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Post by Gregg Hermetech on May 7, 2021 19:17:09 GMT
Yes, PBs from 1974 onwards or something, originally by D'Addario, so a lot of my fave acoustic guitar tones were recorded before that (David Crosby etc.), so am presuming they were 80/20s (they don't sound like Monels on the recordings). So you prefer 80/20s? No, not at all, just that I am presuming some of my fave guitar tones were recorded with 80/20s. As I have said before, I like Monels on my Faith, and Lowdens (coated PBs) on my Lowden, and D'Addario Chromes on my electric, but what I have found is it's a very personal thing and what might sound great on one guitar might sound trash on another. On my Faith I hated regular PBs and 80/20s for the first few weeks, then they sound good for about another two months, then they dull too much and need changing. But that's just me. Some people hate "dead strings" and change every two weeks, never getting to the fully played in stage, IMO. The Monels and coated Lowdens seem to keep their "good" tone for about twice as long, perhaps hence twice the price. That's on guitars played about 15-20 hours a week. Add to that, everyone's chemical sweat composition is different and will corrode strings at a different rate. Just try a few and find what you like, on your guitars. There's no real secret to it except a bit of initial expense and experimentation. There are many strings I have never tried, these examples are just what is working for me now (actually, with bass guitar and electric, I haven't used anything other than flatwounds for about 15 years now).
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Post by jonnymosco on May 8, 2021 10:01:42 GMT
As many of us on here, I've used many brands and types of strings over the years and have my go-to favourites, however...
There is another consideration: I'm not sure that we can make a clear comparison when we compare the old, dead strings that we remove with the new set; any new set, no matter what type or brand, is going to sound so much better. To make a useful comparison, we'd have to compare new strings with new strings.
That doesn't detract from our long-term experience with the strings though.
I've just been given a bulk box of EJ16s, so will be using them for a few years on the Sobell.
Jonny
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Post by andyhowell on May 8, 2021 10:09:32 GMT
As many of us on here, I've used many brands and types of strings over the years and have my go-to favourites, however... There is another consideration: I'm not sure that we can make a clear comparison when we compare the old, dead strings that we remove with the new set; any new set, no matter what type or brand, is going to sound so much better. To make a useful comparison, we'd have to compare new strings with new strings. That doesn't detract from our long-term experience with the strings though. I've just been given a bulk box of EJ16s, so will be using them for a few years on the Sobell. Jonny Brand new strings always freak me out a bit. I do find that Newtone are lightly better behaved when new but when I can't find them (often) its medium D'Dadarios for me. I just can't get on with Elixir and most coated streings but I hear good things about the new coated D'Dadarios.
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minorkey
C.O.G.
Too many instruments, too little time
Posts: 2,992
My main instrument is: hurting my fingers!
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Post by minorkey on May 8, 2021 10:50:00 GMT
. I've just been given a bulk box of EJ16s, so will be using them for a few years on the Sobell. Jonny Lots of player's circle points! My dread has EJ15s on, too light really.
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Post by surfguy13 on May 8, 2021 12:03:13 GMT
Like everybody I have tried so many brands of string for acoustics but have now settled on Martin Acoustic SP strings (MSP4150 PB). They seem to last longer than any other non coated string I've tried and they sound superb. What attracted me was the 12.5" - 55.0" gauge. It just suits me perfectly. My favourite all time strings are Thomastic Infeld, and they do a number of acoustic options, but they are quite expensive and as I change my strings quite frequently I've just gone with the Martin Acoustic SPs. I also use Thomastik for electric bass and although they are mega bucks they are incredible!
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Post by curmudgeon on May 9, 2021 8:47:16 GMT
I've pretty much had it with experimenting with strings. The introduction of "RETRO" (horrible btw) made me laugh as I feel that the makers are simply selling us the stuff we rejected in the '70s when Phosphor bronze came out.I used to use NewTone back in Malcolm's day. nice to do business with, but low tension doesn't suit a flat picker in bluegrass bands etc.,
Long time ago I settled on D'addario EJ (17s on dreads/Jumbo, and EJ16s on 000 and smaller,. EJ37s on 12 string).
