juliant
C.O.G.
Posts: 335
My main instrument is: Lowden L23
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Post by juliant on Aug 18, 2021 8:07:35 GMT
I'm interested in what people recommend in the way of silk and steel or other low-tension strings.
Increasing arthritis in my hands means I'm finding it harder to play standard tension sets, but I've no experience of lower tension strings, having used the same D'Addario set for decades (yes, and changing them every year, just before someone makes a crack...)
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Post by gsans on Aug 18, 2021 8:48:02 GMT
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brianr2
C.O.G.
Posts: 3,071
My main instrument is: Brook Lyn guitar
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Post by brianr2 on Aug 18, 2021 10:26:21 GMT
I have used the Newtone Heritage strings for some time. I have medical problems with my left hand and find the reduced tension, and the fact it is even across the strings, a real help. I also like the tone, including in non-standard tunings. I usually get about 70-90 hours playing out of a set.
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juliant
C.O.G.
Posts: 335
My main instrument is: Lowden L23
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Post by juliant on Aug 18, 2021 18:08:35 GMT
Thanks for the info. As luck would have it, Newtone are one of the low-tension sets I have tried, and I quite like them.
I wonder if anyone has tried Santa Cruz Parabolic Tension strings? They're available as a low-tension set, but pretty expensive.
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Post by andy3sheds on Aug 18, 2021 21:04:00 GMT
Have you tried Thomastiks. I use their Plectrum strings on my elderly Fylde Oberon excellent strings for fingerstyle, it’s not obvious to me why they were named Plectrum
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Post by vikingblues on Aug 19, 2021 15:32:23 GMT
I've tried Newtone Heritage strings (.012-.051) for several years now - with success for reducing arthritic pains. Soundwise these strings have also been very suitable for me except for all mahogany guitars. These Heritage strings also have very similar tension on each string and it makes things more consistent and comfortable when playing. They have a similar total lbs tension for the set as .012-.047 D'Addario EJ15s do.
For those all Mahogany guitars I have ended up using Thomastik Infeld Plectrum AC111 (.011-.050). Lower tension and sound good too.
Mark
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juliant
C.O.G.
Posts: 335
My main instrument is: Lowden L23
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Post by juliant on Aug 19, 2021 20:39:48 GMT
I've tried Newtone Heritage strings (.012-.051) for several years now - with success for reducing arthritic pains. Soundwise these strings have also been very suitable for me except for all mahogany guitars. These Heritage strings also have very similar tension on each string and it makes things more consistent and comfortable when playing. They have a similar total lbs tension for the set as .012-.047 D'Addario EJ15s do. For those all Mahogany guitars I have ended up using Thomastik Infeld Plectrum AC111 (.011-.050). Lower tension and sound good too. Mark So far we have votes for Newtone and Thomastik. I've got Newtones on a guitar right now and they seem good, so I'll have to try the Thomastik.
I've also tried some Martin silk & steel in the past: they weren't bad, and cheaper than a lot of the alternatives.
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