Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Topic started by: Terry on December 16, 2011, 12:30:52 AM
-
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
-
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.
-
i use d'darrio or however you spell it' light weight coated. this is what i have settled on after trying many different strings.
-
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
-
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
-
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.
-
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! :D
-
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! :D
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 :)
-
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! :D
Not to mention that changing those strings kills the resale value. Who wants a guitar with non-original parts? (grin)
Ed
-
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! :D
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
-
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.
-
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
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
I change strings so infrequently, that I forget when the last time was, and what I used. MichaelW gave me a 3 pack of D'Addario strings in 2002 or somewhere around there. I finally used them all and threw away the box about two years ago. On my 714-CE, I used to use the Elixir strings for the most part until Michael gave me those. I kept using the Elixir strings on my Big Baby. I also put the John Pearse strings on my GS7e every once in a while too. Being down to one steel string acoustic (the 714-CE) has significantly reduced the changes.
-
I use Elixir PB's on all my guitars and change 'em when it sounds like it needs it. Depending on what/how much I'm playing, that can be anywhere form a couple of weeks to many months.
-
For the most part I have been Elixirs in the PB but have been experimenting with John pearse, Red Brand and some others. Really like the JP strings at the moment as a change from the coated.
-
I change strings so infrequently, that I forget when the last time was, and what I used.
I keep a slip of paper in my guitar case(s), usually torn from a string packet, on which I write the date each time I change strings. I first did it out of curiosity, because I had no idea how often I "felt like" changing them (ie, noticed negative changes that might improve with new strings). My general usage pattern, with Elixir Nanos, tended toward string changes at 4 months. Having established that, it now helps me to be able to refer to the date of the last change if the strings start getting wonky, instead of trying to guess if I've gotten my money's worth or not. ;)
I'd read all kinds of negative reviews on Elixirs in my pre-Taylor days, but I think that was maybe for the "soapy" Polys? Maybe not(!), but my 512 came with Elixir Nano 80/20s, and I really liked them. The PBs are by far my favorite, however. A few years ago a Taylor Road Show came through that featured Taylor Techs (Zach A., Pat Diburro-- booyah) giving guitars a once-over (and in some cases, doing neck resets, re-shimming and other exciting adjustments right on the spot) then installing a fresh set of 80/20 Nanos. I appreciated the gesture, but was eager to wear the strings down and out so I could return to PBs sooner than later.
So: Elixir PB Nano lights on my 512 and Baby (soon retired with the advent of the Mini), Nano PB mediums on my Mini (ahhhhhh), and Nano 80/20 lights on my non-Taylor-but-I'm-a-completist Guild dreadnaught, the boominess of which offsets and benefits from the brighter trebles the 80/20s provide.
Roughly every 4 months or so, sometimes 6.
That was the question, right?
~ S.
-
I like the D'Addario EJ16s on my Taylor-- I like to feel the string as I am playing -- Elixir sound great as well it is just a feel thing with me.. I change them about every 2-3 weeks sometimes sooner if I play alot
-
I like the Elixir nanos and PB's both, but recently tried some uncoated D'Addario PB mediums on my GSmini. Had them on about 3 weeks, oddly I like them better now than when I first had them on.
Although I'll revert back to Elixir's in a bit, I do have an unused set of the coated Martin lifespan SP's which I'm curious to try - anyone have good experience with these on their Taylors?
-
I use Elixirs on both my T5 and 814. My 814 just turned a year old a month ago and I am still on my second set. I play it almost daily, but it just keeps on ringing out and is still holding tuning without the need to re-tune frequently. These are the Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze. I imagine if I was gigging every weekend, I'd went though a few more sets by now. I am going to experiment the next change with another brand.
I run with the Elixir electric strings, Nanoweb mediums for the T5. In the past I tried a set of acoustic strings on the T5, but I did not like the overall sound.
-
I usually use Elixirs (sometimes I give something new a whirl) and depending on how often I'm playing they used to get about 3 months play out of them... since moving out of the US and string prices have doubled I've been playing on them for 6 months or longer... usually they stay on until i need to play live or something then they get fresh strings haha
-
I change strings so infrequently, that I forget when the last time was, and what I used.
