Advice on acoustic strings

TOMMYTHUNDERS · 05-25-2012, 10:26 AM

I rarely play acoustic, but want to start doing it more to become a more well-rounded player (or whatever). So I'm gonna re-string one of my acoustics.... What are good acoustic strings? Gauge recommendations are also appreciated.

michaelinokc · 05-25-2012, 10:30 AM

I like Elixer Nanoweb Lights (12's). I use them on both my Epiphone and Taylor.

RobinOC · 05-25-2012, 11:48 AM

I've always used D'Addario, same with my electrics. Light gauge 10's or 11's.

Next set I'm trying some Ernie Ball strings.

JMV · 05-25-2012, 11:59 AM

What kind of acoustic and how does it typically sound? Bright and snappy or more warm and rounded?

What kind of tone/feel/longevity are you looking at in your acoustic strings?

Strings on electrics can change a fair amount, but for whatever reason the effects of strings on an acoustic's tone are DRASTIC.

TOMMYTHUNDERS · 05-25-2012, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMV

What kind of acoustic and how does it typically sound? Bright and snappy or more warm and rounded?

What kind of tone/feel/longevity are you looking at in your acoustic strings?

Strings on electrics can change a fair amount, but for whatever reason the effects of strings on an acoustic's tone are DRASTIC.

i'd say it's currently pretty warm and rounded, definitely not overly bright. i want them to last a long time and i like deep tones. not interested in super bright. if i got some bright-ass strings i would hate myself even more for playing acoustic guitar.

SKATTERBRANE · 05-25-2012, 12:04 PM

Martin Marquis.

Thumpalumpacus · 05-25-2012, 12:05 PM

I like Ernie Ball Silk&Steel (only available in .013s) for fingerstyle. If I'm doing more flatpicking stuff, I'll go with D'Addario or EB Earthwood .012s.

eta: Just saw your last post. Definitely look into the Silk & Steels. They do "deep and round" better than any conventional acoustic string.

TOMMYTHUNDERS · 05-25-2012, 12:07 PM

thanks for the advice guys... man oh man am i gonna hate myself when i'm good at this.

JMV · 05-25-2012, 12:37 PM

I used D'Addario EXPs on an Ovation I used to have that that sounded a bit dull until I put those strings on. Elixers made it to thin but the EXPs were perfect. It definitely rounded out the tones I was able to get out of the guitar and they lasted well.

allstar100595 · 05-25-2012, 01:21 PM

John Pearse strings are magnificent, it's a shame no one ever talks about them. Probably the most well rounded acoustic strings IMO.

HRC · 05-25-2012, 01:26 PM

Martin Marquis XL

Stevie 202 · 05-25-2012, 01:28 PM

I don't play accoustics much anymore.....they just dont turn me on, but when I need to play one I use Martin 10's (tuned down a full step).

22Frets · 05-25-2012, 03:57 PM

Martin SP's in a 13-56 have always delivered for me. Their new Extended Life is a Martin string with Cleartone EMP applied. Pretty nice too.

You should really try different kinds and gauges to find your preference - Martin is where I started, and also happened to end up at; a full circle.

ElectricMojo · 05-25-2012, 03:59 PM

I like the DR Sunbeams.
They keep their tone really long and sound awesome.

TOMMYTHUNDERS · 05-25-2012, 05:21 PM

this is way too many recommendations. i was hoping someone would be like "oh, hey 'x' strings are great!" and everyone else would be like "oh yeah, those are the best!" except for one guy who'd be like "those suck! 'y' strings are the shit!" and everyone would flame that guy.... now i feel lost again.

kenmarkat · 05-26-2012, 05:23 AM

I've got lite Elixer Nano Webs on both my Taylors and my Carvin acoustic. Some players feel that they're too bright but I've gotten nothing but compliments on the sound. The big thing for me is that, being primarily a bassist, I don't get to dig the acoustics out too often and the Elixers sound fresh for a LONG time. Being able to leave them on so long makes up for the $14/set cost - I can dig a guitar out literally a few months after not playing and it sounds great. If there's a downside (besides price) it's that some say they break a little easier than some other brands but I've only lost one high G on the 12-string in a number of years of playing them.

alligatorbling · 05-26-2012, 07:29 AM

Rubber bands, or fishing twine. Jump rope is ok, but not great.

stadams · 05-26-2012, 11:22 AM

I play DR "Rare" Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings on my acoustic. Typically mediums, 12-54. They have a balanced sound with a warmer response with a slight emphasis in the bottom registers.

05-25-2012, 10:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
michaelinokc Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 3,389 Thanks: 75 Thanked 35 Times in 15 Posts	Re: Advice on acoustic strings I like Elixer Nanoweb Lights (12's). I use them on both my Epiphone and Taylor. TOMMYTHUNDERS and Eric Smith like this. __________________ 2007 Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Custom (Silverburst) 2011 Taylor Fall Limited Koa GS 2011 Gibson SG Standard (Pelham Blue) 2010 Gibson Nighthawk Standard 2007 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster (Ash) 2012 Fender American Special Telecaster 2008 Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500M Egnater Tweaker (15 watt) Fender Blues Jr. III Limited Edition Fender Greta with matching Greta cab

05-25-2012, 11:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
RobinOC Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 166 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 1 Post	Re: Advice on acoustic strings I've always used D'Addario, same with my electrics. Light gauge 10's or 11's. Next set I'm trying some Ernie Ball strings.

