Favorite Strings

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Richard Schuchman on July 15, 2009 at 2:57pm

I have a Taylor and so I'm fond of Elixir lights right now. The high ends are VERY bright, almost too bright, so I've been thinking about switching to D'Addario when I change them. Trouble is, I've had the suckers on for over a year and they're JUST NOW showing signs of wear and tonal degradation (and I hate changing strings) so it's hard to switch when these have been so good to me, know what I mean? I could get the whole thing strung up and to pitch and say, "Man, where's my high E string? What have I done?!?" and have to put Elixirs back on.

Anyone else with a Taylor that's used both kinds?

Permalink Reply by earnest pouncey on July 15, 2009 at 4:56pm

howdy
I own a martin d-18 martin 000-28vs and a gibson j160e I have used d addario exp stings also elixir also have tried martin sp 3100 extended play strings also have tried dr strings the extended play ones as well as the non coated phospor bronze strings currently I have a set of the zebra dr strings on the gibson as they are advertised as especially made for acoustic-electric guitars and they seem to be an excellent string I really cant say which is my favorite I tend to like to experiment and I guess my favorite would be if they sound good and hold tune . I have noted that the elixir and d addario exp seem to last a long time before you need to change them I have had them on a guitar for as long as 6 months to a year before changing of course it depends on how often the instrument is played . any way enjoy the subjects that are discussed on this site,

Permalink Reply by John on July 16, 2009 at 8:06am

That is a very long sentence.

Permalink Reply by David Shade on July 15, 2009 at 4:56pm

I have Taylor guitars and one Martin. I tend to like D'Addario EXP strings - phosphor bronze lights. Elixirs are OK, but I think the D'Addario's are brighter and last just as long. I like GHS strings just as well (long life strings), but they are harder to come by where I live. I have tried all kinds of strings Martin, Cleartone, Fender, etc. I generally change strings every month because they lose their tone and don't tune as well. Each guitar is different and different strings suit different situations and personal taste so to each his own.

Permalink Reply by Nicholas Scofield on July 15, 2009 at 5:18pm

Bill

I have not tried to D'Addario EXPs but am such a fan of Elixer I doubt I ever will. I first discovered Elixers when I was buying a new Acoustic a few years ago. The (Australian made, absolutely fantastic, globally underated and Tommy Emmanual endorsed) Maton guitars come with Elixers on them and, even though most Australians are biased in favour of them so I was unlikely to buy anything else, it was virtually impossible to compare Matons with other guitars in the shop (eg Martins) because the Elixer string sounded so bloody good. I now also use Elixer on my electrics and wish they would bring out a nylon string set.

In relation to Richard's comment, I agree Elixers last much longer than other strings (which is only fair given they cost twice as much) but I'm not able to get a year out of them. Richard's comment reminded me of an old Tommy Emmanual joke, who of course changes strings after every show (which I think must be the only way you can get away with not using Elixers), which goes something like: "Some people change their strings once a year WHETHER THEY NEED TO OR NOT!"

Permalink Reply by Jody on July 15, 2009 at 10:19pm

I've been using Markley Alchemy's the last few months and like the tone I get with them. I tend to use one brand, try something else, then move on again. It's fun to experiment! Right now, the Alchemy's are in the top spot.

Permalink Reply by Richard Schuchman on July 16, 2009 at 5:04pm

A lot of classical players mix strings, putting Savarez or Corums on the bass strings and D'Addario or whatever on the trebles. Just curious if any steel string players do the same thing...

Permalink Reply by Georges Remboulis on July 16, 2009 at 8:21pm

I use Elixir extra lights and like many of you have tried and retried different strings. They sound great on my old Gibson and I like the way they respond (even without the thumbpick). For me they sound great and for a long long time compared to coated or non...

G

Permalink Reply by Donna Zitzelberger on July 16, 2009 at 8:29pm

I use the Martin Studio Performance Custom Lights on my Collings OM and Galli Titanio Genius GR40 hard tension on my nylon.

Permalink Reply by Nadine on July 28, 2009 at 7:57pm

I use Elixir Lights (NanoWeb, not PolyWeb) on my Ovation Balladeer (no jeers from Ovation haters please! =)...) and I never use a pick of any kind. I get good tone from them and as others have said here, they last nearly six months. A good friend of mine swears by John Pearse (medium gauge) for his Martin - but he is mostly a flat picker, so not sure how they would compare doing Fingerstyle.....Just my two cents!

Permalink Reply by Ken Gaugler on July 30, 2009 at 11:38am

Something in my body chemistry has changed over the years, so even though I am reasonably fastidious about clean hands and wiping down the guitar and strings after playing, I can kill a set of strings in less than a week. I've used the Martin Marquis SP strings for recording, but they don't last as long as I would like.

Lately I have been using GHS Larence Juber Signature "True Medium" Phospor-Bronze strings. They have a rather bright sound, which some folks might not like. But they seem to hold up for weeks. I'm using them on two of my guitars now and I like them a lot.

Permalink Reply by JIM ETHERIDGE on September 5, 2009 at 12:56pm

I HAVE TRIED NEARLY EVERY STRING MADE AND HAVE SETTLED ON D'ADDARIO FLATTOPS IN A MEDIUM. THEY
HOLD THEIR TONE WELL AND THE LONGER YOU PLAY THEM THE "SLICKER" THEY FEEL, KIND OF LIKE AN
ELECTRIC GUITAR STRING. GREAT SOUND ON MY TAYLORS. JIM ETHERIDGE

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