|
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 183
Location: Denver, PA USA | Hello,
I was wondering what kind of string you all use? I had been using D'Addario's and tried the EXP's on my Legend LX. After having breakage problems :mad: I tired a set of DR Rare Phospher Bronze. WOW! What tone. :) I can't belive how nice they sound. I can't imagine any ones sounding better, but who knows. What have you found that sounds good to you? Maybe I will give them a try.
Bill |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 253
Location: New Orleans | Black Diamond and Elixirs. The Black Diamond 12's have deep resounding bass strings and they're coated but I don't know if you'd like black strings. They make my black EliteT look very STEALTHY, very beautiful. I also like D'Addario's but they last less than two weeks with all the playing we do around here! I've never tried the DR Rare Phospher Bronze. Are they a coated string?
HEART RULES!!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | One of the founding members here turned me on to Dean Markley TLT’s. I found that while the EXP's last about twice as long as the Dean Markley's, the Dean Markley's have a superior sound during their life time. And for some reason, I can set the action lower with them. I think it's because I use a slightly different angle of attack, while with the EXP's I want to really dig in. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 253
Location: New Orleans | I just did a search on the DR strings and I will certainly try them. They're hand wound and they'll make a set crafted to whatever individual size you need each string to be. That's IDEAL! I noticed that they also come in Black...or Red...or Blue. LoL, I like that, it's a change from the "norm". :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 253
Location: New Orleans | Here's the link for DR strings.
http://www.drstrings.com/products.htm |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 183
Location: Denver, PA USA | Originally posted by LeStrange1:
Black Diamond and Elixirs. The Black Diamond 12's have deep resounding bass strings and they're coated but I don't know if you'd like black strings. They make my black EliteT look very STEALTHY, very beautiful. I also like D'Addario's but they last less than two weeks with all the playing we do around here! I've never tried the DR Rare Phospher Bronze. Are they a coated string?
HEART RULES!!! The Rare Phospher Bronze are not coated, but the do make a coated. I am thinking of giving them a try. We will see how these hold up. With the EXP's they would break long before they were dead tonally, so it wasn't worth the extra money because I was changing strings pretty often due to breakage. Never had a problem with breakage with other strings.
Bill |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 253
Location: New Orleans | The DR Zebra strings are interesting...made exclusively for Acoustic-Electrics with piezo pickups under the bridge. I don't think any of my local dealers have these but I need new strings (yesterday) so I'll just make a weekend out of it and go check out the shops in New Orleans and hit the French Quarter later this evening after the sun starts to go down. There's always a few Jazz musicians gigging outside just for entertainment as you browse the Quarters and it's fascinating no matter how many times you've been there. The city that never sleeps! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Elixers. Soooooo much better than D'adds both in sound and longevity |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 183
Location: Denver, PA USA | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
Elixers. Soooooo much better than D'adds both in sound and longevity I have thought about trying the Elixers. Has anybody ever have a breakage problem with them?
Bill |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Originally posted by playguitar4HIM:
I have thought about trying the Elixers. Has anybody ever have a breakage problem with them?
Bill No...but, i do use medium gage |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | Personal preference, I use EXP's. To me the elixers always sounded dead. I also like some Dean Markley strings (can't recall the name), they don't last long but while new sound very good. Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 1300
Location: Madison, Wisconsin | I didn't like the Elixers. Sounded a bit dead to me when I first put them on but my son loves them. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
Originally posted by playguitar4HIM:
I have thought about trying the Elixers. Has anybody ever have a breakage problem with them?
Bill No...but, i do use medium gage |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 183
Location: Denver, PA USA | [/qb]No...but, i do use medium gage [/QB]
DO you use medium gauge on a Ovation? I thought you where only sapposed to use light gauge or lighter? Am I wrong on this? I would use mediums on me 1777 LX if I could. I thought of doing it and tuning down a half step.
Bill |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | A number if people use mediums. It should not be a problem. Moody has two very similar guitars one with lights and one with mediums and the difference is striking. Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 1300
Location: Madison, Wisconsin | Too bad the pro's are all at the factory right now but I'm sure we've discussed this before and many people use the mediums, myself included. It took some getting used to but makes my 1769 sing. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 183
Location: Denver, PA USA | I just looked on the Ovation site about strings and it says "you can use any type strings you want. Using a heavier gauge or lighter gauge than the factory might require a truss bar adjustment". I take that to mean I can use mediums. Oh man. This has made my day. I need to go buy some strings. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 183
Location: Denver, PA USA | Exact qoute from Ovation site:
What kinds of strings are used on Ovation Guitars?
