Strings For 000-18

[Skip Ellis]

I have a 2014 000-18 which I like very much (and the binding is perfect, by the way). I normally use light John Pearse strings as I play mostly fingerstyle but, lately, I've been playing bluegrass/old time with a couple people, one of whom considers himself a banjo player (the jury is still out on that) and it's completely overpowering my Martin to the point that I can't hear myself. We play in his living room and it's fairly close quarters. Everything is fine if we stick to guitars (he has a some kind of a nice Huss & Dalton) but once the banjo comes out everything goes downhill. Do ya'll think going to medium or bluegrass gauge strings would help me to, at least, hear myself? I'd probably tune down a step and capo back up to lessen tension on the neck although I assume it could handle mediums just fine with a slight truss rod tweak. If this jam continues, I'll probably have to dedicate the Martin with heavier strings to it and keep my Brooks with light strings for fingerstyle. Thoughts?

[EverettWilliams]

Try the New Medium gauge from JP, no need to tune down. Great compromise gauge!

[hairpuller]

I always loved Retros on my 000-18 GE.

[sonic romp]

I have favored D’Addario Nickel Bronze lights for what I would call hybrid flat-pick/fingerstyle on my ‘40. Good luck!

[Jim Owen]

I’m a 000 18 guy. I try to sit far away from the banjo. I ain’t sure that mediums will get much more volume than PB lights.

Good luck.

[Wade Hampton]

First I would try the John Pearse bluegrass gauge strings, and if those don’t hold their own, try the mediums. If you’ve been using the phosphor bronze strings it might also be worth experimenting with 80/20’s - they might cut through better.

Hope this helps.


Wade Hampton Miller

[BradHall]

Before the COVID lockdown I had a weekly session in my house. The banjo player definitely had massive volume out of his instrument. We convinced him to get a mute for the banjo and it made a huge difference. Basically the same volume as the rest of the guitars. Much more pleasant for all, including him.

[Borderdon]

FWIW, medium Retro Monel’s work really well for me on my 000-18, very “clean” and articulate.
It’s a tall order competing with a banjo though, that’s a good argument for a Dread !

[gibpicker]

Use a flat pick. MUCH more volume.

[Skip Ellis]

Originally Posted by gibpicker

Use a flat pick. MUCH more volume.

I do - Dunlop 500 1.14mm purple. I only use a thumb pick when when playing fingerstyle.

[Rogerblair]

I wouldn’t think a 000 is going to keep up with a banjo regardless of what strings are on it…I wouldn’t even try. Maybe suggest he use a banjo mute when you’re in such close quarters.

Another idea is to suggest you record a tune or two (simple iPhone). Upon playback hopefully he will realize how much the banjo dominates the room.

Roger