I have flirted with Martins which are pretty much the same. I preferred Dunlop on Dobro when they offfered an extra 1st string, but they've stopped tat - so -Dadd EJ42s
I like Dunlop nickels on Mandolin,
I quite like the D'add New Balance on my archtops.
I don't need coated and I don't need to bend that much.
D'Adds or Martin PBs on my flat tops usually last 2-3 months for me -but during lock down -with far less playing - that's stretched out to 5-6 months.
However, Rupert the cat embedded a claw in the tip of my left hand "social" finger last night so I might not be playing for a while.
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Welshruss
C.O.G.
Posts: 477
My main instrument is: Turnstone, Wandering Boy & Santa Cruz
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Post by Welshruss on May 9, 2021 9:55:40 GMT
I use Santa Cruz low tension but always keep a supply of EJ16s.
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Post by robmc on May 9, 2021 10:49:53 GMT
Usually use Daddario EJ16s.
Just tried Martin 'Authentic' SPs, not tried Martin strings since they changed to 'Authentic'. Definitely more than a simple rebrand, they feel much better and the sound has improved to my ears too. They feel smoother and are less noisy than the Dadds without being coated. Went for 80/20s too and they sound good on my Dave White dread.
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minorkey
C.O.G.
Too many instruments, too little time
Posts: 2,992
My main instrument is: hurting my fingers!
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Post by minorkey on May 9, 2021 19:31:52 GMT
A few years ago I had a no name classical that was bought for my step son (he wasn't interested) Anyway I went to Ron's and was sold a pack of strings that were silver and black. The trebles were black. And strung up the guitar looked the Dog's, and it sounded amazing. Can't remember the brand and google doesn't help.
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Post by jonnymosco on May 9, 2021 20:46:23 GMT
A few years ago I had a no name classical that was bought for my step son (he wasn't interested) Anyway I went to Ron's and was sold a pack of strings that were silver and black. The trebles were black. And strung up the guitar looked the Dog's, and it sounded amazing. Can't remember the brand and google doesn't help. I'd guess they were La Bella Flamenco strings. Jonny
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minorkey
C.O.G.
Too many instruments, too little time
Posts: 2,992
My main instrument is: hurting my fingers!
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Post by minorkey on May 9, 2021 21:28:06 GMT
A few years ago I had a no name classical that was bought for my step son (he wasn't interested) Anyway I went to Ron's and was sold a pack of strings that were silver and black. The trebles were black. And strung up the guitar looked the Dog's, and it sounded amazing. Can't remember the brand and google doesn't help. I'd guess they were La Bella Flamenco strings. Jonny Crikey they're expensive! It was quite a few years ago and I remember thinking at the time they were expensive strings.
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Post by jonnymosco on May 9, 2021 22:22:08 GMT
Crikey they're expensive! It was quite a few years ago and I remember thinking at the time they were expensive strings. They last a long time!
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minorkey
C.O.G.
Too many instruments, too little time
Posts: 2,992
My main instrument is: hurting my fingers!
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"72dd98"}
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Post by minorkey on May 10, 2021 0:01:13 GMT
I don't recognize the name though, and I'm sure the pack was in black and white
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kaydee
Strummer
Posts: 28
My main instrument is: tanglewood TW45VSB
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Post by kaydee on May 14, 2021 19:47:31 GMT
I have after a great deal of experimentation come down to two strings . Santa cruz parabolic low tension and newtone low tension,I have found nothing else that comes close.
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Post by jangarrack on May 14, 2021 20:12:47 GMT
I tried Santa Cruz parabolic low tension strings on a Brook Taw but to me they didn't feel particularly different to conventional 12-53s, they were surprisingly loud though. I've still got a spare set left so may try them again on something else.
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