We use D'Addario EXP16 (.012-.053) Phosphor Bronze strings on our guitars. Another string we like is the Adamas 1818 (.012-.053) Phosphor Bronze. You can use whatever string suits your playing style. Heavier or lighter strings might require a truss rod adjustment. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 417
Location: Cicero, NY | Can anyone tell me anything about Thomastic strings in lieu of standard nylons? They were recommended to me but I've never tried them. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 183
Location: Denver, PA USA | I personally haven't except with violins. I used their string on it and they were great. But a friend of mine plays classical guitar and tried them. They are all he will use now. He loves them.
Bill |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 253
Location: New Orleans | I've used the Elixir 11's excessively for a long time and on different guitars and have never broken a string. They tend to get fuzzy (the coating begins to unravel) but strangely enough it doesn't affect the sound. I use GHS Fast Fret to keep my strings clean so maybe that's why the tone remains consistent. That stuff WORKS. A good while back there were a few posts on other boards regarding a bad batch of Elixirs where a lot of strings were breaking. I've never come across a "bad batch" and would definitely recommend them. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | I also prefer the Elixir nanoweb 11's (custom lights).
PG4H-If you've never played medium gauge strings, you are going to find them hard on the fingers. I suggest that before you buy the mediums, try one of the in-between gauges that are light on the high strings and medium on the lows. Elixir calls them light/medium gauge (.012-.056). Martin also has "Bluegrass" strings that are the same gauge and cost about 1/3 the price of the elixirs.
Heavier stings have better tone, but medium gauge feels to me like bridge cables. The Elixir 11's feel great, sound very good, and last a long time. I have only broken them when they are a few months old and I jam out some Rock n Roll. It's not the srings fault, but my technique tends to get too agressive when I forget to turn the volume up on the amp or play straight acoustic. I have them on all three of my six string O's. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2002
Posts: 153
Location: Huntington Beach, CA | Try Martin Bluegrass strings. Medium gauge E/A/D and light gauge G/B/E. Great bass with all the mids and top end of other strings.
For coated, I like the D'Addario EXP's much more than Elixer. The Elixers feel thicker and sound dampened throughout the set.
They're all made in Mexico these days, probably all the same. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 183
Location: Denver, PA USA | Originally posted by Mitchrx:
I also prefer the Elixir nanoweb 11's (custom lights).
PG4H-If you've never played medium gauge strings, you are going to find them hard on the fingers. I have played with mediums for many years. I have mainly had Martins in my life and always used mediums because of the better tone. I only used the lights on my Ovation because I thought the Factory didn't recommend them. Thanks for the input.
Bill |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 1374
| on the viper, elixir lights,the pd, elixir 11's, the balladeer snd the takamine... d'add 10's,on the beach beater... whatever's left over from the last changeout.. when I have a hollow body around.. usually good flatwounds.
I agree the coated strings are kinda dead on the acoustics but do not affect the electrics.. at least not enough to worry my old ears....vs the longevity.. also got used to the slicker feel on the electrics.
God Bless,
Glenn |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 183
Location: Denver, PA USA | Finally someone who agrees with me about coated strings. They say it doesn't affect tone. BULL! But maybe my ears are more sensative. I have yet to hear coated strings that sound as good as none coated, on an acoustic anyway. Electric is different.
Bill |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | Lots of people agree with you Bill. There are over 3500 people on this board and about that many different opinions on strings. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 183
Location: Denver, PA USA | That is what keeps so many string companies in business. Opinions are like armpits. Everybody has at least 2 and most stink. :) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 613
Location: Zion, Illinois | I just tried a set of Martin SP Fingerstyle on my Haida Gwaii 6-string this weekend. These string have a softer core and I can feel the difference. They are easier to bend and a lot easier on the fingers. So far I am happy with the way the play and how they sound. I'll let you know later what my final judgement is. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | I like the D'Addario EXP and regular Phosphor Bronze for my Ovations. I have used Martin SPs in the past and they seemed fine, also. Elixir Polywebs sounded absolutely DEAD, I won't waste time or money on them again, but the Nanowebs sounded great on the Larrivee parlor guitar I had. Haven't tried them on any of my Ovations, though.
