Hi folks :donut :donut
I have string problems. I got my first Larrivee 6 weeks ago (D03-HH) because i fell in love with the sound. It has called to me every day since then to play, which I have done with great affection. Until recently. Since the strings on her were light gauge (Cleartones  I assume - due to little sticker stating such on the pickguard) I figured I could get more of what I loved out of her if I put mediums on. So I took her to local Luthier who slapped on a set of D'Addario EXP17 (mediums) and made the appropriate adjustments. When I got home to play her she sounded all "twangy" or "metalic" - which I attributed to that typical new string sound. But its been a week now and it just doesnt sound special to me anymore. So I've just ripped them off in disgust and put a set of D'Addario EJ17 (medium PB)   which I had kicking around to see if it resolved the problem. So far the git still has the new string sound (though maybe not as bad) but I'll have to wait a couple of days of playing to see how things setttle. So what's the problem? Coated strings? (Are Cleartones coated?) Going from Light to Medium? D'Addario vs Cleartones? Help! I want my sweet sweet sound back! A gross of donuts for anyone who can help me!! :crying:

Try some John Pearse or Martin SP 80/20s.  They always sound a bit more "woody" than PBs to me.  And yes the Cleartone strings are coated which makes them sound somewhat muffled.

cantwellm Now the time to play....well at least the string game.Everyone goes thru this.You may want to try the cleartone mediums.Keep a list of the different strings you try,what you liked or disliked about each.You already know the sound you want now the time to match the tone in your head with whats out there in strings.


I know this doesn't really help but what the heck..... :bgrin:

Try some smoother round cores, I have a thing for DR Sunbeam 13-56, but the Newtones are a great choice for round core too. Or, I also like the Curt Managan line too, they have a compression wrap and fusion matched make up, plus you can get the reg uncoated or coated now. (I did not care for the coated version myself but there are those who do like coated strings). All these will give you a non-twangy mellower ring which is my preference too.

Quote from: cantwellm on May 05, 2010, 11:23:37 PM
So what's the problem?

There isn't a problem. Different strings sound.................yup, you guessed it, different. Just keep trying strings to you hit what your ear likes.

cantwellm,  this is an elusive thing - to find "the" strings that you'll like best.  When I got my JCL 40th Anniversary rw model, it sounded great, but the volume was poor. I put Newtone Master Class mediums on her and the guitar just sings. The tone was awesome as well.

Feeling that I had just been converted from using lights (like the EJ16s), I couldn't wait to put them on my L05.  Imagine my surprise when all I could hear was that "twangy metallic" sound.  I played it like this for a couple of months, but couldn't get used to the sound and wanted my old L05 back.  Two weeks ago I put on EJ16s and rediscovered what I liked about that instrument.  I'msticking with the mediums on the JCL.

I guess the lesson is that no single set of strings or gauge will satisfy you on every guitar.  Like Rob says, just try a bunch of different sets and keep notes about what you like, and what you didn't.  You'll know when a string is just not working for you...

jimmy

We all 'hear' something different, taste not withstanding. Personally I can't stand Cleartones (no 'color' soft and they buzzed on my L),  and love the D-Addarios.

Maybe you will get what you want with Martin Marquis SP's They have a silk tail and somewhat softer tone, and are really nice strings.  And you just might prefer the tone of lights. Nothing wrong with liking what you like.

Thanks everybody for these insights. Very very helpful.  :thumbsup It seems I'm not crazy for hating expensive, well regarded strings. I'll probably start my string theory game with Cleartone mediums since the lights seemed to work great on my git but, if needed, I'll work my way through your suggested medium string types. And if still no joy, I'll go back to lights. But tell me,  if I do go back to lights will I need to make a neck adjustment and if so how easy is it to do myself with that funky little tool rather than letting it sit unplayed with a luthier for a week....?  

More string suggestions welcome...

:donut :donut2 :donut :donut2 :donut :donut2 :coffee

Quote from: cantwellm on May 05, 2010, 11:23:37 PM
Hi folks :donut :donut
I have string problems. I got my first Larrivee 6 weeks ago (D03-HH) because i fell in love with the sound. It has called to me every day since then to play, which I have done with great affection. Until recently. Since the strings on her were light gauge (Cleartones I assume - due to little sticker stating such on the pickguard) I figured I could get more of what I loved out of her if I put mediums on. So I took her to local Luthier who slapped on a set of D'Addario EXP17 (mediums) and made the appropriate adjustments. When I got home to play her she sounded all "twangy" or "metalic" - which I attributed to that typical new string sound. But its been a week now and it just doesnt sound special to me anymore. So I've just ripped them off in disgust and put a set of D'Addario EJ17 (medium PB) which I had kicking around to see if it resolved the problem. So far the git still has the new string sound (though maybe not as bad) but I'll have to wait a couple of days of playing to see how things setttle. So what's the problem? Coated strings? (Are Cleartones coated?) Going from Light to Medium? D'Addario vs Cleartones? Help! I want my sweet sweet sound back! A gross of donuts for anyone who can help me!! :crying:

Exact same scenario here. I have those EXP's on my L-03R and I have really tried to like them., gave them time to break in etc. and it's that "twangy" "metallilc" sound that I hate as well. I can't decide whether to try more mediums or get the guitar set up again for lights  ? Maybe medium lights is the answer ?? So far my favorites are the John Pearse lights.  I'll be watching this thread for sure. Good luck finding the ones that bring the music  back to your guitar. I find myself playing my S6 Seagull more now.  Time for a change.