I keep a slip of paper in my guitar case(s), usually torn from a string packet, on which I write the date each time I change strings. I first did it out of curiosity, because I had no idea how often I "felt like" changing them (ie, noticed negative changes that might improve with new strings). My general usage pattern, with Elixir Nanos, tended toward string changes at 4 months. Having established that, it now helps me to be able to refer to the date of the last change if the strings start getting wonky, instead of trying to guess if I've gotten my money's worth or not. ;)
I'd read all kinds of negative reviews on Elixirs in my pre-Taylor days, but I think that was maybe for the "soapy" Polys? Maybe not(!), but my 512 came with Elixir Nano 80/20s, and I really liked them. The PBs are by far my favorite, however. A few years ago a Taylor Road Show came through that featured Taylor Techs (Zach A., Pat Diburro-- booyah) giving guitars a once-over (and in some cases, doing neck resets, re-shimming and other exciting adjustments right on the spot) then installing a fresh set of 80/20 Nanos. I appreciated the gesture, but was eager to wear the strings down and out so I could return to PBs sooner than later.
So: Elixir PB Nano lights on my 512 and Baby (soon retired with the advent of the Mini), Nano PB mediums on my Mini (ahhhhhh), and Nano 80/20 lights on my non-Taylor-but-I'm-a-completist Guild dreadnaught, the boominess of which offsets and benefits from the brighter trebles the 80/20s provide.
Roughly every 4 months or so, sometimes 6.
That was the question, right?
~ S.
I think I forgot what the question was...
;D
-
Because I have so many guitars at home I stick to coated strings and until Martin released their Lifespan it was Elixir. Currently however my 714ce is strung with Lifespan lights and I rather like it. I would have to do an A/B comparison with two guitars to be sure but I think I'm hearing a little more mid range growl from my beloved 714 and I rather like it.
-
Because I have so many guitars at home I stick to coated strings and until Martin released their Lifespan it was Elixir. Currently however my 714ce is strung with Lifespan lights and I rather like it. I would have to do an A/B comparison with two guitars to be sure but I think I'm hearing a little more mid range growl from my beloved 714 and I rather like it.
Ted, how are the Martin lights on the fingers compared with Elixir lights? I noticed two of the Martin strings are slightly larger in gauge than the Elixirs...25 and 54 vs. 24 and 53 respectively.
-
I haven't noticed any difference Cindy, you should give them a try.
-
Because I have so many guitars at home I stick to coated strings and until Martin released their Lifespan it was Elixir. Currently however my 714ce is strung with Lifespan lights and I rather like it. I would have to do an A/B comparison with two guitars to be sure but I think I'm hearing a little more mid range growl from my beloved 714 and I rather like it.
Just popped the Lifespan's on my GSmini last night and so far so good. Maybe Elixir's are better but these do sound good.
-
This thread brought to mind a bass player I played w/in the late 80s.I never saw him change strings. About every 3 wks he,d take them off, boil them in water for about 10 min. ,dry them,wipe them really good w/olive oil on a cloth,restring & was good to go.I'm not sure, but I believe the strings were nickel steel 'Slinkys'.We played together 3 &4 nights a week for almost 2 yrs. As far as I could tell the sound was always dead on. He was also a teriffic musician w/a great ear, so I guess that didn't hurt.
Steve
-
everything but, the hoffman and cole-clark have elixer nano pb lights. the hoffman and cole-clark have nano pb medium-lights. Last at least a month or longer.
-
I have been revolving between GHS White Bronze lights and Martin Flexcore lights on my 416ce and love them both. Hard to decide between the two. The Flexcores win when I was using mediums, but the GHS sit well with me since I switched to lights.
I have been changing them often as i have been experimenting with string sets. But generally Ill change them every three to 6 weeks depending on how they sound/feel.
-
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! :D
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 :)
I'm using Elixer nanos 80/20 on my 414ce and like the sound especially picked. I have a problem with breaking the windings at the first 2 frets on the G. I sometimes fret kinda hard. I'm buying extra single G's because they go long before the others. About 30-40 hours.