05-25-2012, 11:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
JMV Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 13,784 Thanks: 238 Thanked 162 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Advice on acoustic strings What kind of acoustic and how does it typically sound? Bright and snappy or more warm and rounded? What kind of tone/feel/longevity are you looking at in your acoustic strings? Strings on electrics can change a fair amount, but for whatever reason the effects of strings on an acoustic's tone are DRASTIC. Thumpalumpacus likes this. __________________ Guitars Gibson SG Standard \| Gibson Les Paul Classic \| Tele Partscaster \| Strat Partscaster \| Squier Jaguar \| Taylor 714ce \| G&L L-2000 Amps Cygnus-7 \| Cygnus-30 \| Armstrong P51 \| Weber 5e3 Clone \| Fender Greta

05-25-2012, 12:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
SKATTERBRANE Banned Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 21,441 Thanks: 603 Thanked 549 Times in 185 Posts	Re: Advice on acoustic strings Martin Marquis.

05-25-2012, 12:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
Thumpalumpacus Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hill Country Posts: 54,248 Thanks: 1,199 Thanked 687 Times in 79 Posts	Re: Advice on acoustic strings I like Ernie Ball Silk&Steel (only available in .013s) for fingerstyle. If I'm doing more flatpicking stuff, I'll go with D'Addario or EB Earthwood .012s. eta: Just saw your last post. Definitely look into the Silk & Steels. They do "deep and round" better than any conventional acoustic string. __________________ _____________________________________________ My Soundcloud

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05-25-2012, 12:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
JMV Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 13,784 Thanks: 238 Thanked 162 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Advice on acoustic strings I used D'Addario EXPs on an Ovation I used to have that that sounded a bit dull until I put those strings on. Elixers made it to thin but the EXPs were perfect. It definitely rounded out the tones I was able to get out of the guitar and they lasted well. __________________ Guitars Gibson SG Standard \| Gibson Les Paul Classic \| Tele Partscaster \| Strat Partscaster \| Squier Jaguar \| Taylor 714ce \| G&L L-2000 Amps Cygnus-7 \| Cygnus-30 \| Armstrong P51 \| Weber 5e3 Clone \| Fender Greta

05-25-2012, 01:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
allstar100595 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 186 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Advice on acoustic strings John Pearse strings are magnificent, it's a shame no one ever talks about them. Probably the most well rounded acoustic strings IMO.

05-25-2012, 01:26 PM	#11 (permalink)
HRC Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 3,746 Thanks: 278 Thanked 7 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Advice on acoustic strings Martin Marquis XL __________________ If You Can't Play 'em, Relic 'em Axaholics Bluesville Junction

05-25-2012, 01:28 PM	#12 (permalink)
Stevie 202 Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 1,619 Thanks: 12 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Advice on acoustic strings I don't play accoustics much anymore.....they just dont turn me on, but when I need to play one I use Martin 10's (tuned down a full step).

05-25-2012, 03:57 PM	#13 (permalink)
22Frets Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 198 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Advice on acoustic strings Martin SP's in a 13-56 have always delivered for me. Their new Extended Life is a Martin string with Cleartone EMP applied. Pretty nice too. You should really try different kinds and gauges to find your preference - Martin is where I started, and also happened to end up at; a full circle.

05-25-2012, 03:59 PM	#14 (permalink)
ElectricMojo Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Montreal, Canada. Posts: 1,789 Thanks: 20 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Advice on acoustic strings I like the DR Sunbeams. They keep their tone really long and sound awesome. __________________ My shop is a dealer for Larrivee, Two Rock, Fano, Analogman, Wampler, JHS, Xotic, Malekko, Voodoo Lab, Fairfield Circuitry, Retro-Sonic, Van Amps, Peterson, Vintage Clone, Montreux, Lava Cable, MJM, Joyo & Black Art ToneWorks. I offer a line of hand aged humbucker covers, Grover, Bigsby and Kluson parts. Please ''like'' the shop's Facebook page and check out the website.

05-26-2012, 05:23 AM	#16 (permalink)
kenmarkat Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southeastern PA Posts: 242 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Advice on acoustic strings I've got lite Elixer Nano Webs on both my Taylors and my Carvin acoustic. Some players feel that they're too bright but I've gotten nothing but compliments on the sound. The big thing for me is that, being primarily a bassist, I don't get to dig the acoustics out too often and the Elixers sound fresh for a LONG time. Being able to leave them on so long makes up for the $14/set cost - I can dig a guitar out literally a few months after not playing and it sounds great. If there's a downside (besides price) it's that some say they break a little easier than some other brands but I've only lost one high G on the 12-string in a number of years of playing them. __________________ Hofner 500/1 Beatle Bass Carvin LB75 Bass Les Paul Classic Custom Fender Standard Strat Taylor 355 Taylor 414ce Carvin 750T

05-26-2012, 07:29 AM	#17 (permalink)
alligatorbling V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 31,012 Thanks: 1,808 Thanked 2,275 Times in 639 Posts	Re: Advice on acoustic strings Rubber bands, or fishing twine. Jump rope is ok, but not great. HOT-BRIT likes this. __________________ https://soundcloud.com/astrobling/space-ride Visit Blings Soundcloud! visit bling at reverbnation!

05-26-2012, 11:22 AM	#18 (permalink)
stadams Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: South MS Posts: 163 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Advice on acoustic strings I play DR "Rare" Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings on my acoustic. Typically mediums, 12-54. They have a balanced sound with a warmer response with a slight emphasis in the bottom registers. __________________ -Todd 1982 Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst

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