Gotta repeat myself here, try some medium or medium heavy round cores or compression wrapped like the Managans, heres a pro review, sounds just like solving the issue you are having. 1 caveate, read the instructions and Do Not Cut before bringing them to pitch if you go round core.

http://www.maurysmusic.com/dr_sunbeam_strings___todd_s_review

http://www.maurysmusic.com/dr_sunbeam_strings___tony_s_review

Good Luck  :winkin:

Thanks Michael T,
Good reference. From all the advice I think I will try the following strings in the following order....

1. DR Sunbeam RCA-12 (or 13?) Medium Strings
2. John Pearse 610LM Silk Light-Medium Strings
3. Newtone Master Class mediums
4. Martin SP 80/20s
5. Curt Managan

Will start tomorrow...stay tuned... :wink:

Hello!

I have never been a fan of Martin strings....always john pearse or D'addario...hover for wome strange reason my LV05 sounds its best with Clapton's choice light strings!   It just comes to life!

Big full and rich sound!

My previous tried and true JP's and daddarios just sound........ wrong!!!

But on my Seagull they sound great and the Martin's the opposite!


Go figure!


Try em on!


Good luck!



Bubblemaker!

For those interested, I'll be giving a running commentary over the next few weeks regarding how my string quest is going. To start, I picked up the following strings:
1. DR Sunbeam RCA-12 Medium Strings
2. Newtone Master Class mediums
3. Martin SP 80/20s

And had to special order the John Pearse 610LM Silks. Guy at my local git shop never heard of Curt Managan...

So I've already mounted the DR Sunbeam RCA-12 Medium   and can report back that the dreaded twangy metallic sound was nearly completely removed. The strings are far more pleasing to my ears than the  D'Addario EXP17's. They ring well, good volume, without the brassiness. I do like them. BUT....there is a certain something missing: a "mellifluousness" that was present with the original Cleartone lights.  Maybe it has something to do with how the git interacts with my own body, I dunno? Of course, the DR's have only been on a day so I'm not concluding anything yet. I'll keep them on a week or two before making final  comments but at least I enjoy picking up my git and playing her again! So thanks to all of you for steering me in the right direction..

For those of you with your own SAS issues (String Acquisition Syndrome), keep in mind that my git is a limited edition Dread South American hog b/s with sitka top...
Cheers :cheers

I would recommend recording each set at about the same time on them (play time), seriously, in a few weeks you'll be amazed at what you think you remember and what they actually sound like. The mind is a funny thing.

Quote from: cantwellm on May 09, 2010, 12:04:42 PM

Guy at my local git shop never heard of Curt Managan...

Well first, it is Curt Mangan. Strings and Beyond (http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/) has very good prices on all strings, and they carry everything I think.
Curt Mangan strings (http://search.store.yahoo.net/cgi-bin/nsearch?catalog=stringsandbeyond&vwcatalog=stringsandbeyond&query=curt%20mangan&x=3&y=9) are available in P/B, 80/20 and coated varieties.
You can also order them direct from the curtmangan.com (http://www.curtmangan.com/)

String Update. Took off  DR Sunbeam RCA-12's. My opinion about them described above didnt change for the first week...I thought they were not too bad though I didn't feel the love. Then I decided to play my Larrivee next my "Joodee" Brand 70's Martin knockoff: with the Cleartones on my D03, my Joodee sounded like it was a Happy Meal toy. With the Sunbeams, I'm sad to report I couldnt hear much of a difference...
So now I've put on the Martin SP 80/20s  which, frankly, make my guitar sound like a zither when strummed lightly. I don't care for zithers. :winkin:

Next up -  Newtone Master Class mediums. Will advise.

I'm a big an of Martin "Marquis" (silk wrapped ball end) but not Martin SPs.
If you are a masochist, try the Marquis as well.  They are mellower.
I too do not care for the EJs that so many forumites consider the "go-to" string. To each their own...
JP 80/20s also worth considering.

Enjoy the search, ignore the price tag...in the end it's worth it!

String Update #2. Took off  zither-like Martin SP 80/20s and put on Newtone Master Class mediums. Muucchhh better. Nice tone, soft and balanced. Could use a a tad more bass but thus far they seem decent. Need to give them another week to settle. However, while my tonal memory of the Cleartones is fading, I feel that they have yet to be bested...

I have to mail-order medium Cleartones + John Pearse 610LM Silk Light-Mediums (not available in my local shops) and I'll test 'em as soon as I can.

So if anybody is actually still following this thread - stay tuned... :nana_guitar

PS Question: What's the best on-line store to buy strings in/to Canada?

Quote from: cantwellm on May 14, 2010, 07:53:12 PM
String Update #2. ...
I have to mail-order ... John Pearse 610LM Silk Light-Mediums ...
PS Question: What's the best on-line store to buy strings in/to Canada?