-
When I bouight my new 814ce, I had the shop install my favorite strings - D'Addario PB lights (.012 - .053). I changed them about 7 weeks later to Elixer Nanonweb 80/20 liights (sam gauge. So far after about 3 weeks I am unimpressed with the Elixers in . They sound good, but I prefer the feel and sound of the D'Addario's. I may try either the Elixer Nanoweb PB's or D'Addario XLR's on my next string change, which I anticipate in about 2 months (according to longevity claims I have read about). I will also consider Pearse and Martin strings, but I am anxious to have my guitar set up and I have been advised to do so with the strings I will be using.
Jim
-
Well, I thought I had settled on D'Addario EJ19's for my GS8, but it started sounding really "tinny" to my ear. Annoyingly so. Right now I have some DR Rare mediums on it, and I'm loving it. I can see this may be a never-ending string journey for me. We'll see.
As for when to change them, I have no schedule. I just play them until my OCD takes over. :-\
-
I've tried a whole bunch of different strings and have had some success depending on the guitar but for the most part I will stick with Elixir's.
My the Coco that I had was great with John Pearse strings but it was the only one that those really clicked with (personally I think you could have put shoe strings on that guitar and it would have been awesome). The K26 was the only guitar that I've owned that sounded cruddy with Elixirs on it. I ended up with DRs on there being the best overall.
With my current lineup the only thing I use is Elixirs.
-Dave
-
I have been using Elixir PB 10s on my 712 - but will soon be changing to 11s. Have tried D'Addario EJ16s but they were a little too heavy for the bass end and lost their tone quite quickly.
On my Martin I use Elixir PB nanoweb 12s - these suit the guitar beautifully, with a rich bass and clear top. I prefer 11s to play but had problems with D and G strings breaking when playing aggressively! The 12s seem to stand it.
I have tried most brands of strings over the last 40 years, including hand wound, and I can honestly say that, for me, nothing comes close to Elixir, they sound like I want strings to sound.
As for changing them, this depends how frequently I play and what style I am playing. The strings on the 712 last a great deal longer finger picked than the strummed strings on the 000.
-
Like many of you, I like the sound of D'Addario PB EXP (coated) lights on my GC-5. Given my several acoustics I don't need to change the strings very often! I actually play my Voyage-Air more than the others, because it is sitting in its stand right by the couch.
-
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! :D
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 :)
I'm using Elixer nanos 80/20 on my 414ce and like the sound especially picked. I have a problem with breaking the windings at the first 2 frets on the G. I sometimes fret kinda hard. I'm buying extra single G's because they go long before the others. About 30-40 hours.
I just replaced the Elixer G-string and looked at it closely. There were dents or small breaks in the windings at most of the first 7 frets. I didn't think the tone was that bad until I put on the new string. Analyzing my playing I realized I do an awful lot of bending and hammer-ons on that string in particular so I can't complain too much. I haven't yet tried D'Addarios coated EXP 80/20s but I just bought a set and they are next. I'm recording my playing and singing on each set as a reference for later comparison. So far it's the 80/20's for me.
-
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! :D
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 :)
I'm using Elixer nanos 80/20 on my 414ce and like the sound especially picked. I have a problem with breaking the windings at the first 2 frets on the G. I sometimes fret kinda hard. I'm buying extra single G's because they go long before the others. About 30-40 hours.
I just replaced the Elixer G-string and looked at it closely. There were dents or small breaks in the windings at most of the first 7 frets. I didn't think the tone was that bad until I put on the new string. Analyzing my playing I realized I do an awful lot of bending and hammer-ons on that string in particular so I can't complain too much. I haven't yet tried D'Addarios coated EXP 80/20s but I just bought a set and they are next. I'm recording my playing and singing on each set as a reference for later comparison. So far it's the 80/20's for me.
