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Post by andyhowell on Aug 4, 2014 7:55:36 GMT
Thanks to Keith's recommendations I finally got around to trying out a set of Newtone made strings this weekend. These are a set of mediums — 13s — which correspond exactly to the usual D'Addario set that I use. I had trouble finding these and ended you getting hold of an Eagle branded set. These are standard Phosphor Bronze, no double winding or anything. They are certainly an interesting set of strings. Firstly, the dynamic range seems wider than my usual 13s with a more pronounced top end, which is no bad thing on my guitar. I suspect these will be better for recording. Secondly, these do come to pitch under less tension which is interesting. I wondered whether they may be too flabby when played in C tunings but they are holding up nicely. The one odd thing for me is that the tension only seems a bit low when I'm singing — no idea why this is an issue. Thirdly, they are more subtle when played as new. I really don't like playing new strings for the first day or so. These are better behaved from the beginning, more subtle in presentation and over-tones. My overall impression is of a more refined sound, better as I said at the top and more balanced across the range. You can tell I like them. They are a bit pricey but you can cut the cost down by buying in bulk. I suspect an order for ten sets will be made later in the week. Anyhow, thanks to Keith for encouraging us all to look at these.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Aug 4, 2014 9:04:50 GMT
Glad you like them Andy - not everyone does, but your findings are pretty much similar to mine. The Eagle ones are genuine Newtones rebadged, but are more expensive by up to a couple of quid than Strings Direct, so it's worth hanging on until SD get stock - worth ordering even when out of stock to ensure you get some of the next batch - if you wait till they show up in stock on the website you might miss out. This site - www.fretsounds.co.uk/ - is also a good source for Newtones at only slightly more than Strings Direct prices. The main man Steve is a great player and a good bloke to deal with - always friendly and prompt service The "Fretboard" tab has some music from a couple of familiar looking blokes... Keith
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Post by andyhowell on Aug 4, 2014 13:21:05 GMT
Thanks for that Keith, Fretsounds is new to me !!!
The looser tension I'm finding odd to deal with especially, as I said, with songs. I think it is because I don't have to dog in as much to get a good sound! For general finger style I like them a lot!
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Post by andyhowell on Aug 4, 2014 13:31:50 GMT
Have just ordered as many as Strings Direct had in stock — 3 sets!
One thing that I feel will be an advantage to me is the third string. I move up and down a lot between F and G on this string and have a lot of breaks. I suspect the lower tension on the string will help preserve life a bit — it certainly feels a little more relaxed when I tune up and down.
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Sept 9, 2014 13:52:17 GMT
Just went on Fretsounds to order some more strings and bask in the reflected glory of the Keith/Mark music machine
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Post by sw1976 on Oct 16, 2014 13:28:16 GMT
Maybe I should go back and give Newtones another go....I switched to John Pearse 11-50 a while ago and have been happy with those. There's just too many choices out there also...makes it hard to choose between them. Any other brands worth a try??...have used the usual suspects already (martin, d'addario etc)
I certainly recommend Strings Direct ... and if you live anywhere near Southend, the shop is worth a visit too
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Post by earwighoney on Oct 16, 2014 13:56:14 GMT
I put on a set of Newtone 80/20's on my guitar at the weekend and they are easily the best 80/20's I've used. Their 12-50 12 string set is also the best I've come across.
A real shame they've put the prices up, they were £6/10 a set (6&12 strings) not too long, now are £8/£13. I imagine it's to reflect raw material prices going up.
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