I use the .012"-.053" Light on my 6-strings and .010"-.047" Light on my 12-strings.
Roger |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | I use mainly custom light strings (11 - 52), and depending on my budget, I either use D'addario EXP 13 or Martin SP (phosphor bronze). Pretty much I use them in all my guitars. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2005
Posts: 1
Location: Desert Paradise, California | I use Dean Markley Alchemy Gold Bronze-CL or Medium guaged. They have an incredible tone that I have never heard before, and they last really long too! And best of all, they make my Applause sound better then my dad's Balladeer (within reason)... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 2487
| Well I just got a great deal on 5 sets of the Adamas Strings Med 56-13. So I guess it will be the Adamas's for a little while. My Last were Martin's ? My problem is I find other companies make so many of these packaged name brand strings. The Adamas & the Martins could be made by D'Adario for all I know?
Randy |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | This may be old info, but it's been my understanding that there are just a few actual string manufacturers. The string-making machinery is VERY expensive, therefore it isn't cost-effective for everyone to make their own strings. This doesn't really matter though, since these mfgrs will make strings to the customer's specs. So...D'Addario makes strings for Gore, who in turn puts a coating on them and markets them as Elixers (my personal favorite). I believe Adamas strings are made by D'Addario as well. That DOESN'T mean that Adamas strings are the same as D'Addario strings. It's just like this in the import guitar business (or the sneaker business for that matter). |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2004
Posts: 604
Location: Tampa, FL | I've been using Webstrings for the past year. Not sure what I think of them, they seem to last longer than others I have tried (could be I'm just morphing into a more tolerant grumpy old man). I have tried their light gauge which, I thought, compared favorably with the Adamas 1818 's I'd been using for a while. The last batch I bought were an intermediate weight somewhere between Light and XL (.011 on the treble E). My next purchase will be back to Lights, I don't care too much for the sound of these 'plus' strings, kind of jangly. Then again that could just be my tinnitus flaring up :rolleyes:
Anybody else tried these and have an opinion? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 167
Location: Waxahachie, Tx | I've also been using Webstrings, the Portland Acoustic flava (Pho Bro), in Lights and Xlights I've been using them on my 1127 and they sound great, play good. This past weekend I put a set of DR Rare RPML-11 on the 1127 and it has a great tone much better sounding then the Webstrings just a much more blended kinda woody tone.
Now when I first received my 1771LX I did all the recommended adjustments to get the action low and tried lots of different strings and the only ones that worked best, were the D'addario EXP16's but they didn't really sound that good either.
That was until I decided to send the LX back to Kim Keller for an evaluation. He called back saying my brand new LX needed a neck reset HUh!. Well I received it back and it plays great and sounds great no matter what strings I have put on it, currently I have some Elixir Nanoweb lights on it and it sounds fantastic, and I tried these on it before the neck was reset and they didn't sound near as harmonically, perfect as they do now. What I now know about guitar setups, intonation, neck-resets, makes me wonder if I'll ever buy a guitar sight unseen or played. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | Since I am old and on a fixed income, I have had to improvise.
I have found that some of the better quality shoelaces will work for the low E, and low A, the D can be replaced with a well worn heating element from a discarded electric broiler. The rest, G, B and high E can be found in discarded TOASTERS as very few toaster owners realize that they have a treasure trove of high strings, some of which can be used on a mandolin!!!
I have sent this tip to Elouise also, but haven't sen it printed as of yet.
Glad to give you guys first chance at a bonanza of FREE strings. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 4413
| Wasn't such a great idea when Lady S came to make the toast this morning.
And they don't hold tune too good.
And my shoes keep falling off.
I don't want to be critical, but these are not great ideas. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Elixers DO sound different from non coated strings. Whether it's better or not depends on you. I prefer the uncoated strings but the D'Ad EXPs are pretty good too.
The best strings are free, second best is cheap, and third is the ones you pay full pop for but these should last a lonnnnng time.
