812ce strings

[Musical123]

Hi,

I recently picked up a 2023 812ce 14 fret and is my 1st "nice" Taylor (I have an original 110 that is my beater guitar).  I also have a Larrivee dreadnaught and am a mediocre guitar player. The main reason I got this guitar was it's sub 25 inch scale length.  I'm in my mid 60s and my hands aren't what they use to be, hence the shorter scale.

The guitar is very nice. Right now I have D'addario ej16s on them and it sounds a little dead. I realize that the smaller body will never sound like a dread, but I feel a different set of strings may help it sing out.

So, what strings do you use on your 812ce?


Thanks and take care

[jpmist]

I note those are uncoated phosphor bronze strings. I like phos-bronze for my OO Larrivees, but that's me. You might try 80-20 which give a brighter tone - https://www.daddario.com/products/guitar/acoustic-guitar/8020-bronze/

[Edward]

Hello Musical,

Welcome to the board!

Strings are a very personal choice as everyone's preferences are different, to be sure.  My first question is have you tried coated strings?  Some folks love em, others hate em, so this initial choice will narrow your field.

But since you asked, I will suggest you try Elixir in Phosphor Bronze.  These are coated strings, where their "nano" coat gives them a slick feeling which is nice, or a complete turn off to some.  But the real benefit to the Elixirs is how long they last, retaining their excellent tone throughout their useful life.  You have no doubt noticed how strings get dead over time, sounding duller by the day from skin, oils, misc debris.  The Elixirs (and other coated strings) don't suffer this sonic deterioration, which is a game changer to me, personally. 

D'Addario makes coated strings and they get lots of props, but I've never tried them.  Been using Elixir PB nanos for coming on two decades now because they work so well: sounding great, feeling smooth, and last long IME.  And for your GC guitar body, may I recommend trying their Med-Lights in PBs where the EAD strings are from their medium set and GBE from the light: better bass response for the smaller body than using lights, and a nicer tonal balanced across the strings IMO.  I've used the Med-lights on GC and GA bodied guits and I'm sold on that formula, personally.

Chime back in with your choice and opinions!

Edward

[Musical123]

Thanks for both your responses.

I have had the guitar for less than 4 weeks and I put the ej16s on myself, so they still have some life left in them. I'm going to bring it in for a set-up in 2-3 weeks as I think the nut could be tweaked. I'll definitely think about the Elixirs, I think I have a set of them laying around.

Thanks again and I appreciate everyones support

[Earl]

FWIW and of course YMMV.... my go-to strings for all guitars are:

Elixir PB, possibly replaced by D'Addario XS PB (I like the XS a LOT and that set has been on for 10 months now)
D'Addario PB EJ16 light or EJ17 mediums, depending on the guitar and whether it will be used for alternate tunings
GHS White Bronze 52% nickel alloy (long life without coating and moderate voice)

There are a few oddball instruments that see other types, such as my Alvarez ABT60 baritone.  It likes brighter 80/20 alloy, which normally sound too harsh on most of my regular guitars.  SUS (Straight Up Strings) are good too again in PB alloy.  I have tried almost everything out there at one time or another.