Six new phosphor bronze string sets to try on the D-55

[dwasifar]

Trying out those Pitbull strings got me into an experimenting frame of mind, so here are six different string sets I bought to try out on the D-55.

These arrived yesterday:



They are, in alphabetical order:

• Adamas 12-53
• Augustine 12-53
• Darco 12-54
• Gallistrings 12-54
• GHS 12-54
• John Pearse 12-53

Pearse, GHS, and Augustine are made in USA. Galli is made in Italy, Darco made in Mexico by Martin, and Adamas, sadly, is now made in China. I don't know when that started, but the package has fine print saying "Invented in the USA" and "Proudly made with american, german, japanese and korean technology in China." What does that even mean? We're supposed to care about what tools they used? I'm skeptical of excuses like that, and it doesn't make me feel good that they couldn't get the capitalization right in their excuse, but I'll try to keep an open mind.

It was mainly curiosity about Galli that prompted me to place this order, so I'll probably try those first and then go alphabetically afterward. I'm not going to try to do any blind testing this time, just try each set casually and see how I like them.

 

[GGJaguar]

I have some Augustine and Galli strings sitting in the queue, too.

 

[chazmo]

Those John Pearse are my go-to, but boy you sure come up with some interesting strings to try, @dwasifar . Good luck with the "testing."

 

[Boomstick]

The only strings here I have used in a while are the John Pearse set, and they're good strings and should work on that guitar. My dad's D-55 sounds great with D'Addario XTs and DR Sunbeams, especially 13s.

 

[dwasifar]

What happened to all the replies in this thread? It was two pages and now it's down to three messages.

 

[NM156]

I'm terrible when it comes to strings. On my MIJ Hohner acoustic, I've had the same Martin strings for about 10 years. They're almost shredded.

 

[deejayen]

How long will you test the strings for before moving on to another set?

I typically only like old strings, so testing new strings is usually a chore. Like NM156 I often keep strings on for years, and despite having played guitar since I was about 4 year old I usually have look for a guide on how to change them!

I bought a new acoustic last year, and did try a few sets. Some I kept on for a few days; others didn't make it that far. The ones I decided to stick with sounded better after a few weeks.

 

[chazmo]

What happened to all the replies in this thread? It was two pages and now it's down to three messages.

Hi dwasifar,

I don't know what you're referring to, but for the record I don't believe there was any moderation of this thread. Given the dates on the posts, and given that I was keeping an eye on this, I think you might be mistaken.

There are other string threads of yours; are you sure you're not thinking of them?

 

[dwasifar]

Hi dwasifar,

I don't know what you're referring to, but for the record I don't believe there was any moderation of this thread. Given the dates on the posts, and given that I was keeping an eye on this, I think you might be mistaken.

There are other string threads of yours; are you sure you're not thinking of them?

I think I might have been, at that.

 

[dwasifar]

How long will you test the strings for before moving on to another set?

I typically only like old strings, so testing new strings is usually a chore. Like NM156 I often keep strings on for years, and despite having played guitar since I was about 4 year old I usually have look for a guide on how to change them!

I bought a new acoustic last year, and did try a few sets. Some I kept on for a few days; others didn't make it that far. The ones I decided to stick with sounded better after a few weeks.

I typically change strings monthly. If I really don't like a set, it comes off sooner; if I don't play that instrument much that month, I leave them on longer. But 30 days is the target.

 

[JohnW63]

I’m trying to wake up my D55 and thinking of some “ never tried those before “ options. Maybe we’ll find we like the same stuff.

 

[dwasifar]

I put the Galli strings on today. Letting them settle for a little bit and then I'll post first impressions.

 

[GGJaguar]

I put the Galli strings on today.

Looking forward to your report. I have the same type, but mine are 13s. I also have some Galli PB flatwounds, but those are for the acoustic archtops.

 

[Westerly Wood]

I typically change strings monthly. If I really don't like a set, it comes off sooner; if I don't play that instrument much that month, I leave them on longer. But 30 days is the target.

maybe one day, I will hit 30 days before string change, but it is an elusive pipe dream.

 

[merlin6666]

I assume all straight PB no coating etc? Of these I have tried Pearse and previous generation Adamas on my Ovation 12 string and I liked them both. But since then I have switched to coated PB d'addario for my Ovations and NB for Guilds.

 

[dwasifar]

I assume all straight PB no coating etc? Of these I have tried Pearse and previous generation Adamas on my Ovation 12 string and I liked them both. But since then I have switched to coated PB d'addario for my Ovations and NB for Guilds.

Yeah, I'm not a fan of coated strings. I realize they have come a long way, especially in string feel, but I actually like changing strings and trying different ones.

 

[dwasifar]

Initial report on the Gallistrings set.

They come in individual envelopes within a mylar foil sealed outer wrap:



All the individual envelopes have their own UPCs, apparently so they can be sold as singles, and the plain strings are labeled for electric and acoustic:



Quality is quite good, the wraps are nice and tight:



I had some trouble getting the B string to cooperate while winding around the post, it seemed to have a mind of its own and wanted to unravel and loop up over the top of the post, but I eventually got that sorted.

I miked the strings and they were all just a tad under gauge, .0005 to .001, except the D which was .001 over gauge. Not really an issue.

Generally quality is high, strings seemed fresh. Tone is on the mellow side for new PB strings, but quite nice balance overall. Bass is good and present, treble is smooth, not brash but not muted either, midrange is in proportion, neither scooped or nasal. They feel good so far. Tuning is stable even with frequent bending.

I've had variable results with European-made strings before, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but these are quite nice as new PB sets go. Let's see how they age.

 

[dwasifar]

Organizing my string box, I came across some other sets of strings that I bought for the string shootout on the original (pre-warranty) D-55, and forgot about. So now the testing list grows from six to twelve. If I could figure out how to edit the thread title, I would change it to "Six Twelve new phosphor bronze string sets to try on the D-55." Maybe a mod would like to help, hint hint. Until then, just imagine I did it.

The new additions, all made in USA, are:

• D'Addario XT 12-53 (Yes, a coated string. The package is black-on-black because it's on the dark side. )
• DR Veritas 12-54
• GHS Americana 12-54
• La Bella 12-52 (52???)
• SIT Royal Bronze "Fusion Wound" 12-54
• Webstrings "Portland Acoustic" 12-53

This should keep me busy for a while. I'll go in alpha order from this point, so the Adamas strings are next.

 

[Westerly Wood]

hey, that is 11 days worth of strings, sweet!
I bet the La Bella and JP sound the best, those are my picks. Have fun.

 

[dwasifar]

I've always liked La Bella too, but that 52 gauge low E worries me a bit.

I have an unverified suspicion that Darco are exactly the same as Martin SP. The gauges and tensions are identical, they're both made by Martin in their Mexico factory. But I cannot prove this, and naturally Martin is mum on the point.

Currently I have the Gallistrings set on, and they are good, but not exceptional.