Strings question [help!]

Wesdutchmaster · Unread post by **Wesdutchmaster** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 2:38 pm

What kind of strings do you guys and some famous players use?

Right now I put on a set of Elixir Nanoweb custom lights [.011-.052] after using Elixir Polyweb Extra Lights [.010-.047]. I think maybe I liked the extralights a little better although I'm not sure.

Can anyone explain the sound/playing difference between polyweb and nanoweb? And between custom lights and extra lights etc?What are known pros and cons for using lighter strings over heavier ones and vice versa.

I know it differs per person and playing style [mine is jazz, percussivy, melodic] so don't give me that shit.:p I would love some real/personal answers.

fatjack · Unread post by **fatjack** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 2:43 pm

you say you play jazz huh? you need a lot heavier strings then.

the difference between the polyweb and nanoweb is simple, polys last long, but nanos sound more like natural strings but dont last as long, i prefer nanos because they sound more natural.

as for the thickness, get the thickest you can if you wanna play jazz, thicker strings have a much warmer tone that is better suited for jazz, lights, and especially extra lights just dont cut (plus, they break a lot easier)

Wesdutchmaster · Unread post by **Wesdutchmaster** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 2:50 pm

sorry, I play jazz, but I meant to say jazzy, because I usually don't play pure jazz.I play a lot of jazz chords in my originals but it's not pure jazz. thanks for your tips though.
I play an Ibanez AW100CENT btw.
I did enjoy the lighter strings somehow, I make them sound full enough with my amp.
What would be a good reason to use the lighter strings then?

and anyone else with an opinion about the original question?

ps I can't believe I never posted here. :p I'm an Ant and post in their musical forum all the time, but this one is so much better.

isaac · Unread post by **isaac** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 2:55 pm

lighter strings are easier to play, imo. gives me more room for mobility.

as for poly's and nano's, poly's have an extra coating and that helps prevent squeaking and makes it easier to slide along the fretboardd, but with nano's, they're uncoated and as fatjack said they sound more natural, but do have the squeak, so they feel and sound more like "normal strings." i'm a nanoman myself.

Wesdutchmaster · Unread post by **Wesdutchmaster** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 3:00 pm

easier how?

I do a heck of a lot of sliding, I think I like the coating better for that.

and good Lord! somebody welcome me you rude people! I'm officially a poster here now. :p;)

isaac · Unread post by **isaac** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 3:05 pm

well you joined in Nov of last year and have previous posts. why should i welcome you?!

anyway, yeah, coating is better for that. as for lights being easier, you don't have to press down as hard on the strings, unlike thicker gauged strings.

fatjack · Unread post by **fatjack** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 3:15 pm

you could also try flatwound strings, they have no squeek at all...

and reason's for using lighter strings: none. they are easier to play like isaac said, but they also promote poor finger strength. try using heays for a while, your fingers will get a lot strong and i'm positive that you will like the tone better

bakemm · Unread post by **bakemm** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 5:46 pm

I have got a question about strings... I bought strings for the first time last week, and just picked up the ones that were on sale at the shop. They are Darco D5100 Light Gauge. 80/20 Bronze Wound.

I am an improving beginner... do you guys suggest getting different strings, or are these sufficient? As I get better, do you have any other suggestions?

Maybe heavy strings for now as a suggestion from fatjack?

Thanks.

fatjack · Unread post by **fatjack** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 6:08 pm

bakemm wrote:I have got a question about strings... I bought strings for the first time last week, and just picked up the ones that were on sale at the shop. They are Darco D5100 Light Gauge. 80/20 Bronze Wound.

I am an improving beginner... do you guys suggest getting different strings, or are these sufficient? As I get better, do you have any other suggestions?

Maybe heavy strings for now as a suggestion from fatjack?

