Strings - what a difference

[Boomstick]

So I put some D'Addario XT Phosphor Bronze 12s on my '75 G-37 on Sunday. The guitar has more bass and treble and high mids, a whole different pick attack and where I want to pick it also changed. I knew I would get more treble and bass, but wow.

I recorded this clip back in April with Martin strings. I had since put on a set of DR Veritas which were similar but with richer mids.

https://1drv.ms/v/s!AhZmMB-Fz0_2j6RuDVV4--aQebKT6g?e=l35YZt

Then I recorded these with the D'Addario XTs.

https://1drv.ms/v/s!AhZmMB-Fz0_2j71HdL2ODNCgeJYKnw?e=NdUMaT

https://1drv.ms/v/s!AhZmMB-Fz0_2j71KdIYwlpz9hNV-eQ?e=QbjLIP

I think the Veritas are probably my favorite, but the jury is still out on the XT's. I have to get used to picking further up the neck than I normally would still.

 

[West R Lee]

They are what I've been playing, and I like them.

West

 

[West R Lee]

I watched your videos. Your G37 is making me miss my D30.

West

 

[Boomstick]

They are what I've been playing, and I like them.

West

I've used them on a lot of guitars.

Great all around choice for rosewood guitars. Great with darker mahogany guitars as well, or with brighter ones for fingerstyle playing. First time I tried maple, been pretty content with the DR Veritas on both my maple acoustics.

 

[chazmo]

Told ya', buddy. Keep on hunting. Honestly, to me, trying out new strings and observing the changes is one of the things that motivates me to get some get quality time with my brood.

 

[Boomstick]

Told ya', buddy. Keep on hunting. Honestly, to me, trying out new strings and observing the changes is one of the things that motivates me to get some get quality time with my brood.

Yeah, I've been through most available strings with the F-50 over the past 25 years or so (even before my dad gave it to me). I've never heard such a drastic difference in sound from different strings. It responds like a whole new guitar.

It is fun to try new strings, sometimes it's a hit and sometimes it's a miss but at the very least you got new strings so you might as well sit down and play

 

[chazmo]

Yeah, I've been through most available strings with the F-50 over the past 25 years or so (even before my dad gave it to me). I've never heard such a drastic difference in sound from different strings. It responds like a whole new guitar.

It is fun to try new strings, sometimes it's a hit and sometimes it's a miss but at the very least you got new strings so you might as well sit down and play

So, what's on your agenda next, Boomstick? And don't cry poverty; I know you're hooked.

 

[chazmo]

There's a really gorgeous D-40 for sale in the FS/FT section...

Just sayin' [said in most possible passive-aggro voice] !!!

 

[Westerly Wood]

I’ve been known to struggle with a bit is SAS myself.

 

[chazmo]

I’ve been known to struggle with a bit is SAS myself.

Much cheaper to scratch that SAS itch, right Woody?

 

[Westerly Wood]

Much cheaper to scratch that SAS itch, right Woody?

After a recent try again and ensuing disappointment with D'Addario PB strings, I got a set of Godin PBs in the amazon cart. Never tried them before. I hear they are great on Seagull guitars lol.

Am I the only acoustic player on earth who is not a fan of D'Addarios? It must be a personal problem. I don't like Martins either, or Elixir. I am running out of options.

 

[Boomstick]

There's a really gorgeous D-40 for sale in the FS/FT section...

Just sayin' [said in most possible passive-aggro voice] !!!

Well I sold off a '47 Gibson LG-3 recently, just never really loved the guitar and didn't pick it up much next to my two Guild acoustics and figured I could use the money to fund pedal kayaks for next season while I shop its replacement. A F-30, F-40, D-40 or maybe D-55 would all be on the top of my list as its potential replacement.

That said, my dad's constantly offering me guitars as well. He's offered me his D-35 and D-55, both are tempting but I can't decide if I'd be better off with a beater I could leave in my truck, take camping etc

 

[Boomstick]

After a recent try again and ensuing disappointment with D'Addario PB strings, I got a set of Godin PBs in the amazon cart. Never tried them before. I hear they are great on Seagull guitars lol.

Am I the only acoustic player on earth who is not a fan of D'Addarios? It must be a personal problem. I don't like Martins either, or Elixir. I am running out of options.

Well jeez, what do you like then?

Standard D'Addarios were never my favorite to be completely honest. They're very bright. I'd like them if I had a rosewood guitar. The XTs have very rich highs, will remove the boxy sound from a small guitars (made my LG-3 sound just like a J45, seriously) and can have a great sound on mahogany guitars when fingerpicked - although the highs can be much with a flatpick.

I generally like Martin strings well enough on most guitars.

 

[adorshki]

After a recent try again and ensuing disappointment with D'Addario PB strings, I got a set of Godin PBs in the amazon cart. Never tried them before. I hear they are great on Seagull guitars lol.

Am I the only acoustic player on earth who is not a fan of D'Addarios? It must be a personal problem. I don't like Martins either, or Elixir. I am running out of options.

Guzheng Strings 1-21 Strings ​

$18.98 (was $71.17: -73‏%)

With 21 strings to choose from you're sure to find one that suits your needs.

Or just go generic:

1Set 010 Acoustic Guitar Strings Stainless Steel Coated Copper Alloy Wound Quality Steel Core For Folk Guitar: $2.24 plus $11.00 Next Day Delivery.

 

[Boneman]

Am I the only acoustic player on earth who is not a fan of D'Addarios?

You might be! lol. It’s my go to choice, EJ17s. Maybe the lighter gauge of EJ16s doesn’t resonate with you and your guitar needs mediums ? Or have you tried Ernie Ball Earthwounds? They’re decent

 

[Westerly Wood]

You might be! lol. It’s my go to choice, EJ17s. Maybe the lighter gauge of EJ16s doesn’t resonate with you and your guitar needs mediums ? Or have you tried Ernie Ball Earthwounds? They’re decent

Thanks Boneman, I have tried Ernies and dislike them more than D'As.
But your suggestion of the EJ17s is a good one. Maybe I just prefer mediums.

 

[Boneman]

Yea, and see, this guys knows lol:

Chris Stapleton | Guitar + | D'Addario

D'Addario partners with musicians worldwide, and is their preferred choice for music instrument accessories.

www.daddario.com

 

[Wilmywood]

I'm a big fan of D'Addarios, especially the medium phosphor bronzes EJ24 13-56 use them on my G37 tuned down a step they really ring. I've used Martins but they lose their bright in a couple days for me

 

[adorshki]

Thanks Boneman, I have tried Ernies and dislike them more than D'As.
But your suggestion of the EJ17s is a good one. Maybe I just prefer mediums.

It occurs to me we're going at this all wrong, as is humanity's wont.
What's really needed is an in-ear string universalizer. It makes all strings (and thus all guitars) sound good to anybody.
Best of all, the implant is reversible.

The stereo version is a bit more cumbersome:

 

[Boomstick]

Thanks Boneman, I have tried Ernies and dislike them more than D'As.
But your suggestion of the EJ17s is a good one. Maybe I just prefer mediums.

I know you liked DR Sunbeams from another thread.

DR and D’Addario are generally my go to brands, although I’ll try anything at least once. My goto strings are Sunbeams for rosewood, Rares for mahogany and Veritas for maple and XTs when I want something brighter.

On my electrics, I generally use either NYXLs or DR Veritas (which sound like pure nickels but hold up better). The NYXLs have a ton of highs and I like the clarity when playing leads with delay in particular, but then I like the sound of nickels on cleaner pickups best clean so I swap them a bit.