What kind of strings do you play on your Taylor & how long before changing them?

[Terry]

I have tried different strings on my Taylors and except for the LKSM, they all just don't sound like a Taylor to me without Elixers.
So, Elixer would be my choice of string and if I'm playing them regularly I'll change them out about every 2 -3 months.
Terry

[Steely Glen]

I couldn't agree more.  I put 80/20 Nanos on both my 816ce and 714ce.  On the GS Mini, I like the PB Nanos (in medium) for the extra warmth and bottom end. 

[mcookoc]

i use d'darrio or however you spell it' light weight coated. this is what i have settled on after trying many different strings.

[Ed422]

A friend introduced me to Pearse strings back in the mid 90s.  I try other brands now and then but always go back to Pearse.  Weight and material is determined by the individual guitar.  When I'm playing a guitar regularly, about a month is right for a set of strings.

I've tried most of the brands but I've never found a coated string that I like either the sound or feel of.  That they will sound that way for a long time is no incentive for me.

Ed

[roadbiker]

I use the same on my Taylor as I have been on all of my guitars for years - D'Addario Phosphor Bronze. I don't use coated strings. So far I have only used light gauge strings (0.012 - 0.053) but I am going to try medium guage next (0.013 - 0.056). I want to try Elixers - I have heard good things about them.

I change them when they start sounding dead, and that depends on time and use. I find I usually change strings about every 2 months or so.

Jim

[jjrpilot-admin]

I've been using Elixers for year's on my Alvarez and was glad to see them stock on Taylors.  Call me crazy but I prefer strings that aren't new out of the box...give 2-3 weeks of playing and that's when I find the sound perfect.

[markallen]

WHAT!!! You're supposed to change the strings!! This would sure save me a bunch of money from buying new guitars when they sound dead!   

[michaelw]

WHAT!!! You're supposed to change the strings!! This would sure save me a bunch of money from buying new guitars when they sound dead!   

yes, but wouldn't it also save the trouble of changing strings,
since the new guitar would have new strings already on it

i have d'addario exp19's (coated PB lite/med 'bluegrass' .012 - .056)
on mine & because my playing time has dropped dramatically recently,
i don't recall how old they are & when i'll need to change em next

the elixirs i've used (nano 80/20 & PB) i found that the coating would
shred or the g would snap (had em unravel between the 2nd & 3rd fret) -
2 to 3 weeks tops, playing 2 or 3 hours a day

DR Extras (coated PB Custom Spec gauge set .011 - .054) i liked a good bit,
but sometimes the lo E would go dead prematurely, otherwises 90 hr on a set

[Ed422]

WHAT!!! You're supposed to change the strings!! This would sure save me a bunch of money from buying new guitars when they sound dead!   

Not to mention that changing those strings kills the resale value.  Who wants a guitar with non-original parts? (grin)

Ed

[Terry]

WHAT!!! You're supposed to change the strings!! This would sure save me a bunch of money from buying new guitars when they sound dead!   

Not to mention that changing those strings kills the resale value.  Who wants a guitar with non-original parts? (grin)
Ed

Ed, I thought the string change enhanced the resale value.  How about all those Craigslist ads for Cort & Samick guitars with genuine Martin strings?
T

[MRMTAYGA]

Elixir Nanoweb PB lights on the 714 and medium on the DN. I am however looking to experiment over the holidays with some Cleartones or Dragonskin, both PB. Anyone have a good experience with those brands?


I  change strings every month on the GA but the DN doens't get played as much so usually I'm good closer to 2 months on those.

[revster]

last june a major guitar tech from Gruhn's guitar,nashville put Daddaio ( whatever) mediums on GC7 after having elixors lights. I was worried at first put it kept the clarity of notes I wanted. might try elixor medium soon

[Gary0319]

Both of my Taylors are Grand Concert size and both get Elixir 80/20 Nano Custom Lights (11-52). I have a light touch and the Custom Lights seem plenty to move the tops on the GC's. About 3-4 months is when I find a change is due, but I don't play the Taylors every day, either.

Gary

[MAS]

I have tried many, many different string sets on my GS8. Elixir, Martin, Pearse, D'Addario, DR Sunbeam, Lights, Mediums, PB, 80/20, etc, etc.

I have finally settled at D'Addario EJ16 on the top end, and EJ17 on the bottom end. When it's time to order more strings, I will order the EJ19 bluegrass set with the hope that they sound & play the same as my current setup.

I'm new to this, so take it with a grain. This is just what I like right now.

[bo1142]

Depends on the guitar.  The most common string that I use is Elixir Nano 80/20 lights.  I have very good luck with them.  I try to extend the longevity by always washing my hands first, and wiping down the strings with a rag before and after playing.  I usually get about 3 months out of a set.