Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF

Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Topic started by: Edward on July 18, 2014, 11:48:46 PM

Title: Go from PBs to 80/20s because of "that" guitar?
Post by: Edward on July 18, 2014, 11:48:46 PM

Long-time convert and devotee of Phospher Bronze, more specifically Elixir PBs.  But experimenting with fine-tuning the balance of one particularly "deep" sounding guit, I'm now wondering: who here has made the intentional, conscious shift from PB to 80/20 because of one particular guitar's voicing?  Just wondering aloud here....  Chime in if you've made that change because somehow that one guitar benefitted from it (if not "needed" it outright).

Edward

Title: Re: Go from PBs to 80/20s because of "that" guitar?
Post by: Ciarre on July 19, 2014, 09:47:51 PM

I did for the 514.

Title: Re: Go from PBs to 80/20s because of "that" guitar?
Post by: Strumming Fool on July 20, 2014, 08:09:25 AM

I've done it before with mixed results. I'm going to try it again one of my darker-sounding guitars with Cleartones. I'll let you know.....

Title: Re: Go from PBs to 80/20s because of "that" guitar?
Post by: Edward on July 20, 2014, 12:35:55 PM

Thanks for the feedback, guys!

SF,
Yes, I'd definitely appreciate you chiming back in with what your thoughts between the cleartones vs elixir PBs

Ciarre,
So elixir PB to elixir 80/20 ...what were your final impressions?

Edward

Title: Re: Go from PBs to 80/20s because of "that" guitar?
Post by: Ciarre on July 20, 2014, 11:40:56 PM

The PB sounded pretty decent, don't get me wrong, but the cedar/mahogany combo seemed to muffle the bass notes to my ear. I guess that's what people mean when they say it was "muddy".
The 80-20s are a lot more balanced and the bass doesn't cloud the overall sound. This subjective experience has repeated itself even with different brands of strings, so I'm convinced they are the best for my 514.

Title: Re: Go from PBs to 80/20s because of "that" guitar?
Post by: TaylorMate on July 21, 2014, 11:30:05 AM

I am no devotee of anystring. On my 812 I went (after some string errantry) from Elixir PB's to Martin 80/20's and I still think they produce on that guit the best result. But they squeak a bit too much. I have a set of Elixir HD light's waiting for a try. Who knows...

Title: Re: Go from PBs to 80/20s because of "that" guitar?
Post by: Jersey tuning on July 21, 2014, 02:00:06 PM

I acquired a Froggy Bottom small bodied guitar last fall.  The luthier, Michael Millard, strings his guitars with 80/20, because he believes they give the guitar the sound he intended them to have.  The guitar sounds awesome.   Who am I to argue?

Every other guitar I own is strung with PB's.   I am, however, about to string my Taylor custom GC with a PB Elixir HD light set for the first time.

Title: Re: Go from PBs to 80/20s because of "that" guitar?
Post by: Strumming Fool on July 21, 2014, 05:54:51 PM

Quote from: Edward on July 20, 2014, 12:35:55 PM

SF,
Yes, I'd definitely appreciate you chiming back in with what your thoughts between the cleartones vs elixir PBs

Edward

Okay, I put the Cleartones on my '97 Cujo (cedar/walnut GA - thick as molasses sound). The Cleartones definitely increase the clarity, but the note decay is a bit quicker. Overtones are different, but still very nice. I'm going to live with these a while - they certainly don't suck....

Title: Re: Go from PBs to 80/20s because of "that" guitar?
Post by: Edward on July 22, 2014, 02:41:31 AM

Thanks for that, SF!  I may check out the clear tones alongside the elixir 80/20.  I appreciate you chiming back and sharing!
Like all things " tone" there is no substitute for giving it an  actual try :)

Edward