i was able to talk to a Taylor tech this past week & he mentioned strings develop metal fatigue over time -
visually, it may be more noticeable on the wound strings, especially on the areas that contact the frets,
causing potential string rattle, buzzing, poor intonation & what might be considered to be tuning 'drift'
if i feel the plain strings starting to get 'rough', i will change them, also to help
try to minimize/avoid premature fretwear, due to the oxidized metal contact
the NanoWeb PB i used were shortly after they were introduced & the G unraveled between the 2nd & 3 frets
with new strings, twice with in a period of about 90 min, with the playing time nor being constant/continuous -
80/20 windings are a bit softer than PB 92/8 bronze (& the phosphor treatment also hardens the windings) &
what worked for me (& it may not for someone else) was going to DR Extra PBs .011 - .054, then D'addario EXP19s
just as in guitars, strings & pretty much everything else in life, ymmv ;)
-
Just cleaned up the GS6, dropped in a lower ivory saddle,adjusted the neck,tightened the bolts,added bone pins, put on a set of D'Addario EJ 14. 80/20 Bronze, .012-.056.I steel wooled the frets,and the steel filings around the neck pickup looked like a mustache. I always knew those refrigerator magnets were good for something.(HeHe) I believe this guitar would sound good w/fishing line.The overtones are astounding.
Steve
-
I have been playing my Taylor 814ce with Elixer Nanoweb 80/20's for about 5 weeks now and have formed my opinion... I don't like them. They do sound good, but I don't like the way they feel and they are already peeling. They are coming off any day now and will be replaced with D'Addario EXP's. I will also be evaluating Martin SP's (80/20 and PB's) and a set of DR Rare Earth strings before settling on my string of choice for this guitar. I may also try a set of John Pearse strings. So far, however, my favorite strings, and the ones that I have on my other guitars are D'Addario EJ16's: uncoated Phosphor Bronze. I love the way they osund and feel. The only down-side is that they squeakm so I am hoping that the EXP's will sound and play as good, but without as much squeking.
Jim
-
It never occurred to me to try anything other than the factory suggestion Elixer Nano's on my 314 for the 1st 5 years. After doing just a little bit of sampling I found the following:
Elixer Poly: Seemed muted, pulled them off in short order.
Elixer Nano: Long lasting, and a tone that to me is in the Taylor tone profile wheelhouse.
Martin Marquis: Tone was okay, seemed short-lived. I couldn't get past the residue on my fingers after each play. I don't know if it was that particular set but it looked like I had just been working on a charcoal drawing after playing - even after cleaning them???
Martin Silk & Steel: Low tension strings that are low volume as well. If you have hand issues, consider these as they almost made my 314 feel like an electric.
D'Addario BG set: WINNER!! Very playable, reasonably long lasting, and provided a bit more low end, again on the 314.
My new GA12F came with the Elixers and I just bought a set of the D'Addario's to replace them. Can't wait to hear how they sound with the 12 fretter and the cedar top.
-
On My Taylors , I put Elixirs only . . Why > Beacuse they last and when they get old They still sound lively on my Taylors. Funny... at the earlyest I may change the strings on my most played one at 4 months But the ones I keep for the long run I may chage at 18 month intervals.
Elixirs 80 / 20 bronze
-
John Pearse PB mediums are still my favorite strings after trying various brands. For the guitar I play daily I feel the need to change them every 2-3 weeks.
-
My Elixir's have a built in color indicater that let's me know when to change them. When they turn green I know it's time. :D
-
I'm glad I didn't buy a bunch of extra Elixir stringsets when I settled on Nanoweb Custom Light PB's, this st has been on about four days and the G string is fraying right in the center of the sound hole. I've been playing with a Blue Chip pick which is very smooth. When I bought the guitar the nano 89/20's that came with it did the same thing only I was playing fingerstyle at that time. The fraying hasne changed anything soundwise so I may leave them on but I have to admit that physically I like the feel of the EXP Phosphor Bronze better and may put them back on as I wasn't playing them with this particular pick when they were on before and I did like the sound though, so I'll give them another go. I do like the sound of the Elixir high E and B strings so may keep them.
-
I bought my 814ce 6 months ago, I have tried Martin SP 7100 Phosphor Bronze Lifespan Coated and John Pearse PB, but recently I came back to the standard factory Elixirs. The Martin and John Pearse sounded too bright for my taste.
I play in church and I would say I play the guitar about 4 hours a week, I change the strings monthly.
-
I never cared for Elixers poly or nano strings on my 714 cedar top. Went on a search a couple of years ago and tried a good number of strings. Three standouts were: DR Sunbeams, Newtone MC 80/20, and Pyramid PB's. All light gauge and my preference for this guitar is 12 - 52 gauge. BTW, the DRs and Newtones are round core.
