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September 2003
Posts: 36
Location: South Eastern Arizona | I just picked up a used Ovation Concert Classic 1116, and it need new strings. I am asking for string recommendations since this is my first Ovation. Thanks in advance. |
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Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 557
Location: Burbank | I also just picked an Ovation classical/country artist that needed new strings. I just bought (and was highly recommended) the D'addario Pro'arte strings. I bought them, have not put them on yet. The came highly recommended by a couple of people I know who use them regularly. A project for this weekend no-doubt. |
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March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | Pro Arte's are great. I use their high tenion strings on my Country Artist. |
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February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Due to their heavy construction compared to traditional nylon-string guitars Ovation classics work well with hard or extra-hard tension strings. Pro-arte are good, as are Savarez. I've been using Dadarrio's coated composite Pro-arte's and like them a lot |
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March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | I tried the those, or the Elixirs on my Country Artist and found the wound strings to be too bright for my ear. |
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February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | There's a note in with the Daddario's which says they sound brighter than other strings when first installed but settle down after a while. |
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Joined:
September 2002
Posts: 153
| As previously stated, Ovation classics play easier and project better with higher tension strings. After experimenting with several different brands, I have been using GHS "La Classique" Medium High Tension strings on my 1663 Classic for several years now.
As a suggestion, Tom, if you are not happy with the guitar with the first set of strings that you try, do not be discouraged. It may take an investment of a few sets to determine what brand and gauge is best for you and for your guitar. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 255
| You could try Labella strings with the wound G string. Monsters I think. Otherwise Pro artes
If I am not mistaken
Labella -- Chris Parkening- Julian Breem
Pro Arte`s-- Andre Sagovia. The late. |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 147
| I agree with Paul on that heavy construction thing. I talked to a string guy about that and switched to carbon fiber trebles. Try a complete set the HenSe 150’s (HE150MC) and if that’s not hot enough for you try the HC’s.
Mike
Strings by mail |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 36
Location: South Eastern Arizona | Thank you to everyone who responded. Your input is greatly appreciated. Based on the above recommendations, I purchased a set of D'Addario Pro Arte, Hard, Composite Lightly Polished and a set of Hense 150 Medium with carbon trebles. I'll post my comments after I have had a change to play with them (pun intended). ;-)
While I was doing my search for strings, I discovered Strings By Mail. They carry a huge array of classical strings and prices that are significantly lower than those in my area. |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 36
Location: South Eastern Arizona | I installed a set of Hense 150 Medium strings last night. WOW, what a powerful sound. The tone and clarity of the bass strings is exceptional. The treble strings on the other hand are slightly mutted (at least to my ear), especially the G string. I'll play them for a while to see if the tone changes/improves.
My wife says the Ovation sounds better than my Martin! |
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March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | Your wife has a good ear. |
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September 2003
Posts: 24
Location: Austin, Tx | just about any guitar sounds better than a martin!! :) |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 36
Location: South Eastern Arizona | Yesterday, I installed a set of D'Addario Pro Arte, Hard, Composite Lightly Polished strings. The balance of the D'Addario's base and treble strings is much better than the Hense 150, and the treble string are slighty brighter, which I like. The "G" string still sounds dull—maybe it's my guitar.
After playing the Hense's for about a month, I was not really happy with them. Their medium tension was to light for me, and the sound between the base and treble strings was not well balanced, at least to my ear.
Interesting note: the set of D'Addario's came with two "G" strings. One was clear while the other had a smoky, grey color. I installed the grey one. Anybody ever seen 2 "G" strings before? |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | ". . .Anybody ever seen 2 "G" strings before? . . ."
Only at my Bachelor Party!
;) |
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Nylon strings
