martini Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Hey all, I just bought a Gibson Songwriter Deluxe not long ago second hand, and while I love it already, It's time to put a new set of strings on it. I've always used Dario mediums, and am not a fan of Elixir strings, I was wondering if any of you have some suggestions for me. I just picked up a set if Gibson acoustics strings for it that I am gonna try but was wondering if there is a recommended brand. Thanx in advance for any replies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Ive been on a six month journey to find the right strings for my SWD. I love DR Sunbeams for mahogany but they are too 'soft' for rosewood. In the end the string that i found best simply Daddario EJ16's PB's. They are bright which you need for rosewood guitars but also have that PB warmth. I tried several brands of 80/20 strings and just found them not warm enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BT Bob Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 I've been using Martin - either PBs or 80/20s. I've also tried the SPs (both PB & 80/20) but prefer the "ordinary" ones. Of the 2, I prefer the PBs - they last longer (to my ears). I use the d'Addario's on my Gibson but haven't tried them on the SWD. I must try them. As an aside, get a decent set-up on it - I did and it made a big difference. I've settled on 11s - not a fan of heavier strings. Good luck, though. They're gorgeous guitars - both to look at and to play & listen to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larryp58 Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Well, I was gonna suggest Elixer Nano PB Lights. But since you're not a fan, I won't! But I do think you ought to at least give 'em a shot on that SongWriter, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Just my $.02! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BT Bob Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 Well, I was gonna suggest Elixer Nano PB Lights. But since you're not a fan, I won't! But I do think you ought to at least give 'em a shot on that SongWriter, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Just my $.02! I've got a mate with a lovely Hummingbird who swears by Elixirs. On his advice I tried them on my SWD and was really underwhelmed. They didn't have the "zing" I was expecting and, even more surprising, they lasted no time and went "dead" really quick. I know lots of people really love 'em, but they just didn't do it for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57classic Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 Elixirs took the life out of my SWD. After a few different choices I ended up with D'Addario EXP 12-53 phosphor bronze. What a wonderful and balanced sound. I highly recommend them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nid2007 Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 D'Addaro EJ-19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tartanbeastie Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 we have 5 acoustics, various brands etc but each of them have martin strings, different gauges for the different guitars but i love the martin strings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 That has always been my experience with Elxirs. They have good projection but also just kill the tone and the dynamics, almost like using 'compression'in an umaplified kind of way. The D'Addario EXPs' are going to be the next ones I will try, have a box waiting. Although Im really happy with the standard D'Addario EJ's lights but still happy to experiment a bit. Elixirs took the life out of my SWD. After a few different choices I ended up with D'Addario EXP 12-53 phosphor bronze. What a wonderful and balanced sound. I highly recommend them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martini Posted March 2, 2011 Author Share Posted March 2, 2011 Thanx to all who posted, You've all been really helpful, I put a set of Gibson's on last night because I had them kicking around and while a new string sounds pretty good, I'm wondering how they will react over time. I change them pretty often anyway. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna go back to the old faithfuls in d'ario. They've worked for me over the years on my other accoustics, I just thought where this guitar is more hi-end that I'd dabble a bit, either way, she plays like a dream and am extremely happy I pulled the trigger. Thanx again and take care Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martini Posted March 2, 2011 Author Share Posted March 2, 2011 Thanx again to all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aitch Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 Quick question: I just put on my first set of Elixir Nano's last Thursday and the coating on the G string is already fraying and getting fuzzy. Is this normal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meanstreak Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 I tend to use Martin Marquis or Gibson Masterbuilts, kinda go back and forth. My brother absolutely swears by Ernie Ball on his cutaway A/E epi masterbilt though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57classic Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 Quick question: I just put on my first set of Elixir Nano's last Thursday and the coating on the G string is already fraying and getting fuzzy. Is this normal? Unless you're wailing away like a madman that shouldn't happen for maybe weeks. I played those strings for years and the coating didn't start fraying for a couple of months and I have a bit of a heavy attack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aitch Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 Unless you're wailing away like a madman that shouldn't happen for maybe weeks. I played those strings for years and the coating didn't start fraying for a couple of months and I have a bit of a heavy attack. Thanks for the reply. I've only been doing fingerpicking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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