Not sure about the Canada part, but I've ordered 610LM's from JustStrings.com (http://www.juststrings.com/johnpearseacousticguitarsilkandbronze.html) and found their prices competitive and service excellent.

As usual, no personal or financial interest.

ive been really diggin the ernie ball earthwoods.  even their lighter gauge strings sound pretty full to me.  i had a set of those on my sd-50, then i put a set of pb elixers which i thought i remembered being AWESOME and i felt completely let down.  im going to try a pack of sunbeams soon though.  i have always dug dr too especially on my electric (although ive been jamming some slinkys lately) but i dont know, even if i like them, if ill continue to buy them because my local store doesnt carry em and i go through strings like crazy... hence the elixer hopeful.... and shipping is pretty ridiculous.  plus the earthwood packaging smells nice.

Thanks greysonj
I'll try the ernie ball earthwoods as I move through my list of recommendations. What tonewoods are used for your sd-50?  By the way, you mentioned shipping strings has been expensive for you: I ordered a variety of strings from Strings and Beyond and they have free shipping in US and Canada if you spend more than $35. I havent recieved my order yet but that seems to be a pretty good deal....
:donut :donut :thumbsup

If you don't like the jangley sound, don't do 80/20's.  The Cleartone's are a muddier sound.  The DR's are bright and their gauge system is different than most.  If you want something close to the Cleartone's, the Curt Mangan's are very good.  I use them on 2 guitars.  I like the 12-54 which is a med-light set.  Their 13-56 are pretty heavy and I use those on a Carpathian topped SCGC which needs that.  The Newtone's are also similar and not twangy.  Just don't cut then ends until you wind them.  They are hand wound and will unravel if you don't put them on correctly.  John Pearse are pretty good, but don't last long.  3 days with those and you will get close to muddy... Same with the EB Earthwoods.  They are short timers too.  The Mangan's are wound tight and last the longest for me of any of the uncoated strings.  best bet is to go to Strings and Beyond and order what you want.  Any thing over $35 ships free with no sales tax.  www.stringsandbeyond.com... They carry all of the aforementioned brands others any myself have reccomended.  Best of luck!

 :donut2 :coffee
Thanks Bltprf502, nice summary. Just to be clear - the Curt Mangan's you are recommending are the PB's, correct?

I await a shipment from stringsandbeyond which I expect to arrive Tuesday. The batch contains:

• 1. Cleartone EMP, Medium 13-56
  2. John Pearse, 610LM Silk Phos Bronze, Light/Medium  
  3. Martin FX130, Flexible Core, Silk and Phosphor
  4. Dean Markley Helix HD 80/20, Eliptical Wound, 13-56
  5. Martin MEC, Clapton's Choice Phos Bronze, Medium

And as indicated earlier in this thread I've already tried:

• 1. DR Sunbeam RCA-12 Medium Strings
  2. Newtone Master Class mediums custom
  3. Martin SP 80/20s
  4. D'Addario EXP17 (mediums)
  5. D'Addario EJ17 (medium PB)
  6. Cleartone lights
  
  Thus far, apart from my hazy memory of the original Cleartone lights, the Newtones come the closest at delivering sonic empathy for me. But I'll definitely include the Curt Mangan's (12-54) on my next order - which is likely to be very soon...

Yes Phos Brnz for your sound.  I use the CM 80/20's in 12-54 on my Bourgeois Slope D maple/bearclaw spruce.  I really also like the Martin FX flex core's... They make my Martin D-16GT sound like a really expensive guitar.  GREAT strings for sure!  Also, if you like the med 13-56, the Martin SP Phos Brnz are less jangly than the D add EJ17's and they are easy to get at the guy down the street or even GC.  I think Martin makes a good string.  Curt is a great guy to deal with... He was the artist relations guy for Ernie Ball for a long time.  HE has some cool stories to tell.  He makes a really good, long lasting uncoated string for sure.  Let me know your findings.

Also, anything silk you will lose some volume.. I would not pick then for a dread.  They are not flat picking strings or at least for me.  The Martin Flex Core are the std FX PB light or they even make med's.  Strings and Beyond do take returns if you change your mind..

FWIW, when I had a DV-03R I used Mangan 12-54 PB's and they were perfect for that guitar....for me  :winkin:

Quote from: cantwellm on May 23, 2010, 08:26:19 PM
Thanks greysonj
I'll try the ernie ball earthwoods as I move through my list of recommendations. What tonewoods are used for your sd-50?  By the way, you mentioned shipping strings has been expensive for you: I ordered a variety of strings from Strings and Beyond and they have free shipping in US and Canada if you spend more than $35. I havent recieved my order yet but that seems to be a pretty good deal....
:donut :donut :thumbsup

thanks for the info!  i will definitely hit them up this week.  the sd-50's are sitka and mahogany.  i just received my 95 j-09 though (i traded) and i cant seem to put it down!   :nana_guitar