I think Bailey is onto something, If you want a softer tone go for the rawhide laces but you have to tune them down to D. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | i'm pulling on fiber snags from the rug.... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | I'm workin' out a deal now with Cathy on braided llama hair strings. More t'follow . . . . |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 580
Location: NW NJ | I use Markley Alchemy Gold Phos Lights (11-52). Great sound, great longevity, great color, easy on the fingers. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | On a serious note I've put a set of the GHS gypsey strings (silver plated silkenstill, 11-47?) on one #35 slothead and they are really responsive. Great for playing blues things. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | W2,
are you using a pick or fingerpicking with those? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Both, the medium white MOTS johnson pick or a white Dunlop thumb pick and fingernails (sometimes the real tortise pick compliments of Mr Templeman, Thanks!). They have all the feel of steel but a bit warmer sound. Easier to play but that's the lighter guage. I cranked the neck down pretty straight and it has about a 2 1/2 and 2 action. This guitar was always really responsive anyway so it can get the most out of these strings. I tried them on my 84 C-Series without as big a result.
It's a nice change of pace from the regular sound and feel of the 12-52 phosB sets, but those are still my favorites, the Ad 1818 set. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | btw, Bill;
How'd yer friend Connie like #35??
Nice Couple . . . . |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I put a set of medium silk and steel Rotos (compliments of Schroeder, Thanks!) on the FD14. They too are very responsive and have an almost "classical" sound while fingerpicking, but they buzz alot when using a pick even just a bit aggressively.
I'm begining to think I need to give this guitar a new setup as the buzzing seems particular pronounced on the "A" string at the 4 fret.... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 627
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ | Dean Markley Alchemy Gold Bronze, I saw that these strings are not cheap. Are they really that good? Are they coated? I liked to give them a try, but don't know if there better than Elixir, Nanos. As for Silk and Steel Strings, they're comfortable on the fingers, but that don't have the ring, and projection or a metal strings.
Tommy |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 167
Location: Waxahachie, Tx | This place sells them I don't know if it's worth the hassle of Mail order or just driving to your nearest dealer.
The price seems the lowest I've seen.
Dean Markley |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 580
Location: NW NJ | $9 and change is a great price for Alchemys. Yes, they are coated and they last a long time for me. I think that they are easily as good as the elixrs (IMHO) and they don't get fuzzy. They look beautiful on the guitar and they sound great too. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | I think Connie liked it just fine although I don't think he was really aware of what he had till youse guys pointed it out to him. He brought his Rainsnot 12 but figured that he would be best to leave it in the car so he borrowed that one. It was also used for a photo shoot at www.workshoplive.com, a new company that should prove real exciting. It's run by Dave Smolover who has had the National Guitar Workshops for the last 22 years. I'm on their board and they also used a bunch of the others I've got lying around the house for pictures as well. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850
Location: Midland, MI | You have a superfluous comma in your link W2.
Try this one.
;)
However, that takes the viewer to a demo login page asking for email address and password (at least it did in my case). :confused:
(edit: s/spurious/superfluous/g because I decided I like it better) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | "Superfluous, Comma"
That could be my next band name.
....and Brian T has inspired me. Though, I already use mediums, i don't think that is manly enough...
I'm stringing the FD14 with 16 gauge double barbed wire.
Rusty barbed wire.
From a defunct Llama farm.
 |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Bleedin Boney "Bongo Boy" Baily :eek: |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 253
Location: New Orleans | WoW! Now THAT takes the cake...hell, the table too!
Better JB weld you some callouses, there...YIPE! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | this string set makes the first ever....
"F" chord of death possible...
and other new arrangements...
"Whiter shade of Pale"....
"Let it Bleed"....
"Hemopheliac Boogie Woogie" ( performed in under 3 minutes)
and my personal favorite...
"The Exsanguination Blues" |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | And by the way...
"Defunct Llama Farm"
as my other new band name. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | De Funky Llama Farm |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | And that pickguard makes a tasteful addition to your FD, Jeff. :rolleyes: |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 349
Location: Snellville, GA | Say, that reminds me...I need new strings. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | yea, the bridge pins too...
De Funky Llama Farm; Think George Clinton'd be interested in joining the line-up??
....W2, can you pull any strings? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13986
Location: Upper Left USA | To commemorate the occasion may I suggest some of these:
Llama Finger Puppets |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | How ironic - llamas made of cotton. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I'm buying a set of 6 to use as tuner covers.
