D25M String Suggestion: Let The Games Begin!

[Central Florida Folkie]

Hello, Community:

Great to post again after along absence from the forum. I’ll be receiving a1979 D25M soon, and never having owned a Mahogany/Spruce guitar before (only ever Rosewood/Spruce) I’m looking for string suggestions for this guitar.

I play singer-songwriter stuff (John Denver, James Taylor, etc) and when I gig where I live I’m fortunate to do so in lovely acoustic spaces like churches and halls and only ever mic my guitar. I play alone and not with a band, and I fingerpick way more than I strum.

With that, I’d love to hear your string suggestions. I’ve got an Amazon gift card burning a hole in my pocket and an empty cart….

It’s great to be back with you on LTG. Have a wonderful Christmas holiday, everyone!

 

[Stuball48]

Welcome back CFF and will let the D25 folks advise. Lots of love for D25s on this forum.

 

[GGJaguar]

Welcome back! For strings, I'd start with a set of phosphor-bronze 12s for a baseline. Then try 80/20 bronze 12s and monel 12s. One of them should float your boat. Have fun!

 

[GardMan]

I preferred John Pearse 80/20 lights on my '74 D-25. The PB strings sounded a bit "muddy" to me on that guitar.

 

[Boneman]

I’d recommend good ole D’addario PB .13-.56. their EJ17s, will make your D25 warm, bright and balanced

EJ17 Phosphor Bronze | Acoustic Guitar Strings | D'Addario

EJ17 is a medium Phosphor Bronze set that offers heavier gauges for increased volume and projection. The increased tension makes them ideal for drop or altered tunings as well. Since D'Addario introduced Phosphor Bronze guitar strings in 1974, they have been synonymous with warm and...

www.daddario.com

 

[West R Lee]

Both great strings in my opinion.

West

 

[Central Florida Folkie]

Hey, West! It’s me, Rev. Shawn, the John Denver guy…been gone a long time but back on the forum. Good to see you still here!! How’s things? I see you and I are gonna have the same guitar. Care to tell me all about your ‘79 D25M? Hope all is well with you and yours.

 

[Westerly Wood]

DR Sunbeams .12-.54.
D’Addario EJ16 .12-.53.
DR Rares. .12-.54

All cheap on Amazon.

 

[West R Lee]

DR Sunbeams .12-.54.
D’Addario EJ16 .12-.53.
DR Rares. .12-.54

All cheap on Amazon.

Well hey Shawn.....man it's been a very long time. How are you my friend? A very Merry Christmas to you and your family. The D25M,,,,,,,I keep it for sentimental value. It's my first good guitar, but it needs work and with others to play, it gets neglected. One day I'll do some repair work on her and get her back in shape.

I miss your music Shawn. Do you have a Youtube link to your music you'd care to share?

West

 

[West R Lee]

Sorry Wood, that above message was intended for Shawn.

West

 

[Central Florida Folkie]

Hey, Buddy! SO good to hear from you! We’re all good here in FL. LOTS has happened since last we spoke, and I’d love to catch up off-line sometime soon. Nutshell: wife and boys are great, work remains fulfilling, and everyone is healthy. Isn’t that all ya need?

I’m completely off of social media of all kinds and have been for over 5 years, so no YT but let me see if these iCloud links from the JD Christmas show I did last week will work here. My wife got them with her iPhone so sound isn’t perfect but I hope it will do:

“The Peace Carol”
“Sunshine On My Shoulders”
“The Christmas Wish”
“Christmas For Cowboys”

 

[adorshki]

Hey, Buddy! SO good to hear from you! We’re all good here in FL. LOTS has happened since last we spoke, and I’d love to catch up off-line sometime soon. Nutshell: wife and boys are great, work remains fulfilling, and everyone is healthy. Isn’t that all ya need?

I’m completely off of social media of all kinds and have been for over 5 years, so no YT but let me see if these iCloud links from the JD Christmas show I did last week will work here. My wife got them with her iPhone so sound isn’t perfect but I hope it will do:

“The Peace Carol”
“Sunshine On My Shoulders”
“The Christmas Wish”
“Christmas For Cowboys”

For my D25 I was an EJ-16 purist for years, that was Guild's spec for my guitar when shipped, although Guild's L350 set (from D'Addario) used an .025 G which I still buy as a single and sub into the EJ-16's. Tried GHS Silk and Bronze mediums for a bit warmer tone. Satisfied.

I have to say the best sound I ever recorded was on my D40 with EJ-16's, flatback 'hog body.

 

[West R Lee]

Hey, Buddy! SO good to hear from you! We’re all good here in FL. LOTS has happened since last we spoke, and I’d love to catch up off-line sometime soon. Nutshell: wife and boys are great, work remains fulfilling, and everyone is healthy. Isn’t that all ya need?

I’m completely off of social media of all kinds and have been for over 5 years, so no YT but let me see if these iCloud links from the JD Christmas show I did last week will work here. My wife got them with her iPhone so sound isn’t perfect but I hope it will do:

“The Peace Carol”
“Sunshine On My Shoulders”
“The Christmas Wish”
“Christmas For Cowboys”

You certainly were blessed with incredible talent Shawn, and you use it well my brother. Thanks for that.

West

 

[Central Florida Folkie]

So they worked? Good. “The Peace Carol” was sung with my two boys, and that was the best song of all

 

[HeyMikey]

Great music Shawn. You have one heck of a voice. The video with your boys is priceless! Love the harmonies. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Central Florida Folkie]

Great music Shawn. You have one heck of a voice. The video with your boys is priceless! Love the harmonies. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you! May you and your special people have a very merry Christmas!