 AM (#3217570) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Backwoodsman "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. |
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03 Sep 11 - 08:04 PM (#3217793) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Richard Bridge 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. |
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22 Jul 21 - 06:01 AM (#4114048) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: JHW 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. |
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22 Jul 21 - 07:32 AM (#4114055) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: The Sandman Martin Carthy uses heavy gauge and has never said to me, that he found any difficulty in getting them |
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22 Jul 21 - 08:22 AM (#4114056) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: GUEST,James Phillips "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). |
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22 Jul 21 - 09:16 AM (#4114060) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: gillymor 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. |
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22 Jul 21 - 09:59 AM (#4114066) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Backwoodsman ”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. |
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22 Jul 21 - 10:18 AM (#4114070) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: gillymor I'll have to try that GHS set, BW. I didn't know they made one. |
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22 Jul 21 - 10:27 AM (#4114073) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: GUEST,# 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 |
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22 Jul 21 - 10:30 AM (#4114075) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: gillymor Thanks,#. The time for my annual string changing is fast approaching :). |
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22 Jul 21 - 11:01 AM (#4114079) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Backwoodsman Not sure where you are, Gilly. If the UK, check out Strings Direct... https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/ |
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22 Jul 21 - 11:22 AM (#4114080) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: gillymor 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. |
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22 Jul 21 - 11:24 AM (#4114081) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Backwoodsman Yeah, I did seem to recall you’re in the US. Hope they work out for you! |
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17 Jan 25 - 03:27 AM (#4215442) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: The Sandman I always try and buy strings from a music shop rather than online, to try and make sure that the shop stays in business, when we want to buy an instrument i believe it is better to try them out and have a shop to go to ,to be able to do that |
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17 Jan 25 - 09:31 AM (#4215459) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: GUEST A lot of music shops generate a good deal of their income online. If you choose your provider with some care, you can still be supporting a brick and mortar music shop. |
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17 Jan 25 - 11:49 AM (#4215464) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Backwoodsman The nearest decent music shop is forty miles from my home. An eighty mile round trip - two hours driving - with petrol at £1.31 a litre, would make for an expensive, time-consuming set of strings (always assuming that they have the strings I want in stock, which is by no means guaranteed). I buy strings, half a dozen sets at a time, on-line from Strings Direct, free postage for orders over £50. It’s a no-brainer in my circumstances. |
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17 Jan 25 - 12:53 PM (#4215468) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: Backwoodsman ”The nearest decent music shop is forty miles from my home. An eighty mile round trip - two hours driving - with petrol at £1.31 a litre, would make for an expensive, time-consuming set of strings (always assuming that they have the strings I want in stock, which is by no means guaranteed).” Not only expensive and time-consuming, but also extremely ecologically-unfriendly. It’s a non-starter. |
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17 Jan 25 - 01:13 PM (#4215469) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: gillymor I have a similar story, BW. We used to have a couple of good, small independent music stores around here but Guitar Center took over the market and now I've got to go about 100 miles north or east to find one. The guys at GC seem like good fellows but the don't often have what I'm looking for. We're lucky to have online sources like Stings and Beyond and even Amazon, which has some good buys on D'addario 3 packs. |
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18 Jan 25 - 04:25 AM (#4215484) Subject: RE: strings for dadgad tuning From: MaJoC the Filk > when we want to buy an instrument i believe it is > better to try them out and have a shop to go to The only place I can find a moutain dulcimer round here is exceedingly awkward to get to. When I asked if I could try it out in the shop, they said they'd have to ship it in from the warehouse, and wanted a non-returnable deposit of 100% of the sale value. They've lost my custom for strings. |