String Update #3. It took nearly three weeks to get my package of stings from Strings and Beyond (I'm in Canada) and so took off the Newtone Master Class mediums which thus far have been the nicest strings to date (not harsh, fine bass, three weeks of playing little change). I have now put on the John Pearse PB/silk wound light/mediums. They were pleasant right out the box but as Bltprf502 noted, there was a definite loss of volume. Which aint a bad thing if you are playing in the living room with the young 'uns tucked asleep but not really a dread sort of string methinks. Also, the high E string broke even before it was tuned up. I assume that was an anomaly :angry:. Anyway I subed-in an old DR Sunbeam E and played a bit.
I'll be removing them tomorrow so I can slap on Dean Markley's medium Helix HD. Then medium Clapton's Choice by Martin, then Cleartone mediums.... :smile:

Quote from: Bltprf502 on May 24, 2010, 09:48:51 AM
Yes Phos Brnz for your sound.  I use the CM 80/20's in 12-54 on my Bourgeois Slope D maple/bearclaw spruce.  I really also like the Martin FX flex core's... They make my Martin D-16GT sound like a really expensive guitar.  GREAT strings for sure!  Also, if you like the med 13-56, the Martin SP Phos Brnz are less jangly than the D add EJ17's and they are easy to get at the guy down the street or even GC.  I think Martin makes a good string.  Curt is a great guy to deal with... He was the artist relations guy for Ernie Ball for a long time.  HE has some cool stories to tell.  He makes a really good, long lasting uncoated string for sure.  Let me know your findings.

Also, anything silk you will lose some volume.. I would not pick then for a dread.  They are not flat picking strings or at least for me.  The Martin Flex Core are the std FX PB light or they even make med's.  Strings and Beyond do take returns if you change your mind..

FWIW, when I had a DV-03R I used Mangan 12-54 PB's and they were perfect for that guitar....for me  :winkin:

Bltprf502,

I use the same combo (CM 80/20 12-54s) on all my guitars (L-03, H&D 00-sp and Collings OM2Hc) and find exactly what you do: the last forever. For a change of pace I'll go to the lts (11-52s) with no loss of power.

Cantwellm,

If you want a REALLY GREAT STRING try the Curt Mangans!

f

Thanks for the intel ffinke/Bltprf502,
I placed my string orders before the accolades to buy Curt mangan's sunk in: but I definitely will order them in the next few weeks once I move through th next 4 sets I have lined-up... :beer

Make sure you leave each set on long enough for them to break in. DAddarios have always taken a good 6 to 8 hrs play time to settle in to the tone that remains for another 3 or 4 weeks for me, a little too metalic sounding when first strung up. Different brands and materials differ in break in time.  YMMV

String update #4. Not really an update - more of a note for anyone who hasn't been bored to tears with my hedonistic newbie string discoveries. Sorry to have been remiss with my running commentaries of string types of late but I've had the flu which blocked my sinus's and thus messed with my hearing. It's been a bad week for guitar playing - though lack of hearing is surprising good for a marriage  :smile:
Off for a vacation for next two weeks in the Mediterranean but I'll re-animate thread on my return.
Mmmmm, come to think of it, maybe they got some cool strings over there I could bring back....
Cheers
:donut :donut :donut :donut :donut2 :donut2 :coffee :coffee

Quote from: cantwellm on May 05, 2010, 11:23:37 PM
Hi folks :donut :donut
I have string problems. I got my first Larrivee 6 weeks ago (D03-HH) because i fell in love with the sound. It has called to me every day since then to play, which I have done with great affection. Until recently. Since the strings on her were light gauge (Cleartones I assume - due to little sticker stating such on the pickguard) I figured I could get more of what I loved out of her if I put mediums on. So I took her to local Luthier who slapped on a set of D'Addario EXP17 (mediums) and made the appropriate adjustments. When I got home to play her she sounded all "twangy" or "metalic" - which I attributed to that typical new string sound. But its been a week now and it just doesnt sound special to me anymore. So I've just ripped them off in disgust and put a set of D'Addario EJ17 (medium PB) which I had kicking around to see if it resolved the problem. So far the git still has the new string sound (though maybe not as bad) but I'll have to wait a couple of days of playing to see how things setttle. So what's the problem? Coated strings? (Are Cleartones coated?) Going from Light to Medium? D'Addario vs Cleartones? Help! I want my sweet sweet sound back! A gross of donuts for anyone who can help me!! :crying:

EXP's have good bright tone but they make a bunch of noise when I change chord positions. I totally understand you not liking them.

I use Elixir 80/20 nanoweb lights. They have decent volume and are very comfortable to play without a lot of unwanted noise.... but they do seem to lack that new string sound when you first put them on. However, I play about 2 hours a day and they last a month before I feel the need to replace them.   

This happened to me once years ago with one guitar and I never found that sound again. But what I do now is record a few passages with any new guitar I get before changing strings. Then I change, record and compare, as our minds when not happy make the older sound better and better and better untill your drunk on the floor  :crying: If the strings sound ok and arent what tone I had before I just make a note of the strings and say sod it and get playing. Eventually with enough changes and notes I find what I want and then often when I go back and compare recordings the new ones I've become happy (ish) with often sound better than the god tone I believe I first had. Its defo frustrating though when you go from your ideal sound to something different. Happy hunting  :beer

String Update #5: I've had the Dean Markley's helix HD's   on for about a month and they are a very nice surprise. Warm without being muddy. I think they are as good as or even better than the Newtone Master Class mediums. But yesterday I put on the Cleartone mediums. They win right out of the box. Nice bass, warm, clear seperation and something else I hadnt noticed before with the other strings: they resonate as a whole.  Too bad they are also the most expensive strings used. So summing up, I'd say for my D03 HH, the best strings, in order, have been:

Best Sounding
1. Cleartone EMP, Medium 13-56 (lights were great too) $16.99/set

Very Good
1. Dean Markley Helix HD 80/20, Eliptical Wound, 13-56 $6.95/set
2. Newtone Master Class mediums custom $12.95/set
3. DR Sunbeam RCA-12 Medium Strings $6.79/set

Acceptable
1. John Pearse, 610LM Silk Phos Bronze, Light/Medium  $8.99/set

Never again
1. Martin SP 80/20s $5.89/set
2. D'Addario EXP17 (mediums) $10.49/set
3. D'Addario EJ17 (medium PB) $5.89set

More strings to come!! :guitar

Lots of folks on the forum love to hate cleartones.  I like them but not as much as you do. It's been pointed out on another thread that Martin will soon offer strings with a cleartone coating. I look forward to trying them. I currently have a set of GHS Laurence Juber strings on my Larrivee and so far I am very pleased with the sound and feel of them. 

Thanks mas music,
Ya - I noticed a lot of people on this forum have a hate-on for Cleartones. Baffles me. Especially after having tried all the string types recommended by members. It's also a bit funny that everyone is so enthralled by everything the Larrivee's do except for their choice of strings on new guitars. I understand shipped strings has/will change but my recently bought git came with Cleartones. Surely Larrivee wouldnt go to all the trouble of producing beautiful guitars only to slap on some cheap strings. My brain doesnt agree. And neither do my ears.
Curious to hear back from other members on this one... :donut2 :donut2 :coffee :coffee

PS: I just found a quote from Tommy Emmanuel: "I tried coated strings like everyone else; I didnt like them. Cleartones are so bright and responsive, I forgot they were coated. Bend them in good health."
PPS: I think Cleartones are made by the Everly Brothers - which for some reason just seems so cool to me. .

Has anyone tried the D'Addario phos-bronze Flat Tops (EFT's?). Definitely warmer and less metallic sounding than their standard 80/20 EJ series.  It's also a polished string so finger noise is reduced considerably.  I have the EFT16 lights on my OM-60 now and will be putting on the EFT17 mediums shortly (I have a little string buzz with the lights when pushed).  I'm now also anxious to try the Cleartone's as I too seek that warmer, less bright sound, even at the sacrifice of some volume.

Quote from: z-clay on June 15, 2010, 11:45:43 PM
EXP's have good bright tone but they make a bunch of noise when I change chord positions. I totally understand you not liking them.

I use Elixir 80/20 nanoweb lights. They have decent volume and are very comfortable to play without a lot of unwanted noise.... but they do seem to lack that new string sound when you first put them on. However, I play about 2 hours a day and they last a month before I feel the need to replace them.   

I also like the Elixir 80/20 nanoweb. They're excellent if you want less finger noise (would be ideal to use for recording) and you're picking hand just glides over the strings.

I meant to say that the D'Addario phos-bronze Flat Tops (EFT's?) are "definitely warmer and less metallic sounding than their *round-wound phos-bronze* EJ series". 

Howdy folks,
String Update #6: I was away for a while but now am back and have received my latest shipment of string types. Latest batch contains:

  1. Curt Mangan Fusion Matched 80/20 Bronze Medium/Light 12-54 ($6.95)
  2. Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Medium/Light 12-54 ($4.99)
  3. GHS Cryogenic Laurence Juber Signature Bronze Medium ($6.79)
  4. Martin MEC Clapton's Choice PB Medium ($5.99)
  5. Gibson Masterbuilt Premium PB Medium ($6.99)

So I hooked up the Clapton's Choice first. Hey not bad!  Nothing standoutish but quite decent when compared to the newtones & sunbeams. Funny thing though - after just one day I thought they started to sound tinny/metallic like new strings often do...sooo not sure how to rank them...

I then outfitted my git with the Curt Mangan's. Very Nice. Warm but articulate. And a little aural observation bonus: B strings often sound "off" to me - like they they never really match the rest of the strings pack somehow. The Curt's didnt have this issue. I rank them highly.

At this stage of my unscientific string progression I'm definitely feeling like I'm on my 20th glass of a scotch tasting - I can no longer recall how each compares with the other but am so drunk with pleasure it doesnt really matter anymore...

So summing up (again):

Best Sounding
1. Cleartone EMP, Medium 13-56 (lights were great too) $16.99/set
2. Curt Mangan Fusion Matched 80/20 Bronze Medium/Light 12-54 ($6.95) (recommended by Michael T & Bltprf502 & ffinke) :donut :donut :donut :donut :donut

Very Good
1. Dean Markley Helix HD 80/20, Eliptical Wound, 13-56 $6.95/set
2. Newtone Master Class mediums custom $12.95/set (Michael T) :donut :donut :donut :donut
3. DR Sunbeam RCA-12 Medium Strings $6.79/set (Michael T & Bltprf502) :donut :donut :donut :donut

Acceptable
1. John Pearse, 610LM Silk Phos Bronze, Light/Medium  $8.99/set (pennerblue) :donut :donut :donut
2. Clapton's Choice (13-56) $5.99/set (Bubblemaker) :donut :donut :donut

Never again
1. Martin SP 80/20s $5.89/set
2. D'Addario EXP17 (mediums) $10.49/set
3. D'Addario EJ17 (medium PB) $5.89set

Stay tuned for reviews of Ernie Ball, Laurence Juber, and Gibson....