I think the OFC store should carry them. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | I'll wear one when I form my Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band. Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Dave Witko and Lampchop...
maybe this is you shot at a kid's show? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | CLIIIIIFFFFFF!
GRAPHICS PLEASE!!!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | ". . I'll wear one when I form my Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band. . ."
Make sure you order the PinkyPuppett, then. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | In the immortal words of a semi-famous ukulele player ... I've got a small instrument and I make no bones about it. Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | or if you make a bone nobody notices! :eek: |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | I love those barbed wire strings, they are GREAT for slide guitar.
Sorta reminds me of a Texan friend of mine who has a bass strung with worn out chain saw chains (They made a movie about him). The funny thing about it was the 2 cycle gas engine concealed in the body that actually drove the strings in the event of a bar fight or a fire that requires the creation of an exit quickly. The only problem is that when he was drunk or lazy (most of the time), he used the engine to lay down the bass line. If you think that's funny, try "Orange Blossom Special" when his throttle sticks wide open, our fiddle player's fiddle burst into flames like a boy scout's fire starting award, the Ovation playing rythym guitar player blew out his lyracord early vintage shiny guitar back like a burst brown bubble gum bubble by forcing chords into it faster than they could get out, my mandolin threw eight tuning pegs with machine gun bullet-like effect and the banjo player lifted five feet off the ground because of the helicopter effect of his five string picking fingers just like a bumble bee that cannot fly theoretically.
Sadly, it was the only time we ever got a standing OVATION |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 147
| Every couple of years this subject comes up and I try some of the recommendations but end up go back to the D'Addario EXP16's. This year I needed to restring a couple of my guitars so I thought I would try the Dean Markley Alchemy Gold Bronze-CL and they really do seem to sound better.
-------------------------------
Mike |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 167
Location: Waxahachie, Tx | I just orderd some of the Dean Markley Alchemy from the Music Motel I figured one set can't hurt to bad. What's kinda strange is this web page they seem to sell quite a bit of items other than music related, Might be a bad thing in the long run, I tried to purchase from a place in VA called guitaraffecs which never shipped my order it was for only 17.00 dallars but I just thought I would try them out. Hope this place isn't the same |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | I've been using the Alchemy strings for about the past year and I find them really great. Especially on the 1537. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 167
Location: Waxahachie, Tx | Stonebobbo,
which ones are you using the "gold Bronze" or the "GoldPhos" ? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | GoldBronze. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 147
| Get the Dean Markley Alchemy Gold Phos
----------------------
Mike |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 580
Location: NW NJ | Yeah - I like the Alchemy Gold Phos too. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 183
Location: Denver, PA USA | Well I figured I would give my findings on the DR Rares. Their gauges are different than others. I am using what they call medium, but are 12-54. They have a medium heavey that are 13-56. I love them and they have held up well. Both tonally and breakage. I haven't broken one yet. And I tend to play hard at times. I think I will stick with them.
Bill |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 122
Location: toneville USA | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
Elixers. Soooooo much better than D'adds both in sound and longevity are the elixers warmer that d'adds? or how else would you describe the tonal difference...
more specific than better please :D
i use the d'addario EJ16 or sometimes EJ17. not the coated ones though i do recommend them for students, who may not be so nitpicky as me...
anyways, sell me on the elixers! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2005
Posts: 15
Location: Place | i use elixir polywebs! they feel so much better than the d'addarios my guitar came with, and i love the sound they make |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850
Location: Midland, MI | I have a new dream for strings...LaBella flatwounds in nickel for the Steiny. Someday...
anyways, sell me on the elixers! It's like this, Hal, you remember the first time you...err, no, this is a family board. OK, the Elixirs are smoother than non-coated strings. Does a couple of things for you...less string noise when changing position, and it keeps crud from collecting between the windings. Now, you may not care about the former, but let's talk about the latter. Less crud and (possibly) acidic oil/sweat hitting the strings, the longer they're going to last. Simple as that. I don't mind changing strings...gives me a chance to 'bond' with the instruments. But, the less frequently I have to do it, the better. :) Tonewise...I like the Elixirs (polyweb, that is, the nanowebs don't work for me).