My final preference is the Pyramids, followed closely by Newtones. My wife, who has never commented on strings asked me what I had done to my guitar after I put on my first set of Pyramids. She reallllly liked it.
I play fingerstyle with flesh and nail. Can't speak to how it would sound with a pick.
-
Elixer Nanos on all my Taylors. I do think they retain a quality sound longer and they are worth the price difference. If I am playing the guitar a lot, every 2 months. Otherwise, perhaps four months. I used to use Martin strings, but I view Elixers' as clearly superior.
I also think it's very likely that Taylor uses strings that it feels enhance the sound/tone/playability of thier guitars. Thus the Elixers.
-
ggj, I appreciate your comment but I imagine Taylor installs Elixers trying to balance best tone possible ALONG with longeivity hanging on the stores guitar wall.
My experience has been, regardless of brand, specific models, or even the same model, the strings that come from the facotry are not necassarily the best sounding if your strictly looking for tone.
I haven't had a single guitar that I didn't find a better sounding string than what was installed. Just my experience. I think it's worth a few minor bucks to try different brands, composition, and core types, to find the best sound for a particular guitar. In the scheme of things, it's pretty cheap. Even if you come back to the OEM string, at least you go back with confidence and can stop wondering "what if?".
-
I just changed the strings on my 516 and Yamaha......took me a little longer than it would take Rob at Taylor and I had to slap around a stubborn bridge pin that wouldn't cooperate but finally finished. These strings have been on both since December and were getting a bit worn as I have been playing alot lately.
Anyway, I had Elixirs on both and thought I'd give something else a try. I put Ernie Ball Earthwood Med-Lights on the 516 and Martin Lifespan SP Lights on the Yamaha. I won both of these sets or I probably would have just put Elixirs back on.
Haven't played much yet but looking forward to seeing if there is a noticeable difference. Also, I when I took the strings off the Yamaha the nut was loose so I glued that back in place.
I even changed the strings on my electric and my ukulele so it's been a string-changing kind of day.
-
I haven't had my "nicer" guitars for long enough (enough string changes) to narrow in on what sounds the best on each one. I have Elixir 80/20 lights on the GA-BTO and and it sounds good but a little metallic. Just like a Taylor if that makes sense.
The Gibson J-45TV has D'Addario PB EJ16s on it and they sound fantastic at about 4 weeks. Really warm with very even response low to high.
My 12-fret GA-LTD is wearing D'Addario PB EXP16 and I really like those as well. They really remind me of the Elixirs ... just a little on the metallic side for my taste.
The Martin 000-28EC has a set of the Martin SP Lifespan 80/20s on it. Sound is very good and I was amazed that they sounded "worn-in" as soon as I put them on. I like that. I used to really enjoy the metallic edge on new strings but now have come to appreciate them when they are worn in a bit.
Out of all the strings I've used, I like the sound of the D'Addario EJ16s the best. A warm even tone. Could be just the guitars I've used them on. Only time will tell.
There is some buzz about a titanium string on the market by Rohrbacher. They are not multi-purpose. That is if you change tunings allot they don't do well. Also not good on short scale guitars as the tension is lower and they feel a little "floppy." Titanium is not as elastic and steel and tends to break if tension is constantly changed. On the plus side, and this is the kicker ... they are purported to last a lifetime. They are a bit on the pricey side but if you never have to change strings again, could save you allot of money over the long term. And they are said to be really good for folks with acidic sweat problems. I have a set on order and will report back on my impressions once I get em' strung up. There are nickel plated and Phosphor Bronze versions. I opted for the PB just because I like the sound of PB in the other brands I've used.
http://www.rohrtech.com/
RohrbacherTM Silsesquioxane Surface Treated Medium Tension Phosphor Bronze Wound Strings
Oh, and I change strings when they sound dead. For Elixirs, D'Addario EXPs and Martin SP Lifespans that hasn't happened yet. For the non-coated strings I've used I would guesstimate about every 2-3 months.
