New strings = new sound

[basalt beach]

Put on a set of EJ 16's (first time on it)  on a GC 8 tonight, and WOW!.... what a difference, amazing, loud, bright, incredible sustain....
Previous strings sets I tried were Elixir's and DR Rares....

1) Anyone else put on a set of strings on a guitar and totally changed the character and sound and how you feel about the guitar?   

2) Any other suggestions for improvements to a GC 8 and what the impact would be?  Thanks..



Oh, i have had this For Sale, but now considering keeping it, as it simply sounds so good and fits in between the Collings C-10 and the Northwood OOO.

[mgap]

Put on a set of EJ 16's (first time on it)  on a GC 8 tonight, and WOW!.... what a difference, amazing, loud, bright, incredible sustain....
Previous strings sets I tried were Elixir's and DR Rares....

1) Anyone else put on a set of strings on a guitar and totally changed the character and sound and how you feel about the guitar?   

2) Any other suggestions for improvements to a GC 8 and what the impact would be?  Thanks..




Oh, i have had this For Sale, but now considering keeping it, as it simply sounds so good and fits in between the Collings C-10 and the Northwood OOO.

Yes,
1)  I have put on a few other brands and been totally underwhelmed, and I felt like getting rid of my guitar.  I really like the Elixir nono's, but I know some don't like them also.
2) practice is the only thing that can make my guitars sound better.

[Sword Bringer]

Pactice is the key. But there can be dramatic differences in string brands. I used to use D'Angelicos, which I don't think are made anymore, and Slinkys on my Electrics. I've tried Exlixers both kinds, electric and acoustic and liked them very much. Then I switched my electrics to an Austrian Company that makes a string called "Infields." Dramatic improvement. I've used John Pearse acoustics and liked them. I started out using Black Diamond Strings. As Guy Clark sings,"Black Diamond Strings are like white flour and grits, You play Black Diamond Strings cause it's all you can get."

Now, I have settled on Clear Coats for my electrics.

[BigSkyTaylorPlayer]

I recently switched out a set of Martin's for Elixir Poly mediums and really like the whole package.  The sound and feel is wonderful - haven't tried the Nano's yet, maybe next time.

[Judson H]

I feel as if my guitars get a new lease on life every time I put on a fresh set of strings!

While I understand the rationale of the poster who said that only practice can improve the way your guitar sounds, I firmly believe that you are more inclined to practice on a guitar that is pleasing to your ear.

New strings are almost always a treat for my ear and a motivation to play, play, and play some more!

For the past few months I've settled on John Pearse uncoated phosphor bronze lights on my Cedar/Mahogany Seagull Artist and Elixir Nanoweb PB lights on my Martin GCPA-4.  The uncoated strings last me 3-4 weeks maximum and the Elixirs perhaps 6-8 weeks.

For me, guitar string life is like the expiration date on a milk carton ... one day they will be fine and then the next morning, they will have become dull and un-tunable. 

I keep a strict log of what strings go on which guitar on which date and I can pretty well predict when I will need fresh ones.

PS:  On my new 12-string, I will probably stick with the Elixirs (even at the higher price) for the simple reason that I anticipate changing them to be much more of a chore and to be avoided as long as possible, LOL.

[Musicianized]

I like the Elixrs that came on my guitar, the only other acoustic strings I have used on any other acoustic besides Elixrs is Martin PB.. They have good sound but I don't like the way they grab into your fingers and make that scratchy noise when you let off a chord and slide up etc.. The coated strings don't seem to do that nearly as bad.

 I'd like to try different strings though, and I've noticed a couple popular brands here. \

 I think strings are similar to bullets in a gun, certain brands shoot better out of a particular gun than others... Odd comparison I suppose lol.

[Scriptor]

I went through trying different strings ... feel is important as well as tone ... I wound up settling on Elixier Nano Light PB's for both my 414ce & 814ce ... the PB's give some warmth and I really like the feel of the Nano Elixir's ... the 80/20's work well for my 114ce which is my "take anywhere" guitar ... but once I go through the sets I have, I'll probably just go with the PB's all around ...

[pottski]

I agree that different strings can make a big difference in tone. I have a Luna Safari Muse that I use for giving lessons or just playing around the house. I don't even know what came on the guitar but I was never impressed with the tone (I never expected to be). Then I put on a set of Martin Marquis SP phosphor bronze, and what a difference that made. I think they have been on that guitar for 4-5 weeks now, and the tone is still good, though it's probably time to change them again. I've been using almost nothing but Martin strings for the entire time I've been playing guitar and I just never get tired of them. I'll be putting a set on my new Taylor as soon as the Elixirs that came on it are ready to be changed. They are okay, but I've really never liked the feel or the tone compared to Martins, and the cost at least double what the Martins do. I don't have oily hands so there's really no need for me to use coated strings.

[Terry]

When I try non Elixir strings on my Taylor guitars they don't sound right. When I try Elixr on Martin or Guilds they don't sound the way I think they should. 

[Drifter]

Strings do have different characteristics and not always limited to various gauges.
I've always (30yrs.) liked Dean Markley strings for tone and longevity but lately the G string has been shredding above almost every fret and quickly. Less than a week of moderate use on my 614CE with Reg, Lites and Reg. gauges, 20 & 22. I'm starting to wonder if the frets are the problem.
Anyone else having an issue like that?

[roadbiker]

I get a new guitar once every 6-8 weeks or so when I put on a new strings (figuratively speaking). I am a big fan of D'Addario strings and have been using EJ16's for as long as I can remember. I tried the Elixer NW's but didn't like them. Right now I am playing D'Addario EXP16's and I love them. You ought to try them to. It will be like getting another new quitar...

Jim

[cigarfan]

I get a new guitar once every 6-8 weeks or so when I put on a new strings (figuratively speaking). I am a big fan of D'Addario strings and have been using EJ16's for as long as I can remember. I tried the Elixer NW's but didn't like them. Right now I am playing D'Addario EXP16's and I love them. You ought to try them to. It iwll be like getting another new quitar...

Jim

Jim, I'm with you on the EXP16s. They are the strings for me.

I'm in the middle of major round of string trying but nothing yet that is challenging the EXP16s.

[Drifter]

I feel as if my guitars get a new lease on life every time I put on a fresh set of strings!

While I understand the rationale of the poster who said that only practice can improve the way your guitar sounds, I firmly believe that you are more inclined to practice on a guitar that is pleasing to your ear.

New strings are almost always a treat for my ear and a motivation to play, play, and play some more!

For the past few months I've settled on John Pearse uncoated phosphor bronze lights on my Cedar/Mahogany Seagull Artist and Elixir Nanoweb PB lights on my Martin GCPA-4.  The uncoated strings last me 3-4 weeks maximum and the Elixirs perhaps 6-8 weeks.

For me, guitar string life is like the expiration date on a milk carton ... one day they will be fine and then the next morning, they will have become dull and un-tunable. 

I keep a strict log of what strings go on which guitar on which date and I can pretty well predict when I will need fresh ones.

PS:  On my new 12-string, I will probably stick with the Elixirs (even at the higher price) for the simple reason that I anticipate changing them to be much more of a chore and to be avoided as long as possible, LOL.

Good idea to log your string use. My method has been to ignore as long as possible then without thinking, switch guitars. Consequently, I now have a day long and expensive chore changing all strings except the bass! I really gotta break this habit.
Anyone else shredding G strings in a few hours on their Taylor's?