What (in  your experience) are the nicest sounding, best playing guitar strings for a D-03 dread?

Mine came with Martin Acoustiic SP Light .012 Phos Bronze, and I'm wondering whether or not to switch gages and/or types (though they sound very nice and vibrate big time).

I know that if I switch to say, Med/Lights or Mediums, I'll need to have a setup done to accomodate the extra string tension.

Please let me know your thoughts, thanks.

Try some Martin SPs in medium.  They really sound nice on a dread.  Nice basic all-around good sound.  Nothing too this or too that.  Just a nice string.

I like D'Addario EXP 17's.

Try searching the forum for whatever strings you might be interested in, this is a common question.
It always seems to come down to what you think is "the sound".
Personally I don't use anything less than 12-56, but prefer mediums on all my guitars, except the 12 string, it gets lights.
Good luck on the string journey of many turns.

Quote from: PortHueneme on May 15, 2007, 06:49:08 PM
...Good luck on the string journey of many turns.

HA!  Good one.   :thumbsup

I've got D'Addario EXP16's on it now, and a set of D'Addario J17's waiting in the wings.  Just for grins.

I'll have to agree with The Creature. I keep fooling around with different strings but always seem to come back to Martin SP mediums.

--Lee

I'm always trying new strings (all medium cept for the 12er) and have come to really fall back on DR "rares" for all my guitars

If you are interested in trying out some different strings. I have quite a few packages laying around from my string quests. I could send you a set of Newtone Master Class medium lights (.012 to .052) and a set of Elixer NanoWeb lights (.012 to .053) and a set of Kyser Power Core 11 lights (.011 to .050). Say $25 including shipping to you? If interested, pm or email me. I have some assorted strings I'll throw in from Darco. They are not a full set, but I have the first four strings in either extra light or medium light. They would give you an idea of what the extra lights would sound like.

If anyone else is interested, I probably have enough to put together a couple of these variety packs.

Personally, I've decided to stay with the Newtone Master Class for a while. I tend to try them out for 6 months to a year, then see what I think of them. It gives you the chance to see how they decline, longevity, etc, etc...

Well I now have the Elixir PB Nano on my D-03, and while not the same as the Cleartones they share not having the superb tones I get with D'Addario PB lights (EJ 16 I think). My motivation was to of course try the strings that so many speak of and maybe save some precious time by changing strings less often. That said, new D'Addario EJs seem to have more low end percussion than others I've tried.

I also tried webstrings.com in recent months for both acoustic and electric, and they are good and especially so for the money. It sure seemed like the webstrings.com phos bronze models might have lasted a bit longer than D'Addarios.

I really wonder if the Elixir lovers have them on smaller guitars? I give them credit for having some of the slick feeling I get with DR round cores on my electric, but I missed the initial playing where people just say wow when fresh EJs are on the dreadnought.

Maybe I'll eat my words when I'm not changing strings in 2 weeks, but for now I miss the pleasure of new D'Addario PB. It of course makes me wonder if the treated/coated D'Addarios have some of the growl and percussion these Elixirs lack.

Bottom line: I'm not sure turning my dreadnought into the sound of a wimpy weak little parlor or O, OOO type guitar sound is worth not changing strings, so I'll keep pursuing the idea of fewer string changes but with good tone. I think EXPs might be next, and I have to try some DRs based on how great they are on my Telecaster.

You might also want to experment with El19's (Bluegrass set).... they can really drive the top.....

d.

Right now I like DR Phosphor Bronze RARE, but they seem to be getting a bit scarce in my regular stores.  I use John Pearse ohn my bari acoustic and like their tones as well.

Brett

Hi,

Last night, I just put a set of GHS Vintage Bronze strings on my D 09. To my ears they sound really good... and stay in tune well for a new set. Company says that they are more "mellow"/less "bright"" than the Phos/Bronze.

Schnitz

I only use Elixars now, I am spoiled by the smooth feel, and like not having to change every 2 gigs. The cleartones sounded good too, but felt like files on my fingers
JP

Over the last forty plus years of playing I think I've tried just about every string out there and when it is said and done, it's your personal taste that is going to dictate what kind of strings you like.
Try the Mediums, and lights from different makers, it is a fun journey.
Enjoy.

Quote from: imwjl on May 20, 2007, 09:13:14 AM
Well I now have the Elixir PB Nano on my D-03, and while not the same as the Cleartones they share not having the superb tones I get with D'Addario PB lights (EJ 16 I think). My motivation was to of course try the strings that so many speak of and maybe save some precious time by changing strings less often. That said, new D'Addario EJs seem to have more low end percussion than others I've tried.

I also tried webstrings.com in recent months for both acoustic and electric, and they are good and especially so for the money. It sure seemed like the webstrings.com phos bronze models might have lasted a bit longer than D'Addarios.

I really wonder if the Elixir lovers have them on smaller guitars? I give them credit for having some of the slick feeling I get with DR round cores on my electric, but I missed the initial playing where people just say wow when fresh EJs are on the dreadnought.

Maybe I'll eat my words when I'm not changing strings in 2 weeks, but for now I miss the pleasure of new D'Addario PB. It of course makes me wonder if the treated/coated D'Addarios have some of the growl and percussion these Elixirs lack.

Bottom line: I'm not sure turning my dreadnought into the sound of a wimpy weak little parlor or O, OOO type guitar sound is worth not changing strings, so I'll keep pursuing the idea of fewer string changes but with good tone. I think EXPs might be next, and I have to try some DRs based on how great they are on my Telecaster.

FWIW: Picking up a Little Martin with dead strings was the perfect excuse and place to get rid of (recycle) the Elixirs. In keeping with the long life theme I tried EXPs. They have punch and tone the Elixirs did not have, are not quite as good as EJs, but they're already lasting longer.

When I bought my Larrivée L-03 last summer at Long & McQuade, I had them replace the Cleartones with Elixir Light gauge Polyweb strings before I took it out of the store.

I definitely prefer the smooth feel and sound of Elixir strings, rather than the 'sticky' feel of the Cleartones.

I've been using Elixir strings on all my previous guitars going back about five years now.   :cheers