Santa Cruz Owners String Preference

[DanLaFortune]

I recently took ownership of a new SCGC Custom D-Model. A beautiful guitar that sounds even better than she looks (I'd post a picture but I'm not a charter member and am technologically challenged). As is their custom, SCGC strung her with their mid-tension strings which sound great but feel a little "fat" to my fingers. I know their gauge is roughly the same as other medium gauge (0.013-0.056) strings so I'm assuming it's the "tension" that makes them feel "fatter".

They sound very nice, although a little on the bright side. I'll keep playing them until they die, which I expect to be ~3 months, but as someone who likes to experiment w/ stuff (strings, picks, etc.) I'm wondering what strings I should try next, and what strings seem to work best w/ SC guitars. I currently play Martin Retro's on my Martin D-35, which I love and feel that those are the best strings for that guitar and the sound I am after. My playing style is mostly Neil Young type music, what I call "picker strummer" style. I am considering the Retro's as the next set, but have also heard good things about the D'Addario NB's.

So my question is: what have other SC owners found to be the best strings that pair well with SC dreadnoughts?

[J Patrick]

Be sure and try the low tensions, I prefer them over the mid tensions on most guitars including my SC Tony Rice….my favorite strings also include John Pearse New Mediums in either PB or 80/20’s…..and of course good old EJ-16’s ….all of which I have used on a variety of Santa Cruz guitars….btw…I also live in NW Oregon…

[SuperB23]

Most good traditional style dreadnoughts sound best to my ears with mediums and all SCGC Dreads I’ve played have been no exception. The more Gibson style ones they make like the VJ, VS, and RS all sound a bit better to my ears with lights. SCGC does make their tops pretty thin like Goodall does.

[Slimt]

Originally Posted by SuperB23

Most good traditional style dreadnoughts sound best to my ears with mediums and all SCGC Dreads I’ve played have been no exception. The more Gibson style ones they make like the VJ, VS, and RS all sound a bit better to my ears with lights. SCGC does make their tops pretty thin like Goodall does.

Yes. I have noticed the top being thinner. I have light guage on my VA. They work just fine

[DanLaFortune]

And, is it just me or do the SC strings feel fatter/thicker than other similar gauge strings?
I'm guessing it has to do with the higher(?) tension.

[Glennwillow]

I like D'Addario EJ16 or the XS version of these strings on my Santa Cruz guitars.

- Glenn

[sayheyjeff]

I really like SC Parabolics medium tension strings and use them on my SC 000 and H13. Used to use them on my SC OM as well. Use the low tension strings on the PJ as recommended by SC. Use them on the Flammangs as well most of the time. Find the parabolics are bright when first put on, but they settle in and quiet down after a day or two. They sound good to my ears for long time.

Jeff

[Sadie-f]

Can't speak to D size, in a year and ¼, my SCGC OM has worn SCGC parabolics, SUS of slightly lighter weight, Thomastik plectrums, Martin Titanium (this guitar's harmonics are already sweet and complex, the Ti strings took that even farther), Martin kovar (also a little over the top), and now happily back to SCGC.

The kovar strings will get another try when she's approaching 5 years of playing, for now she's happily back to the original parabolics, every set I've tried has sounded awesome, so far the ones I've liked best have been the TI plectrums.