Interesting....all those strings reviewed but i dont see Elixirs on your list anywhere (unless I'm blind...) I'd be interested in knowing where they rank in your opinion...particularly the Phosphor Bronze Nanos

Quote from: rocketman on August 12, 2010, 05:34:21 PM
Interesting....all those strings reviewed but i dont see Elixirs on your list anywhere (unless I'm blind...) I'd be interested in knowing where they rank in your opinion...particularly the Phosphor Bronze Nanos

I too would be interested!  My L-05 was shipped with daddario's so i never had the chance to try cleartones.  i just tried elixir PB nanos since i need coated as i have acid for sweat.  they sound tinny to my ears but thought if was just how coated strings sound since my ernie ball coated were the same but worst.  maybe i should pickup some cleartones...

OK - I'll add the elixir PB Nanos to my next order of strings and report back -  won't be for a few weeks though so stay tuned...

cantwellm I just want to say thanks for driving youself insane.I've been on the forum for a long time and your string reviews are fantastic and helping so many.So a big thanks for all your hard work. :thumb :beer

Cool, thanks cantwellm

I have not been on the forum in a while and was pleasantly surprised seeing your post.  Great work, very informative.

Thanks for the sentiment unclrob & shag101. Good to know that others are finding this excercise useful and that I'm not just being self-indulgent.  Really - I'm just grateful that members reponded to my initial posting with their own string suggestions to help make my Larry (and I) sing again! :guitar 

Quote from: unclrob on August 23, 2010, 10:51:38 PM
cantwellm I just want to say thanks for driving youself insane.I've been on the forum for a long time and your string reviews are fantastic and helping so many.So a big thanks for all your hard work. :thumb :beer

Yeah I second that. I'm in the same boat as...well, a lot of ppl.. trying to find the right string and I'm following this thread and finding it very informative, and useful. Thanks again :)

Thanks Rocketman! :smile:

String Update #7: Before I begin, note that I've added a new variable to my tests which is probably going to screw up comparability: I've replaced the standard issue plastic pegs that have been part of my previous tests with John Pearce (brass) Kingpins. I know, I know, the test is no longer technically fair but I love the extra bass these beauties bring and I just dont want to take them off.  :bowdown:

So with that in mind, I've removed the highly ranked Curt Mangan's and have had on the Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Medium/Light 12-54   for a couple of days.  The result? A very very nice flat-picking string if you dig a warm woodsy resonance with no tin/brassiness. With brass pegs I got tons of "boom" and maybe not so much "chick." Overall a mellow string which I do like....but..after a just a few days I'm feeling a bit of loss of resonance. Maybe getting a bit flat...not such a long-lived string?  And I don't feel there is any good reason to put up with such a short lifespan. So for that reason I'm likely going to be harsh and create another category and file these under "GOOD". On the bright side I will say they are probably the best sound for money string (albeit ephemeral) I've tried so far.

I'm going to wait another day or two before restringing to see if they truly are tailing off. In the meantime, if anyone has a preference for the order I try the next batch that I have on hand just let me know.  The choices are:
  1. GHS Cryogenic Laurence Juber Signature Bronze Medium
  2. Gibson Masterbuilt Premium PB Medium
  3. Martin Acoustic FX Flex Core (silk + phosphor)

That's it for now...stay tuned...

hey cantwellm,

I see you moved up to mediums after your original cleartone lights.  My l-05 came with d'addario lights for which i went to mediums and noticed a gain in volume.  I had mediums on for a year or so and recently went back to lights.  The volume decreased, but i noticed the body of the guitar vibrated a lot more and to my ears the tone was better.
I know a lot of members say mediums = more tone, but to my ears I got more volume but less tone.

Did you ever try lights again?   

shag101,
Good insight. I havent tried any lights since the original Cleartones though I have been meaning to do exactly that. However, I wanted to get through my medium strings assessement first since my git has been tweeked by the luthier for mediums.  I'll be winding down (pardon the pun) my medium trials soon and will be ordering Cleartone Lights (and maybe Curt Mangan's + DR Sunbeam lights) on my next batch to see how they fair. I'm even more curious to hear lights since I've installed brass pins which give that extra visceral oomph.

i tried brass pins once for a while and thought it took away from the woody sound of the guitar.  Made it more metallic.  What I would like to try is maybe using 2 brass on the low e and a just to give it more low end but not all em so it doesn't get too metallic. 

