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June 2008
Posts: 4
Location: Massachusetts | Can anyone recommend what strings to put on a mint condition 1981 Balladeer??? Just bought it and think it might need a new set. |
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December 2006
Posts: 6996
Location: Jet City | Well Mike, I suppose you would get different answers from just about everyone here.
All my acoustics (except one) are wearing Dean Markley Alchemy GoldPhos Custom Lights. |
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October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Strings are such a personal Choice. I along with other members here swear by Elixir NanoWeb.. Others hate them. Your best bet is to wait and get some more ideas and try one of them. When you're ready to change strings again, try another Brand. |
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December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | After trying all kinds of strings, including the DM Alchemy, I'm back to Elixir Custom Light Nanowebs (.011-.052). I find that they sound great and really last a long time. Opinions here on Elixirs vary widely, but I like them the best. However, not the phosphur bronze type. |
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November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Welcome to the board. Do a search for the numerous threads on this subject. As you might imagine, string choice is very subjective depending on individual taste. Ovation ships their guitars with either D'Addario EXP16 or Adamas 1818 (both are coated phosphor bonze, 0.012's). Enjoy your Balladeer, that's a wonderful guitar! |
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December 2006
Posts: 6996
Location: Jet City | I have Elixirs on the Adamas |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | metal ones and different sizes too. |
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January 2006
Posts: 2120
Location: Chicago | Elixir Nanos (13 17 24 ..)
Gonna try the Phosphor Bronze variety soon
Welcome to the OFC! |
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March 2005
Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | Trader Jim just buys a different guitar with new strings. I use D'Adds phosphor bronze or Adamas 1818s on most. I like the Martin Clapton's Choice also and have a bunch of John Pearce's that I haven't tried yet. Got them out of a clearance bin for $1. Cheap strings are almost as good as free strings. |
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March 2008
Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | SIT strings if you can find them. |
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June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
Trader Jim just buys a different guitar with new strings. I never grow tired of the abuse...
Actually, the last few I've bought needed new strings when I got them. I guess I'll have to be a little more selective in my purchases in the future. :D I've been using Elixir's and D'Addario EXP's lately, but just bought a few Dean Markley Alchemy Gold Phos (12-54) to try out. (I actually like Bill's response) |
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December 2004
Posts: 581
Location: Denmark | At present: d'Aquisto Phosphorbronze 0.012-0.052. I find that soundwise especially the definition of the notes of the low (bass) E string declines rapidly with string age no matter the string brand, so my general preference is new strings, medium light gauge.
You emphasize that the guitar is mint condition, so if you are much focused on appearance, you should choose strings which will look new for a long time, i.e. coated strings, or apply a string conditioner. |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I find my guitars sound best without strings. |
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August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | What petrol should I put in my Subaru?
What brand of underwear should I wear?
There is no shortcut. Try them all until you find what YOU like.
Someone will tell you to use D'adds. Someone else will say, "no, they suck. Use DM's" Someone else will say, "no, they suck. Use Martins" Someone else will say, "no, they suck. Use Elixirs" Someone else will say, "no, they're dead in the bag. Use D'Adds" And so on until you find what sounds right to YOU.
I use D'addarrio EJ16s. I don't like Martin SP's. Don't ask why. |
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September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Originally posted by muzza:
I use D'addarrio EJ16s. I don't like Martin SP's. Don't ask why. Don't have to ask.... Martin SP's SUCK! :p |
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August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | :D |
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July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | as fellow members have already mentioned, strings are a personal choice...
I use, light gauge (.12-.53), D'addario EXP 11 (80/20) or EXP 16 (phosphor bronze) strings on all of my guitars. I personally prefer the 11s better as they tend to sound much better IMO. |
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Recommend Strings - Balladeer 1111