All that being said, the only down side I see is that the callouses on my fingertips are slightly less thick than they were pre-Elixir. Go figure. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 383
Location: Indiana | cruster, have you ever tried Status strings on that Steiny? Been thinkin bout tryin the half rounds, myself...someday
Bill |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 55
Location: Frozen Tundra | I used elixers for my 12 strings. Now I'm back to a 12 string again (doubleneck) and need to restring. MY question is what's the difference between NANOweb and POLYweb. I refuse to use anything but coated on my 12 str, they are a PIA to change. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850
Location: Midland, MI | Bill- Didn't know there were any other double-ball strings. I'll have to go google for them. My other option was to locate a string adapter and just get regular strings. I think you lose the benefits of the double-ball system that way, though. Thanks for the tip on the Status strings...off to check them out.
EDIT: Looks like all their strings are for bass. =( |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Originally posted by Hal Jordan:
Originally posted by Jeff W.:
Elixers. Soooooo much better than D'adds both in sound and longevity are the elixers warmer that d'adds? or how else would you describe the tonal difference...
more specific than better please :D
i use the d'addario EJ16 or sometimes EJ17. not the coated ones though i do recommend them for students, who may not be so nitpicky as me...
anyways, sell me on the elixers! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 55
Location: lewisburg ohio | I use martin sp 80/20 |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 383
Location: Indiana | Originally posted by cruster:
Bill- Didn't know there were any other double-ball strings. I'll have to go google for them. My other option was to locate a string adapter and just get regular strings. I think you lose the benefits of the double-ball system that way, though. Thanks for the tip on the Status strings...off to check them out.
EDIT: Looks like all their strings are for bass. =( Yea, after I posted, I went and looked. All bass strings. They make guitars....wander what strings they use on them. Hmmmm
Bill |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 150
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada | Did not see a mention of a couple of my favorites: Dean Markley Blue Steel Acoustics (medium tension and last a long time for me) A current favorite, SIT Royal Bronze (and they make a great in-between gauged set: .011. .014, .022, .030, .036, .050 called Pro Light) I also use their .010 to .048 on some of my guitars. Other favorites are Martin Marquis and D'Addario regular J series Phosphor Bronze. I also am a fan of mellow silk and steel strings especially for my parlor guitars; kinda default to Martin's old reliable set. The benchmark in strings for me, by the way, is Thomastik-Infeld if you can find 'em (and afford them). I am unfamiliar with their current offerings, think they have a couple of series called Plectrum and Spectrum. Remember, Thomastik invented the steel string as we know and love it and their violin and bass strings are the best. I used them years ago, but went on to other strings. I am not a fan of the Elixirs and D'Addario coated strings. I have purchased 3 guitars recently that came strung with 'em (Ovation with the D'Addario's and a Gibson and Martin with the Elixir's) and immediately changed to pure bronze strings as I just can't live with the tension and overall feel of the strings; also think they are a bit on the dull sounding side not to mention the expense. Would rather change strings often and always have the full sound of lively fresh strings on the guitar. String gauge, I think is relative to the player, guitar, set up of instrument and style of music. I lean towards lighter for a number of reasons, but use heavier strings on some guitars, too. Remember that a .013 to .056 "medium" set tuned to pitch can present 200 lbs. +/- of total tension as opposed to about 150 lbs. total for .010-.048 light or extra light depending upon what the manufacturer calls them. Enough. Strings are complicated. Just wanted to mention my favorites. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I just love it when we get a new member that gives out good informative information with their first posts.
Welcome to the board Prairie Dog! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2005
Posts: 54
Location: Mt Clemens, MI USA | I'm no expert on strings, with my old acoustic, I just bought what was cheapest, Takamines I think. With my new cedar balladeer, does anybody have any suggestions. As far as elixers, I recently bought a Taylor 110; That thing has elixers and I hate the sound of them. Just cold and bright and steely sounding. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Originally posted by unpluggedthumb:
I hate the sound of them. Just cold and bright and steely sounding. You said, Taylor, right?
;) :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | EXP lights. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | It could be the Taylor. Elixirs are not that bright a sounding string.
I played a Taylor 12 this last week and thought it sounded a bit "crashy?". Not smooth and blended like Big Blue. It would have made a great $900 guitar but at $1700 it was a bit expensive and not impressive. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 354
Location: Flushing, MI | I just picked up a couple sets of Darco's - .12's, for $6 a set. They ain't bad either! |
|
| |
What strings do you use?