the ongoing search for strings

[boy in a mans body]

I've been searching for the right set of strings for a takamine eg340. I know I don't like coated strings, I've tried D'addario exp, even though they lasted longer (almost 2 years since i wasn't playing it often) they weren't satisfying. I've tried Martin and darco, they're okay but not great. I need something with great projection since the guitar itself is lacking.

What's your favorite set of uncoated acoustic strings?

[joelrockemann]

Wow that's tough. I like Elixirs and the D'Addario's both but if those aren't working for you try a set of the Ernie Ball acoustic strings. Let me know how it works out for you!


Joel

on Twitter (joelrockemann)
or Life with Jding (http://lifewithjding.com)

[MichelleWeger]

You might like the Martin Marquis strings- I like them better than the Martin SP strings, if you haven't tried them.

[SaintLewis]

That's easy...
DR Sunbeam Mediums.

They don't break, and they sound like new a month after putting them on, even under heavy use... I won't use anything else.

[Gary_]

What brand and model of acoustic do you have? Scale length, top wood, jumbo? Do you finger pick or strum with a pick? What style of worship? (Country, rock, punk, etc.)

[inkedindreams]

I agree with SaintLewis - DR's are great. I use the Rare Phosphor Bronze 12's on one of my acoustics (Tacoma Chief). I also use the Elixers and have really liked them.......what was it about the coated strings you didn't like?

[chipshot0701]

Here's my question. Which guage of strings, ie. thicker or thinner should a person put on an acoustic or electric when they drop tune down one full step. Currently I love my Elixirs 10-50's in regular E tuning. But when I drop down a full step and tune in D the high end loses it. I think they hit the frets and are too loose for the drop tuning. They tend to vibrate out of control too much. But the Low end sounds really great. Maybe I could put just thicker guage on the high end strings? Anyone ever play with this concept? If so I would Like to hear your results please.

Mike

[Locke]

I agree with SaintLewis. DR Sunbeams are the way to go. Also, Ernie Ball Earthwoods are an excellent cost-effective option.

[boy in a mans body]

Here's my question. Which guage of strings, ie. thicker or thinner should a person put on an acoustic or electric when they drop tune down one full step. Currently I love my Elixirs 10-50's in regular E tuning. But when I drop down a full step and tune in D the high end loses it. I think they hit the frets and are too loose for the drop tuning. They tend to vibrate out of control too much. But the Low end sounds really great. Maybe I could put just thicker guage on the high end strings? Anyone ever play with this concept? If so I would Like to hear your results please.

Mike

I would think 12-56 or 13-60 would be appropriate for tuning a full step down.

and Gary, as i said in the OP, its a Takamine eg340= dreadnought body w/ cutaway, solid spruce top, laminate mahogany back & sides, finish is a HEAVY gloss which is probably the main cause of volume/projection problems. I do both fingerpick and pick. On the rare occasion I use this in service, it may need to cover pop (i.e. Bethany Dillon - All I Need), power-pop (i.e. Casting Crowns - Lifesong), southern rock (i.e. Third Day - Revelation), R&B (i.e. Lean On Me), ballads (i.e. Mac Powell - By His Wounds)... old and new, soft and rowdy, everything in between.

[Edwin]

and Gary, as i said in the OP, its a Takamine eg340= dreadnought body w/ cutaway, solid spruce top, laminate mahogany back & sides, finish is a HEAVY gloss which is probably the main cause of volume/projection problems. I do both fingerpick and pick. On the rare occasion I use this in service, it may need to cover pop (i.e. Bethany Dillon - All I Need), power-pop (i.e. Casting Crowns - Lifesong), southern rock (i.e. Third Day - Revelation), R&B (i.e. Lean On Me), ballads (i.e. Mac Powell - By His Wounds)... old and new, soft and rowdy, everything in between.[/QUOTE]


I have 2 takamines. A EG523SC 12 string and a EAN40C 6 string. I push them through an amp and have 0 problems with projection. I don't like coated strings but I will use whatever strings that are availabe at the time. I'm not concerned about strings just their gauge, knowing that they will be pushed.