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November 2005
Posts: 14
Location: Canada | Ladies and Gents,
I would like to canvass your advice and utilize your knowledge if I may. I am new to the guitar scene. However, when I picked one up about a year and a half ago, I have not been able to put it down. I was 39 years old. What a waste. I now own 4 guitars, a banjo and a mandolin. Cannot get enough of it.
I recently bought a 12 string Celebrity Deluxe CS245. Great guitar, but I cannot seem to find a string that I like. I have tried a couple and currently there is a set of D'Addario's on it, but I have the same problem. They sound "tinny" if that is really a word.
On my other guitars, I use Elixers, however, people have suggested not to use them on a 12 string.
Regardless......the tinny sound has to go.
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Al ~ Tune In, Strum On ~ |
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March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | I use Elixir lights on my 12's and am happy with them. They sound good and I hate changing strings on a 12. |
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September 2005
Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | I've been using the Adamas lights (purchased through ebay)on mine and have been pleased with their performance. I did let the music store guy talk me into a set of Elixer lights (at 3 times the cost), but I haven't put them on yet. The Adamas have lasted quite a while, unlike other brands, and I'm going to ride them out a little longer. |
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October 2005
Posts: 5330
Location: Cicero, NY | The perfect string? No question - the G. |
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Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | yeeeeup. |
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Location: Madison, Wisconsin | I'd just as soon do without the G myself. |
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November 2004
Posts: 1374
| -..yeah... me too.. don't like the chafing... keep the G off..
but I use elixir lights on my 12's tho... love em.. and I also hate changing a 12..
God Bless,
Glenn |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Try the Elixers, they seem to have a little less brilliance at the start, which might mean less tinny to your ear. |
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August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | You might try some silk 'n steel strings for a more folky kind of sound ... I think Martin brands them. |
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November 2005
Posts: 14
Location: Canada | So I am hearing Elixir and people around here are advising against them. I AM SOOO CONFUSED.....
Keep the suggestions coming. I am open.
Al ~ Tune In, Strum On ~ |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 111
Location: Southern California | The word I got from some local shops is that Elixirs are a love / hate thing: there doesn't seem to be any in-between, it's either :D or :mad: .
Elixirs are coated, which means they should last quite a bit longer before going south on you. The trade is the coating dulls the tone a bit... though for you, this could be a plus by eliminating the tinny sound.
I've also heard the coating eventually separates from the strings. By then its probably past time to change them, anyway... but if you don't notice the strings going bad and they separate while you're playing somewhere, you better have a backup guitar handy!
The last issue is, they're just a tad expensive. :eek: |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I use elixers lights on mine.
Ignore the "people", buy a set and decide whether or not "YOU WILL LIKE THEM!" Your opinion is the only one that ultimately matters. |
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December 2004
Posts: 1116
Location: Keller, TX | Make sure you get the nanoweb Elixirs. Much thinner coating that the polywebs. |
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November 2004
Posts: 382
Location: USA | personally Im a fan of that tinny sound :)
The silk and steel may be something you want to try out...
They do have a softer sound.
http://www.myspace.com/styllheartandsoul |
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December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | I use the Elixir nanowebs and like the sound, but your Celeb might still sound tinny with them. Keep in mind that the strings are very light gauge (.010-.047) and the tinny sound might just be the way the guitar sounds with any strings that light.
You can get heavier strings (.012-.054) but you will need to tune the guitar down a step to D. That will eliminate the tinny sound, but you will then have to transpose keys or use a capo. |
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June 2002
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Location: Converse, Texas | What Weaser said. :D |
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October 2005
Posts: 4044
Location: Utah | FWIW, I have an Alvarez 12 string and have had good luck with Martin Marquis strings. Currently on the guitar are a set of Guild strings which have a very nice sound.
I would suggest trying a set of phosphor bronze strings, which will be less bright than 80/20 strings. D'Addario makes an 85/15 blend as well, which you might want to try.
Also, be sure your strings are Light guage, not ultra-light guage.
Finally, could it be your pick? I find that very hard materials have a different sound than softer picks. Some of the newfangled designs seem to be harder materials. I use the old fashioned Fender pick in heavy guage. It isn't a huge contributor, but it does seem to make an audible difference. |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 14
Location: Canada | Thanks to all.....everything was great advice. I ended up using the elixir lites.....huge difference. I like them. And Fly: I only use softer picks....thanks pal....
Al ~ Tune In, Strum On ~ |
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The Perfect String