Recommend Me an Acoustic String Set

[velorush]

I'm increasingly needing an acoustic guitar for church - I've avoided it like the plague, but "that, Mr. Anderson, is the sound of inevitability."

So Jay has graciously agreed to fix up my 70's Norman B-20 dreadnaught (a Canadian guitar by the predecessor of today's Seagull guitars).

The guitar has a solid cedar top and solid (reportedly) cherry sides and back (though it looks like maple to me). The neck is not glued in (if that matters), but sits in a slot like a Strat and has adjustable tilt. To my ears, the guitar sounds very bassy - maybe that's a dreadnaught thing - without much in the upper mids and treble. Of course, having the same D'Addario phosphor bronze strings on it for the past 10+ years might be a factor.

I bought the guitar to sit in on bluegrass jams [G,C,D] back in the mid-90's (while we lived in Kentucky) and have since used it only to work up songs back when I was playing on Sunday mornings.

Any advice on strings would be great. I'm essentially clueless.

[G Man]

For acoustics I prefer D'Addario Phospher Bronze, and have also been happy with Martin SP strings. For dreads I find that mediums help to more fully move the top, although if you're looking for less bass and more top end, you may consider a set of lights. As always, each guitar is unique and will take some experimentation to find the best match. Good luck with the acoustic thing. If you find you need to play more and more acoustic and want a more balanced tone, you should try out some more medium bodied guitars, such as the OMs and 000s of the world.

[Kramer_nut]

I like the John Pearse Phosphor Bronze & Silk strings. They have a very mellow balanced tone and the have a decent lifespan.

[GASguy]

I would recommend acoustic light gauge strings, 12s, for a Dred with a cedar top; I like the D'Addario EXP Phosphor Bronze strings.

[cynic]

I also tend to go with D'Addario EXPs. I don't think there's an electric string I'm more dissatisfied with, but for me at least, their EXP lites on an acoustic are the best I've found for my acoustics.

[Joe G]

Here's a link to an old HFC thread on acoustic strings:

http://www.hamerfanclub.com/forums/topic/35856-acoustic-guitar-strings/page__hl__%20acoustic%20%20strings%20%20

[JohnnyB]

I like the John Pearse Phosphor Bronze & Silk strings. They have a very mellow balanced tone and the have a decent lifespan.

This. The Pearse acoustic strings are the only ones I've tried that sound significantly better than others. I have friends who agree so it must be true.

[hardheartedbill]

Pearce or d adarrios . I use lights unless I'm tuning down

[velorush]

Thanks, Joe G, for the link [i'd have searched if I'd had any idea we'd discussed acoustic strings] and everyone for the comments and suggestions.

Interesting the D'Addario PB's seem well regarded. The EXPs didn't exist when this guitar was last strung. The EXPs are $9.65 a set whereas the regular PBs are $4.95. I've never used a coated string... I've never used Pearce strings either. Maybe the best tact to take would be to order a set of each.

[hardheartedbill]

Coated strings suck

[velorush]

Coated strings suck

[Having never once tried a coated string] the cheapskate in me finds great appeal in this statement.

[duncans]

I've been using D'addario EXP as well. For a coated string they sound great on my Guild dread.

Hang the cost.

I've got a set of Knucklehead phospher/bronze(yeah, I know) on my Ovation that sound pretty good,

don't know how long they'll last as they are not coated.

[lincsman]

On my ovation I use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze custom light (Code EJ26) and they sound very sweet,I have to admit I havnt tryed EXP's yet.

[hardheartedbill]

Try em you'll hate em lol. Dental floss has more appeal to me

[JohnnyB]

It's pretty hard to beat John Pearse, especially considering how good they sound vs. what they cost.

[Ethan]

Try the DAddario EXPs...I think the 80/20 set might brighten up your guitar a little if it is too bassy. The EXPs to me do not have the drawbacks of coated strings like Elixir strings do.

[tomteriffic]

I guess I'll add to the heresy here

I've been using the D'Addario EXP's for several years on several guitars. The recent improvements they've made (thinner coating, applied before the string is wound, coating the plain strings) have only added to my positive impression of them.

When you first put them on, they do lack much of the "brand new string zing" of a new set of phosphor bronzes, but on a normal set, that zing dissipates into a more stable, subdued tone pretty quickly. The EXP's settle into that stable tone almost immediately and it stays and stays. In fact I often forget to change strings on my workhorses until I happen to notice that the frets have flat-spotted the bottom of the strings. The deterioration of tone just doesn't seem to happen anywhere near as quickly.

[velorush]

The general consensus seems to surround two brands and three types:

1. D'Addario Phosphor Bronze

2. D'Addario EXP (both Phosphor Bronze and 80/20) [even though they suck and are tantamount to dental floss ]

3. John Pearse Phosphor Bronze

If I understand correctly, 80/20 is a bit brighter than Phosphor Bronze and that appeals to me as my idea of this guitar is that it is somewhat heavy in the bass / low mids (that may be way off, but compared to the fantastic sounding Taylor GS that I spend quality time with when I happen into the Memphis GC, it seems so). I've been playing the D'Addario Phosphor Bronze on there for years, so I have an idea of what they sound like on this guitar. I think what I'll try first is a set of the EXP's in 80/20 [even thought they'll suck - just call me curious] and a set of the John Pearse in 80/20.

I reserve the right to revise and extend my conclusions

YMMV

Certain exclusions apply

Not legal in every state

Consult your physician before beginning any exercise regimen

editid ta karekt mi spelin [apologies to Mr. Pearse, his antecedents and all descendants who share the name]

[JohnnyB]

... just call me curious and a set of the John Pearce in 80/20.

Actually, I can't remember if I used Pearse (with an "s") phosphor bronze or 80/20. Which is HHB using? Also, note that Pearse offers pure nickel wrap and silver-coated bronze Nuages, and for some more money, the easier-on-the-hands Silk and Bronze.

[hardheartedbill]

Phosphorus is the only way in the dark lol. I will.admit.to.not trying.the.new.generation of.coated string but I can rave the zing

Practicing my.billy.g speak!

[velorush]

I realized I never followed up on this thread, mostly because it took me so long to pick up my guitar from Jay (who, as I reported in another thread, did an unbelievable job on the neck refinish, fret level, nut install).

I chose the D'Addario EXP 80/20 bronze set in extra light and couldn't be happier. The tubby bass is gone (but the good bass remains). The guitar has a very even tone, bright, but not too bright. The strings feel great. Thumbs up!