-
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
Gary, I'm very interested to read your choice on this, now that I have an 812. It has the factory standard on it Elixirs on it right now, but I'm already thinking ahead to buying new strings for when they need replacing. I prefer light strings and also have a light touch, and besides, I play mostly with a pick with a light touch. I'm going to have to mic the present strings to see what I have. The action is good but they feel a little heavy to what I'm used to.
-
On GC3 EJ16
-
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
Gary, I'm very interested to read your choice on this, now that I have an 812. It has the factory standard on it Elixirs on it right now, but I'm already thinking ahead to buying new strings for when they need replacing. I prefer light strings and also have a light touch, and besides, I play mostly with a pick with a light touch. I'm going to have to mic the present strings to see what I have. The action is good but they feel a little heavy to what I'm used to.
GoNavy, I have a GC8 and recently put on a set of DR Rares. It gives the GC a darker, warmer, lush tone, so they may be worth considering for the 812.
-
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
Gary, I'm very interested to read your choice on this, now that I have an 812. It has the factory standard on it Elixirs on it right now, but I'm already thinking ahead to buying new strings for when they need replacing. I prefer light strings and also have a light touch, and besides, I play mostly with a pick with a light touch. I'm going to have to mic the present strings to see what I have. The action is good but they feel a little heavy to what I'm used to.
GoNavy, I have a GC8 and recently put on a set of DR Rares. It gives the GC a darker, warmer, lush tone, so they may be worth considering for the 812.
I just mic'd the high E on my 812 as it came from the factory, and it's a .013. I'm going to try a lighter gauge and see what happens. I'll check out the DR Rares as that is the sound I like. I think I read a response from Bob Taylor in W&S in which he said that changing to lighter strings shouldn't require any special other adjustments to the guitar.......? I have read some technical discussions by guitar techs or luthiers who caution that intonation might be thrown off and that a change to the break angle on the saddle would be indicated. This gets into aspects I barely understand, and I don't really want to get into that unless something dramatic happens.
-
Having now found the 2012 Taylor specs on their website (see another thread), I've discovered that the specified strings for the GC series are Elixir Nanoweb light gauge .012-.053. My 812ce shipped with .013-.056, which is "medium" specified for the GS series.
Hmmmm.........I think I'll switch to the .012 set, and see what happens. Might have a better feel if nothing else.
-
i use d'adarria coated lights on my gc-5 i find the elixer to jingley for my taste. i change them rarely usually when i feel my guitar needs cleaning. probably around 6 -8 months and i play a lot. they go dead so slowly i guess i don't notice.
-
Thomastik-Infeld Plectrum. Most don't seem to like them. I think they let the wood shine instead of the jangly,brassy string sound. Low tension, very "bendable" and comfortable. They last me about as long as Elixirs but they are not coated which would make them more variable.
-
I use D'Addario EJ16s.
I am not a fan of Elixer,or any Nano style style string for that matter.I just can't
get use to the feel or sound. I prefer the natural decay of sound you get over time
with a phosphor bronze. IMO
-
Is this something to file this under "dumb questions"? Are there any brands that don't squeak much? I've only used Elixir's, Ernie Balls, and Martin's and they all seem to squeak. The age of the strings doesn't seem to matter either - they squeak on day one and the day I take them off.
-
Elixir PolyWebs seem to 'talk the least' to me -
flatwound jazz strings would work also (d'addario chromes),
but they would likely be quite bright & i've yet to find PB flatwounds
-
I use ej19's on my 414-ltd (spruce/rwd). I like the blend of the light top and medium bottom end. I change strings on that guitar (my main guitar) every 2 or 3 weeks, give or take, depending on how much gigging I'm doing.
Neil
-
I don't really do anything to alter the sound of my guitars.
Strings, bridge pins, saddles, nuts, what have you. What was on it when I bought it is a component of why I bought it; what helps shapes its sound. If I change any of those, I'll be changing the sound of the guitar, and that doesn't really interest me...
-
I use D'Addario EXP16s on all my guitars. After trying multiple brands of both coated and non-coated strings, I've found these to deliver consistently good performance. On occasion, I try something I haven't tried before, and measure it by this standard. So far, it's still the D'Addarios....I change them every 5 months or so.