Improv -- Strings

[ib2010]

Enjoying playing the Improv, currently with "flat wounds" of unknown origin.  Thinking of trying "regular" strings, starting with 12's--- anyone got any helpful experience with diff. string types, and  gauges.  thanks,  s

[django49]

Something like these are a good match for that guitar, IMO. TI makes others that are less pricey.

Of course, if you want to use the Improv to play in the same way you would a "rock" guitar (set aside the feedback thing) it makes sense to try something lighter. I do not think a heavier gauge is that much of an issue with the shorter scale, unless you cannot stay away from bending notes aggressively.

http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/thgebeniflwo.html

 

[Steve Haynie]

When I was actually putting in an effort to play my archtop I used Gibson Mon-el strings.  Ranger Doug of Riders In The Sky uses bronze John Pearse strings. 

The Improv has the same features as a large archtop except for the smaller body.  Heavier strings across that bridge are a plus for getting the guitar to sound better.  If you have a flattop acoustic, try the same strings you are using on that and see if they work for you. 

[tomteriffic]

I've only got one archtop, but it's a smaller body, like the Improv.  Thomastik flatwound 12's are where I finally landed.  I'm old, decrepit and arthritic, but those strings and that guitar seem to match up well.

 

[JohnnyB]

I'm another guy with a Newport but not an Improv: I got a big bump in tone, response, tonal balance, string-to-string consistency, dynamics, etc. when I moved to Elixir 11-49s. The ones I got were Polywebs, but they only make Nanowebs in that size now. 

If you want some punch and definition of rounds, warmth of nickel, and lower noise of flats, try some GHS Rollerwound Nickel Rockers. 

If you want strings that are commensurate with the quality of the Improv, try something from Pyramid, Thomastik-Infeld, Black Diamond, or La Bella, or maybe a few different models of each.

[gorch]

Check out Thomastik Infeld Sliders SL110. Great strings for this type of guitar.