Quote from: cantwellm on September 03, 2010, 11:32:50 AM
shag101,
Good insight. I havent tried any lights since the original Cleartones though I have been meaning to do exactly that. However, I wanted to get through my medium strings assessement first since my git has been tweeked by the luthier for mediums.  I'll be winding down (pardon the pun) my medium trials soon and will be ordering Cleartone Lights (and maybe Curt Mangan's + DR Sunbeam lights) on my next batch to see how they fair. I'm even more curious to hear lights since I've installed brass pins which give that extra visceral oomph.

cantwellm, the Curt Mangen med/lights you tried are actually light gauge 12/54. If you thought they were good you need to try the true medium 13/56.  I like the 80/20's on my hog top OM and the PB's on my IS/Mahogany F-III.  The 80/20's on the hog top give it a nice low end growl but remain very balanced volume wise.
Thanks for all the info.

:beer

Mr_LV19E,
Oh ya - I guess you're right! And ironically, I ranked the Mangen lights at the very top of my medium gauge taste test...mmmm....this blows open the whole notion of higher gauge giving more sonic everything. Now I'm really keen to try the lighter versions...

OK gang - the floor is open for discussion on experiences of light vs medium gauge...

:cheers   

String Update #8: Kept on the Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Medium/Lightsfor a few days longer (see update #7) and they didn't cave in as I was thinking they might. So perhaps these strings are prone to lose a certain vibrancy on the higher strings after the first day or two of breaking-in which means this must be their "normal" state.  Ultimately I rank them as Good strings.
And for three days now I've had on Gibson Masterbuilt Premium PB Medium's. I must say this is yet another string that I like very much. It does have that new string twang to them but it is very modest and pleasing.  Playing Joni Mitchel's Big Yellow Taxi tuned to E B E Ab B E was great. All strings ring clear (certainly more than the higher strings of the Earthwood's) and the bass is just as rich. I like 'em better. I rank them as Very Good.

Running Summary:

Good Sounding Strings
1. John Pearse, 610LM Silk Phos Bronze, Light/Medium  ($8.99/set) (recommended by pennerblue/AZLiberty/kennyman)  
2. Clapton's Choice (13-56) ($5.99/set) (recommended by Bubblemaker)  
3. Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Medium/Lights  ($4.99/set) (recommended by greysonj)
4. GHS Cryogenic Laurence Juber Signature Bronze LJ40M Medium's ($6.79)

Better Sounding Strings
1. Dean Markley Helix HD 80/20, Eliptical Wound, 13-56 ($6.95/set)
2. Newtone Master Class mediums custom ($12.95/set) (recommended by Michael T)    
3. DR Sunbeam RCA-12 Medium Strings ($6.79/set) (recommended by Michael T/Bltprf502)
4. Gibson Masterbuilt Premium PB Medium 13-56 ($6.99/set)
5. Elixir Nanoweb PB Mediums 13-56 ($13.95) as per (recommended by Rocketman/Kalbi/Z-Clay)


:bowdown:Best Sounding Strings  
1. Cleartone EMP, Medium 13-56 (lights were great too) ($16.99/set :ohmy:) (recommended by Jean Larrivee!!?)
2. Curt Mangan Fusion Matched 80/20 Bronze Medium/Light 12-54 ($6.95/set) (recommended by Michael T/Bltprf502/ffinke)  


Honorable Mention
1. Martin Acoustic FX Flexible Core Silk and Phosphor Custom 11-47 ($2.99 :bgrin:): eeeaaassy playability. And the price!

Never Again on my Larrivee
1. Martin SP 80/20s ($5.89/set)
2. D'Addario EXP17 (mediums) ($10.49/set)
3. D'Addario EJ17 (medium PB) ($5.89set)

Stay tuned - more coming...

String Update #9. Howdy all. Have had on the GHS Cryogenic Laurence Juber Signature Bronze LJ40M Medium's for a week. They took forever to tune. Had a bit of jangly twang to them which has remained. Bass not as pronounced as the Earnies or Gibson. Highs sweet enough. Volume modest. Nothing wrong with them really...but...I just don't feel the love. I'm probably being too harsh but I'm only ranking them as "good" strings.

I've ordered another batch of strings to try out....including light versions of what I've already ranked...so...stay tuned!

Just to add to this I put a set of Martin with cleartone coating on them on a Taylor 110E and I gotta say they sounded dull and lifeless for a brand new set of strings.I hope this adds to your great and insane string journey oh this was a set of 12's.

String Update #10. Thanks unclrob. I'll take your word for it (though for fun I just may give them a go on my next mail order).
Ironically I have just put some Martin's on myself today. They are the Martin Acoustic FX Flexible Core Silk and Phosphor Custom (11-47). At first I hated them: made the mistake of going straight into drop tuning and they were flaccid and demur (I suppose they go together  :blush:). So i tuned up normally and after a few minutes I gotta say that they are actually a very good string for what they seem to be designed for: fingerpicking. Now I'm mostly a hack strummer but for a few of my soft Latin stand-by's and ballads they are the easiest strings I have ever played. Soft but with enough tension at normal tuning. I suppose they would be awesome on a parlor softly serenading yer sweety by the fire. Just don't drop tune. Now they probably wont grace my Dred again but I'll definitely be picking up some of the higher gauge versions to try.

