Hello Taylor enthusiasts. I've been playing my 414ce for a year and half and have had about 12 different kinds of string on it. Elixers are OK but both kinds have weak bass and uninspiring tone. I play with a thick pick, flatpicking and strumming. D'Addarios, JP's, DR Rares are all too bright for me. Newtone round cores and silk and steels are better.
At the suggestions of Landru on the AGC I put on a set of inexpensive Martin SP phosphor bronze (MSP4100) and they are wonderful. The bronze plated trebles seem to sweeten the high tone. I've only seen them once before on the Dean Markley Alchemy Goldphos.
I don't expect these Martins to outlast coated strings but they are half the price of Elixers or Newtones and they really sound nice and mellow out my Taylor. I don't mind changing strings, I kind of enjoy it. Also they are ready to play in a couple of hours and do not have the harshness that some PB's retain for days before they break in. They also sound very good plugged in with the ES system. Nice balance.
If in need of mellow PB's don't hesitate to try Martin SP's.
--Dan
