Your Favorite Strings?

[jmessick]

I was forced to re-string one of my CG's this weekend. I hate changing strings, and of course the worst part is the constant re-tuning until they stretch in, so I put off changing strings for as long as possible. Naturally I like whichever strings last the longest. The best that I have come across so far is the D'Addario Pro Arte EXP Coated Composites. I use the normal tension strings, which go by EXP45C but I believe they also co me in extra hard versions.

These strings really do seem to last forever. They aren't the cheapest but they aren't particularly expensive, and since they do last so long they probably end up being one of the cheapest strings to use. But to me the time savings alone is what makes these my strings of choice. I discovered these about 9 years ago when I was last taking lessons and turned my instructor onto them as well, and he told two friends, and so on and so on...

If you can't imagine switching strings then stick with what you use, otherwise consider giving these a try. If you've found something you think is superior than I'd like to hear about that. Fortunately I still have a couple of sets of these composits so I'm probably set for a while.

Also, if you have a recommendation for steel strings for acoustic guitar then please share. Thanks.

James

[Bill]

Hi James,

I don't know if the strings that I use are superior or not as that is a subjective question, but I prefer them with my Taylor 814 CE as they have a a nice balanced sound to them. They are also long lasting. I use Dean Markley Alchemy Gold Phosphorus Bronze which Dean Markely had discontinued last fall but were brought back into production recently by popular demand.

You can find them at: http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/deanmarkley.html. Strings and Beyond offers very reasonable prices for strings and also includes free shipping for orders $35 and above and routinely offers specials.

Strings and Beyond also has a sound room which has recordings of various brands of strings where you can compare different strings to one another. This is to give you an idea as to the different characteristic sounds that these strings have. It may and probably will sound different on your guitar but it is a great starting place for buying strings.
You can find this at: http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/soundroom.html

And by the way, I do not work for Strings and Beyond but have ordered from them in the past and will continue to do so as they provide great service.

Lastly, Taylorguitars.com has a wealth of information on maintaining, restringing and keeping your guitar at proper humidity levels which is critical, especially if you live in a drier part of the country. This winter I was living in Moab, Utah for three months (am back in Alaska now) which is a desert environment and by keeping my guitar at proper humidity levels (using the Planet Waves Humidipak system and adding some supplemental humidity) I didn't have any problems. The following two links are for restringing and giving basic mainenance to you guitar that walks you through the process making it much simpler.

Clean & Restring Pt. 1 -
http://www.taylorguitars.com/videos/?id=86&tab=ss&pg=1

Clean & Restring Pt. 2 -
http://www.taylorguitars.com/videos/?id=85&tab=ss&pg=1

Hope this helps.

Bill

[jmessick]

Thanks for the info, I might give them a try. I just found that d'Addario also has EXP coated acoustic strings so I might give them a try. I buy from juststrings.com (no affiliation) because their prices really can't be beat. I do usually try and stock up to save on postage ($6.95 for any size order). They do have Dean Markley strings but don't seem to be carrying the Alchemy line right now, but I wouldn't be surprised if an inquiry results in their addition.

[bunnahowen]

Hi James

I hate changing strings too and I mostly play steel string acoustics. I have found that Elixir Nanoweb's seem to last the longest and have the most comfortable feel for playing.I use the Phosphor Bronze version. I can leave them on for months and I do play every day. The Taylor stringing method helped me a lot but of course it doesn't work for all strings as some types can only be cut after you have tuned up to pitch so best to read the label.

Best wishes

Tony

[jmessick]

Interesting, I Googled the 'Taylor Way'. They're really got some specific ideas. I might just try it the next time I'm forced to change strings. Have to find my wire cutters as I usually just use the entire string, and I had seeing the long, untrimmed strings on some people's guitars.

[bunnahowen]

Good luck with that. If you are able to cut them to length a la Taylor method it is a lot easier to string. I also use a string winder with built in cutter which is very useful and not overly expensive. As for stretching them in, well it is time consuming but I find if I give the strings a good tug about four to five times,retuning after each tug, that about does it. I tend to lay my thumb across the nut as I do so. I also take the opportunity to clean the guitar at the same time so it becomes like a service and general inspection and although that lengthens the whole process it is nice to pick up a nice clean freshly strung guitar and play.
Best wishes