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Post by nkforster on Dec 2, 2014 20:34:06 GMT
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Post by vikingblues on May 7, 2015 19:55:31 GMT
Thought I'd try a bit of Heritage variation.
I'm trying a set of Newtone Heritage Series DADGAD strings. Gauge .013-.059.
Total tension (in DADGAD tuning) listed as 122 lbs. Even levels of tension across the strings as usual with Heritage.
The 12s are listed as 131lbs for standard tuning so I think the DADGAD ones will be giving a bit more tension at the lowered tuning than the usual Heritage 12s.
The .013 gauge does give a different feel, particularly on the low strings.
It does mean the strings feel a bit more strong in Csus2 tuning.
As usual it all felt and sounded a bit odd day 1. Sounds and feels much better day 2. I'll give it a fuller appraisal later - maybe at the end of the weekend.
Mark
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Post by vikingblues on May 13, 2015 11:03:12 GMT
Does it take a while for strings to settle in, or does it just take a while for the ears to adjust?  I think I have now got so accustomed to the sound from the "DADGAD" label Heritage strings that it's becoming tricky to remember what the standard Heritage 12s sounded like. It also helps that I have become accustomed to the "feel" of the thicker gauge as it was messing up the pull offs and hammer ons on the lower strings the first few days. From a practical viewpoint they work well - a more solid string at low tunings while still having low tension - it's wonderful what Newtone have done - they are a boon for players with dodgy fingers like me.  I have a feeling that the lower notes are not resonating for quite so long and that their sound is a bit more rounded (maybe a bit more plummy?). I don't detect as much difference in the higher strings sounds. I would reckon the overall sound is somewhere between the standard Heritage strings and the Coated Elixirs that were on when I bought the Lowden. There's not quite so much vibrancy going on, but there's a bit more separation and clarity of note. The first string is still sounding fine too, which was the one on the coated set of strings that I felt fell short. So that's my final definite conclusion ...... maybe!  I suppose that my summary is what you might expect from going to a thicker gauge of string? I'm just thankful they're low tension as 13s would normally kill my fingers. If I ever get the enthusiasm back for recording again after the recent failed attempt with new microphones you'll no doubt get to hear the evidence for yourselves one day. Mark |
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Post by vikingblues on May 20, 2015 6:26:34 GMT
ADDENDUM The 13s - even a low tension set like the "DADGAD" set are not for me. I think they need played with more than my wimpy light touch.  I had found I was starting to play the TW73 more than the Lowden and that if I played the TW73 immediately after the Lowden it wasn't sounding inferior. Good as the TW73 is it should sound inferior. I went back to the standard Heritage 12s again yesterday on the Lowden and it was immediately clear how much those strings "sing" when played gently. There is more expression in the playing to be gained as a result. I didn't manage to get my enthusiasm back for recording in time so you'll have to take my word for the differences in sound. Having said all that I'm sure the DADGAD set would suit many players just fine. Mark |
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brianr2
C.O.G. 
Posts: 3,189 
My main instrument is: Fylde Goodfellow
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Post by brianr2 on May 20, 2015 14:53:14 GMT
I travelled the same route as you, sharing your challenges of dodgy joints and a light touch. I tried the DADGADs but found them much too chunky and a little dull. I tried the Heritage 13s but they were too taut for my feeble, stubby fingers. The 12s, on the other hand, are pretty well perfect for me and I absolutely love them.
Brian
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Post by vikingblues on May 20, 2015 19:49:50 GMT
I travelled the same route as you, sharing your challenges of dodgy joints and a light touch. I tried the DADGADs but found them much too chunky and a little dull. I tried the Heritage 13s but they were too taut for my feeble, stubby fingers. The 12s, on the other hand, are pretty well perfect for me and I absolutely love them. Brian Very well put Brian and in a much more concise way than me!  "A little dull". Spot on - at least for my playing style (if I can call it "style"). Same as coated strings do to me. "Pretty well perfect" ... "Absolutely love them". Spot on too - I feel reconnected with the Heritage 12s. Shame about cutting my left hand index finger with the bread knife - not badly but enough to inhibit playing. Ouch ... ouch ... ouch. Mark |
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brianr2
C.O.G.
Posts: 3,189
My main instrument is: Fylde Goodfellow
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Post by brianr2 on May 21, 2015 8:12:45 GMT
I travelled the same route as you, sharing your challenges of dodgy joints and a light touch. I tried the DADGADs but found them much too chunky and a little dull. I tried the Heritage 13s but they were too taut for my feeble, stubby fingers. The 12s, on the other hand, are pretty well perfect for me and I absolutely love them. Brian Very well put Brian and in a much more concise way than me! "A little dull". Spot on - at least for my playing style (if I can call it "style"). Same as coated strings do to me. "Pretty well perfect" ... "Absolutely love them". Spot on too - I feel reconnected with the Heritage 12s. Shame about cutting my left hand index finger with the bread knife - not badly but enough to inhibit playing. Ouch ... ouch ... ouch. Mark Sorry to hear about your trouble with the bread knife. I now live in terror of DIY, gardening and sharp implements, to the extent that my wife thinks I am just being an idle wimp (which I probably am). I have even bought protective gloves for gardening for the first time in 40 years. I have become completely paranoid about my hands and nails: it not that I know how to use them but that I would so miss torturing my guitar. Brian |
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Jo whoever he is.
