Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

  • 80/20 Bronze

    Votes: 3 21.4%

  • Phosphor Bronze (92/8)

    Votes: 7 50.0%

  • Monel

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Silk & Steel

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Other (note below)

    Votes: 4 28.6%
  • Total voters
    14
PFDarkside

PFDarkside

of the Forum
I've been using D'Addario Phosphor Bronze strings on the acoustics I have used (brother's that I'm borrowing, roommates, friends, etc.). I usually changed the strings because even though they owned the guitar, I'd reach the breaking point before they would for new strings. ;)

Last night I decided to try some Martin 80/20 just to see the difference. I'm not really a fan... I think the Phosphor Bronze were elevating the Fender acoustic (solid top) a few levels, it was woody, pretty harmonically dense and responsive. These 80/20s seem to be brighter on the high end treble, but more scooped in the mids, and much less "complex". Just kind of a bright, jangly sound. It might record well with other instruments, but it's just me here plucking away....

What string type do you prefer on your acoustic and why?
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

Rand-O-Monium said:
Whatever's on sale...

:p
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That's part of the reason I like the regular D'Addarios, period... Usually pretty cheap, and like I said I really like the tone!
JOLLY said:
Whatever Elixir Nanowebs are.
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DeathALT. said:
Elixirs, 11-52. I like slinkier feelings acoustic strings.
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Elixirs come in both 80/20 and PB. I guess my point is, if you always use one or the other, try the opposite next time. Almost all brands make both for the same price. If I was only using 80/20's on this guitar, I'd think it was tinny and bright. The PB really adds a new dimension I like a lot.
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

D'Addario Phosphor Bronze. As mentioned, they usually are one of the nicer priced strings, and the sound that PFDarkside describes is my impression also.

I used Martin Marquis strings long ago. Was thinking of giving them another try.
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

I'm a recent convert to D'Addario Flat Tops (EFT16 Lights 12-53).

They're a semi-flatwound Phosphor Bronze set designed to sound like an older string out of the gate. They sound absolutely fantastic - warm and fat but also clear with a much more balanced EQ spread than typical PB sets.

They've handled all of my tunings well without getting floppy (even Double Drop C) but are not so stiff that I can't bend a little when I want.

The guitar really opened up with these strings. I think it's really a tension thing that is allowing them to drive the top better without having to go up to 13s which my hands just can't take anymore. The guitar I have them on was always a little too strong in the mids even with 13s and the trebles were easily overwhelmed but not anymore. It's sounding like a much older guitar now - open, dry, detailed - you can really hear the wood.
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

Over the years I've used just about everything and have always come back to D'Adarrio. I use the J17 (13 thru 56). And I get somewhere between 3 months out of a set. I have a lot of acoustics so I can play a variety if guitars and that contributes ton the length of time I can go between changes. They just work. They sound great and play well
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

Bludave said:
Over the years I've used just about everything and have always come back to D'Adarrio. I use the J17 (13 thru 56). And I get somewhere between 3 months out of a set. I have a lot of acoustics so I can play a variety if guitars and that contributes ton the length of time I can go between changes. They just work. They sound great and play well
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I know you've got an enviable acoustic collection, have you posted the span in a post anywhere?
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

Please excuse my spelling errors my phones auto correct sucks
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

I use these:

Thomastik-InfeldPlectrum12spack-1.jpg


The reason is they sound better to me than anything else: warm and earthy, but still crisp and ringing, with a lot of note to note definition. I don't know what is their composition, so I voted "other". They also seem to last a very long time before they go dead.
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

Elixir nano web 80/20 bronze light tops medium bottoms (12-56) for my Martin 000-28. It's a short-scale guitar, so the brightness of the 80/20 set works. And what works, works.
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

mrpinter said:
I use these:

Thomastik-InfeldPlectrum12spack-1.jpg


The reason is they sound better to me than anything else: warm and earthy, but still crisp and ringing, with a lot of note to note definition. I don't know what is their composition, so I voted "other". They also seem to last a very long time before they go dead.
Click to expand...

I use the Infeld on my electrics and love them I have yet to use them on my acoustic I will have to give them a spin. Usually I buy Martian Phosphor Bronze they seem to do the trick I have no complaints about them.
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

erksin said:
I'm a recent convert to D'Addario Flat Tops (EFT16 Lights 12-53).

They're a semi-flatwound Phosphor Bronze set designed to sound like an older string out of the gate. They sound absolutely fantastic - warm and fat but also clear with a much more balanced EQ spread than typical PB sets.

They've handled all of my tunings well without getting floppy (even Double Drop C) but are not so stiff that I can't bend a little when I want.

The guitar really opened up with these strings. I think it's really a tension thing that is allowing them to drive the top better without having to go up to 13s which my hands just can't take anymore. The guitar I have them on was always a little too strong in the mids even with 13s and the trebles were easily overwhelmed but not anymore. It's sounding like a much older guitar now - open, dry, detailed - you can really hear the wood.
Click to expand...

ill have to try those.

i typically use pb elixer nanowebs. not cause i love the tone but i play my acoustic so infrequently i just want something to last forever and sound ok. snake oil strings 101 acoustic's were the best sounding acoustic string ive found but they are out of business or whatever. dr sunbeams are nice too
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

I prefer phosphor bronze on my nine dreads. I like the D'Addario J-series and EXP sets. Most of my dreads use medium gauge strings; one uses light gauge; two use Blugrass gauge.

I also like the Martin SP PB strings, and their new Lifetime coated strings. I have some of these strings in 80/20, but haven't tried them yet. The Clapton Sig. Series are great too.

My Taylor came with the 80/20 Elixir Nanos...and I hate them. The Elixirs are higher tension than the D'Addarios and they broke often. And the 710CE sounded better with the D'Addarios...more warmth and sustain.

Bill
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

D'Addario Custom Lights

da_prod_EJ26_main_1.jpg

I've been using them for years. Tried a few other brands but nothing else really wowed me. I like the lighter top end for the bendy stuff.
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

I usually buy what's cheap as I eat strings pretty fast. A local store sells bulk GHS for $3 a set, so that is usually what I use. They aren't the greatest, but certainly serviceable. I like Dr Ducks Phos Bronze when I'm a bit more flush, but a good ol set of Ernie Ball Earthwoods will do the trick too....they just go dead real quick. I got a set of John Pearce to try today. Looking forward to trying them. Also tried a set of Curt Mangan a while back and they were good. I've played acoustic for 40 some years now, so tried pretty much everything out there.....most are pretty good, some not so good and others a step above. Just depends on how many DP's are in the ol' wallet!
 
Re: Acoustic Strings, what is your preference?

I've been playing electrics since the early 70s. Bought my first acoustic about 8 years ago. Taylor 514CE--had some dead strings on it. Did not like the sound. Went to the Phos/Bronze and see no reason to ever change unless they go out of business. However, I think you have to find the right strings for your guitar, ear, playing style and playing conditions.
 
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