Thanks.

well depends on how long you've been playing, heavy gauge strings might be too tough for a beginner

gravedigger · Unread post by **gravedigger** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 6:09 pm

I like D'Addario phosphor/bronze mediums. .013-.056. the heavier strings have a better tone overall and the tone holds up good under heavy strumming where as on light strings, it tends to get a little muddy when strumming hard. as far as Elixirs go, I've only tried the nanowebs which I tought were very bright but lust their luster over time and started to sound kinda weak tone-wise. And they're too slippery in my opinion.

just try different kinds until you find the kind you like best.

Ranting Thespian · Unread post by **Ranting Thespian** » Mon Sep 08, 2003 4:12 am

Ok, for strings.

Elixers, I find them too bright and harsh.
I have tried D'Addarios twice, and hated them both times.
Martin strings are good, I like the SP+

But, I would recommend to ANYONE to get

Dean Markley Signature Acosutifc Bronze (acoustic)
+
Dean Markley Signature Nickel Plated (electric)

try them, and you will agree. I have tried them all, and I ALWAYS go back to Dean Markley for anything, classical, electric, acoustic, mandolin, anything.

I will always recommend them.

DT · Unread post by DT » Mon Sep 08, 2003 5:59 am

i used to swear by elixirs, then i got a lot better and realized that i dont need to pay 3 times more for a string that lasts 3 times longer.... i can just buy a bunch of cheap ones and restring often. I think i have fender 80/20 lights on the axe now, but earlier this summer i had a set of elixirs i had forgotten about, sittin in my bag, and i decided to put them on- like a total moron i pulled the G so hard it snapped. I couldnt stand wasting a set, and i didnt have any more strings so i went to the shop to get another set, all out of elixirs... i asked for any coated strings and the guy hands me a set of D'Addario EXP mediums... fucking INCREDIBLE strings, they sound just like normal phosphor bronze but have a little coat on them that kept them fresh for a looong time, plus they werent as slick as elixirs

think im gonna pick up a pack of those, just because it was nice to not have to switch strings every other week, or deal with butter-coated elixirs

Brock · Unread post by **Brock** » Mon Sep 08, 2003 6:20 am

The Dreaming Tree wrote:D'Addario... fucking INCREDIBLE strings

Amen.

Wesdutchmaster · Unread post by **Wesdutchmaster** » Mon Sep 08, 2003 8:17 am

fatjack wrote:and reason's for using lighter strings: none. they are easier to play like isaac said, but they also promote poor finger strength. try using heays for a while, your fingers will get a lot strong and i'm positive that you will like the tone better

someone told me that a lot of accoustics can't handle heavier ones in terms of pressure to the neck?

So right now I'm using custom light instead of extra light and those are already a lot heavier since I've only ever played extra lights [well before I switched to elixirs I played another guitar with crappy strings] and this already takes some getting used to. I think I can hear that they are fuller indeed but they are also sort of less flexible and more metally. [sorry for the obviousness of that line] Like I said I play a lot of jazzy stuff and I do a lot of weird things that require me to slide far and quick and use strange grips [especially when I have alternative tunings] and the extra lights felt good for that. I hope I can get used to the customs and still play as well.

edit:
these new custom light strings...hmmm maybe I still have to get used to them but I don't like them much because they are so loud, clangy [is that a word?] and screamy. It's a little harder to playy coz I'm used to a lot of muting.

I adore the slipperiness and non-sqeakyness of the elixirs. Do the d' addario's approach that?
How much heavier are mediums compared to custom lights?
Anyone know what kind of strings Mayer uses? And Dave? and Howie? And Mraz? Not that I would base my choice on that obviously but I'm just interested to hear since they all have very different playing styles.

Appfro · Unread post by **Appfro** » Mon Sep 08, 2003 4:39 pm

i personally like the lighter ones. 12's. and i usually use martin phosphour bronze, but i may have to try out these d'addario's. the only thing i have to say is be careful just changing the gauge of your strings. you're going to want a little bit of adjustment if you're going to switch gauges.

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Strings question [help!]

Strings question [help!]

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