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  #16  
Old 10-14-2014, 08:51 AM
RussMason RussMason is offline
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Default Disagree with most of the others

I do agree with those who recommended nickel-wound strings, such as Martin Monels. The wrap-wires must be pure nickel and not nickel-plated steel. Big difference. But new, they are still a little bright.

However, I strongly suggest you try 85/15 strings, also known as Vintage Bronze. They are very warm strings. GHS makes some and I think Dean Markley also.

I would not recommend phosphor bronze (with the possible exception of DR Rares) or 80/20 brass. These are bright strings. The 80/20s will lose their brightness in couple of weeks and become a bit dull. I don't think you want dull. Dull does not equal warmth.

If it's warm you want, 85/15 is the string set to get. D'Addario used to make them and they were branded as "Great American Bronze." But they are no longer available.

Good luck to you.
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  #17  
Old 10-14-2014, 08:53 AM
GrandpaDave GrandpaDave is offline
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I just put a set of martin marquis silk and steel .11s on my 214ce and it did quiet the whole thing down a bit. The definitely sound warmer than the Elixir strings did.

They are not more difficult to play than the Elixirs either, although after using coated strings for a few months these have a "sticky" feel to them.
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  #18  
Old 10-14-2014, 09:00 AM
softballbryan softballbryan is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GrandpaDave View Post
I just put a set of martin marquis silk and steel .11s on my 214ce and it did quiet the whole thing down a bit. The definitely sound warmer than the Elixir strings did.

They are not more difficult to play than the Elixirs either, although after using coated strings for a few months these have a "sticky" feel to them.
But how did you like the sound? Do u like what you get from the guitar now?

bryan
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  #19  
Old 10-14-2014, 09:00 AM
GSMC Bob GSMC Bob is offline
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I've become very attached to the sound of my short scale Taylor 814c (CV braced) with Curt Mangan Fusion Matched phosphor bronze coated strings in medium-light gauge (12-54). Adds a bit more low end thump and are much warmer than Elixir PB's. However, they last only about half as long, tonewise, as Elixirs. If you look around on eBay, you can find them for six sets delivered at around $7 per set ($39.99 + $2.99 shipping).
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  #20  
Old 10-14-2014, 09:11 AM
PTC Bernie PTC Bernie is offline
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Default Taylor Brightness

I hate to say this, again, but that brightness is why I like the 90's Taylor sound and can't bring myself to buy anything newer.

Just my less than humble opinion.
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  #21  
Old 10-14-2014, 09:15 AM
GrandpaDave GrandpaDave is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by softballbryan View Post
But how did you like the sound? Do u like what you get from the guitar now?

bryan
It does sound different than it did before, there's no question about that. It sounds a bit warmer, but not by much. I do like the way they sound.

I was specifically looking for something to take some of the volume out of the entire guitar and the punch out of the high E and B. They did do this.

As for playability, these strings, without a coating are more sticky feeling, especially when brand new. The pressure to fret these seems less, probably because they are only 11s. Regardless, I am able to get nice tone.

I'm not sure if I'll keep using the Martin strings or not, but I'll try other brands of silk and steel on here before I make up my mind.

So, part of it is probably the silk and steel, and part of it is probably going from 12s to 11s. I think I just like 11s better.

(Also, the guitar I'm playing is a Taylor 214ce K ltd from 2013. The mids on this guitar sounded noticeably different from the standard 214ce.)
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  #22  
Old 10-14-2014, 09:34 AM
exterra1 exterra1 is offline
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Default D'addario

EXP16 or flat tops and your Taylor will sound beautiful!
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  #23  
Old 10-14-2014, 09:50 AM
T Wescott T Wescott is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarekith View Post
Isn't it the other way around? My 814 came with the 80/20, but I switched to PB for a warmer tone, love it.
Pre coffee. I meant it the other way. I like the SP lifespans, after about a week the shimmer is drawn down some.
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  #24  
Old 10-14-2014, 09:52 AM
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In addition to the Martin Retros, I would also recommend trying Pyramid Western Folk strings. They are "round core" phosphor bronze. I'm not sure which of those attributes makes them sound so good, but they effectively tamed the brightness of my J-35 and replaced it with a nice, woody warmth.
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  #25  
Old 10-14-2014, 10:02 AM
Oldguy64 Oldguy64 is offline
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One thing that has only been marginally addressed:
Are you absolutely wed to medium gauge strings?
I've found that in some cases dropping to a 12-54 or 12-53 set can ease playability, and increase warmth.
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  #26  
Old 10-14-2014, 10:12 AM
s2y s2y is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarekith View Post
Isn't it the other way around? My 814 came with the 80/20, but I switched to PB for a warmer tone, love it.
Agreed.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cke View Post
I don't think Taylors are too bright. Rather they are thin sounding and. Weak on the lower tones. With the clarity they possess it makes for an overemphasis on the high tones. I don't think strings alone can bring it into balance.
Whilest most guitar forums tend to be a little anti-Taylor, bigger bodies and/or non-cutaway help a lot. Played a maple 618e and would love to purchase it.
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  #27  
Old 10-14-2014, 10:14 AM
bancika bancika is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by T Wescott View Post
Try 80/20 instead of phospher, see if that helps.
In my experience it's exactly the opposite. 80/20 are much brighter.

DR Dragon Skin PB warmed up my GS Mini pretty noticeably compared to Elixir PB.
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  #28  
Old 10-14-2014, 10:17 AM
Oldguy64 Oldguy64 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by s2y View Post
Agreed.



Whilest most guitar forums tend to be a little anti-Taylor, bigger bodies and/or non-cutaway help a lot. Played a maple 618e and would love to purchase it.
There is one at Mass Street Music in Lawrence, KS that is sublime.
And it has bass for days.
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Alvarez 5013
Alvarez MD70CE
Alvarez PD85S
Alvarez AJ60SC
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Alvarez-Yairi GY1
Takamine P3DC
Takamine GJ72CE-12-NAT
Godin Multiac Steel.
Journey Instruments OF660
Gibson G45
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  #29  
Old 10-14-2014, 10:20 AM
zmf zmf is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarekith View Post
Isn't it the other way around? My 814 came with the 80/20, but I switched to PB for a warmer tone, love it.
That's been my experience too. But enough folks think 80/20s offer a warmer, darker tone that I sometimes wonder if I'm the one who has it backwards.

On the Pierce Pure Nickel Wound, when I tried them on a Taylor, they did reduce brightness, but they also sounded pretty dead. But YMMV.
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  #30  
Old 10-14-2014, 10:26 AM
s2y s2y is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Oldguy64 View Post
There is one at Mass Street Music in Lawrence, KS that is sublime.
And it has bass for days.
The 618e blew my mind. My shop usually only stocks the x12ce and x14ce guitars. Those obviously have the sound that some guys complain about.
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