What Strings Do You Use and Why?

[Tarnisher]

I always used these:on my Larrivee Parlor. I pick pretty hard, and pluck a lot of bass notes, and always liked the rich full sound I got out of these strings.

However, I just got a Stroup archtop, and it's a completely different animal- longer scale, maple back/sides, rosewood fingerboard, a much brighter tone. I want to try different strings on it to find something that sounds and feels best. I think I'll start with 13's since it will allow me to keep the action lower, but then I might not need to keep it so low if I switch to 12's....

So what do you use on what guitars? What kind of sounds are you going for? Are you an aggressive picker or a mellow strummer? What have you tried and rejected? What gives you the best tone? What gives you the best playability? What lasts the longest? Go ahead, sound off!

[Glennwillow]

I keep changing strings and find that I'm pretty flexible. I use predominantly light gauge strings except on my Taylor GS8 I use mediums. I used to use coated strings, mostly D'Addario EXP, but I've also used Elixer nanos and Cleartones. Currently I bought about 10 sets of Martin Marquis light 80/20 strings and they work well, too, though of course they dull out in about a month while the coated strings go for a couple of months.

[drjordan]

I like Elixirs on my acoustic guitar, John Pearse on my dobro, and Dean Markley Blue Steel on my electric guitar. I only use medium gauge regardless of the instrument.

[terrapin]

NEWTONE.............Master Class Bronze...................Strings are so subjective, but these Newtones work perfectly, sound great, last a long time.

A Little pricey, but you can often find them on sale...............Maury's Music or Strings and Beyond.......

JUST my HUMBLE opinion................

You are going to have to find your desired sound, then try ALOT of different strings.......What works for your sound, your guitar...

It's fun.................

[Trevorapolis]

martin marquis lights.
because they are cheap in bulk and sound good.
but mainly because they are cheap

[TBman]

I bought 2 sets of D'Addario Acoustic flat tops (Lights - 12s). Good tone and quiet. On my music page below is a cover of While My Guitar Gently Weeps played on my Larrivee OM-05 with the flattops.

I really prefer 11s, but the tone is so good I'm going to be ordering more. Also they are a few dollars less than Elixer nanoweb PBs which I usually use.

[Michael T]

DR Sunbeams, fantastic feel (round core) great tone, decent life & affordable. Downside, hard to find in stock, seems like the rares are everywhere but the I guess Sunbeams sell out quick.
Get mine here:

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

Mike & Carol are great folks.

[El Conquistador]

I use Curt Mangan PBs. They make all my guitars louder and sweeter.
LC

[RareBird]

Elixir PN Nano Lights on both acoustics
Elixir Lights rustrpoof on electric
DR Black Beauties on my Fender Jazz bass

all last and sound excellent.

[soundman48]

Originally Posted by Tarnisher

I always used these:on my Larrivee Parlor. I pick pretty hard, and pluck a lot of bass notes, and always liked the rich full sound I got out of these strings.

However, I just got a Stroup archtop, and it's a completely different animal- longer scale, maple back/sides, rosewood fingerboard, a much brighter tone. I want to try different strings on it to find something that sounds and feels best. I think I'll start with 13's since it will allow me to keep the action lower, but then I might not need to keep it so low if I switch to 12's....

So what do you use on what guitars? What kind of sounds are you going for? Are you an aggressive picker or a mellow strummer? What have you tried and rejected? What gives you the best tone? What gives you the best playability? What lasts the longest? Go ahead, sound off!

You might try the D'Addario EJ19's. They have light tops and medium bottoms.

EJ17: .013 / .017 / .026 / .035 / .045 /.056
EJ19: .012 / .016 / .025 / .035 / .045 /.056

[sad]

Martins 10's & two other brands ( Manson & Life strings Phosphor gauge 10' ) Sustain brightness and longevity especially the life strings, they really bring my guitars to life,

Cheers SAD

[66strummer]

On a guitar that Elixirs sound good on such as my Blueridge BR-70 I love them. 2-3 months later they still sound awesome (or rather the guitar with them on it). I'm not sure they sound as good on a few of my other guitars and I'm experimenting. Believe it or not I tried some of those MF Musician's Gear Strings and put some on my Aria AD-80 a month ago and they still sound fresh and new. Even the low E-string hasn't lost it's tone. For $2 a set (if they are still on sale) I would definitely order more of them. Not a bad string for the price! They sound decent on a few of my guitars anyway...... I think D'addario makes a good string too BTW. I bought a set of the coated EXPs but still haven tried them out.

Ryan

[yardism]

I have the same set of Black Diamonds that my grandfather put on when he bought it...

[ocarolan]

Newtone Masterclass PB Custom 12-54. Tone, feel, longevity, price (inUK) all work best for me and my guitars - Lowden O25, S10, and Fylde Oberon and Ariel, though I sometimes put 13-56 on the Fyldes, both of which are shorter scale. Mostly fingerpicking and hybrid picking.
Keith

[rmyAddison]

+1 DR Sunbeam mediums, sound like 13's play and feel like 12's.