String Update #11. Off with the Martin's yesterday which started to fade fairly quickly and on with Elixir Nanoweb PB mediums as per Rocketman/Kalbi/Z-Clay's suggestion. For a coated string they are  - unlike Cleartones- on the metallic side of town but depending on the song - pleasingly so. A hearty bass to them too. I'd describe them as nicely "crunchy." Joni Mitchel's Chelsea Morning sounds wonderful sans voice.  But they ain't a warm string and some tunes lost their groove (John Mayor's "Wonderland" was anything but).  I still have other string preferences (e.g., Cleartones, Mangan's), but my overall rating for the Elixir's is good to very good.

Stay tuned for more.. :wave

Yeah, the nano lights i got on my l-05 took a week of constant playing to break in and get ride of some of the metallic sound..i find the longer i keep em on the better they start to sound..

Quote from: cantwellm on September 25, 2010, 12:56:53 PM
For a coated string they are  - unlike Cleartones- on the metallic side of town but depending on the song - pleasingly so. [...] But the strings ain't what I'd say are a warm string and some tunes lost their groove (John Mayor's "Wonderland" was anything but).

Maybe you could try the Elixir Polyweb strings instead. According to their homepage these have the warm tone and feel of strings that are already well-played. I do not like the metallic sound of new strings either...

String Update #12. Over the last few weeks I've tried comparing different gauges of the string brands I've liked the most. I started with Curt Mangan's but as per Mr_LV19E insight this time I put on the real Curt Mangan 80/20 mediums (13-56). They had all the qualities of the 12-54's I reviewed but just a bit, well, louder. And that's when I realized that louder ain't necessarily better: maybe driving the soundboard that much harder actually overwhelms some of the more subtle qualities of the sound. Someone please confirm this observation or else its OK to tell me I'm full of s&*t.  

After that I put on the Cleartone lights for the first time since buying my git. I liked them very much but didn't have that "a-ha!" moment of rediscovering some long lost love: probably because I've tried so many equally good sounding strings since starting this review. But again, they seemed just a bit softer than the medium Cleartones in terms of volume which made them a bit more endearing.

Tonight I wipped off the Cleartone lights and put on Curt Mangan 80/20 light-medium's (12-54) again to do a one-right-after-the -other comparison and the verdict was the Curts win out. They got greater tonal resolution than Cleartones methinks while still being nicely toasty.

And so it seems that after all of these comparisons over the last few months I think I simply prefer light-mediums with the top strings being:

       

Thank-you everyone for your recommendations. It seems Michael T, Bltprf502, ffinke and I are now all on the same page.

And, through a serendipitous encounter, I just happened to be speaking with a Larrivee family member the other day and mentioned the Curt Mangan brand. He seemed quite interested to try them...

Anyway, now I gotta go and try lights and ultra lights of my favourite brands. But I think I'm going to give it a break for a while....or at least I'll leave my strings on till they die a natural death before trying something new to review..

So final(ish) summary:

Good Sounding Strings
1. John Pearse, 610LM Silk Phos Bronze, Light/Medium  ($8.99/set) (recommended by pennerblue/AZLiberty/kennyman)  
2. Clapton's Choice (13-56) ($5.99/set) (recommended by Bubblemaker)  
3. Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Medium/Lights  ($4.99/set) (recommended by greysonj)
4. GHS Cryogenic Laurence Juber Signature Bronze LJ40M Medium's ($6.79)

Better Sounding Strings
1. Dean Markley Helix HD 80/20, Eliptical Wound, 13-56 ($6.95/set)
2. Newtone Master Class mediums custom ($12.95/set) (recommended by Michael T)    
3. DR Sunbeam RCA-12 Medium Strings ($6.79/set) (recommended by Michael T/Bltprf502)
4. Gibson Masterbuilt Premium PB Medium 13-56 ($6.99/set)
5. Elixir Nanoweb PB Mediums 13-56 ($13.95) as per (recommended by Rocketman/Kalbi/Z-Clay)

Great Sounding Strings  
1. Cleartone EMP, Medium 13-56 (lights were great too) ($16.99/set ) (recommended by Larrivee!!?)
2. Curt Mangan Fusion Matched 80/20 Bronze Medium 13-56 ($6.95/set) (recommended by Michael T/Bltprf502/ffinke)  

Best Sounding Strings  
Curt Mangan Fusion Matched 80/20 Bronze Medium/Light 12-54 ($6.95/set)

Honorable Mention
1. Martin Acoustic FX Flexible Core Silk and Phosphor Custom 11-47 ($2.99 ): eeeaaassy playability. And the price!

Never Again on my Larrivee D-03 HH
1. Martin SP 80/20s ($5.89/set)
2. D'Addario EXP17 (mediums) ($10.49/set)
3. D'Addario EJ17 (medium PB) ($5.89set)

Cool, i guess i will have to try out a set of their coated strings.

Quote from: shag101 on October 18, 2010, 08:59:45 AM
Cool, i guess i will have to try out a set of their coated strings.

Personally I found the coated not much to my liking. Seemed to take the mids down a bit. They were ok but the compression wrap on the standard gives me a nice long life so I'll stick with them. They are worth a try, they're only strings  :winkin: btw, I do Prefer DR Sunbeams with a custom gauged 14 & 18 in place of the 13 & 17 that comes in the standard pack, they are my go to strings.

Its been a lot of fun reading this thread, I gotta say.....
I'm off tomorrow to try and find me some Curt Mangans!

I've been playing light elixir nanowebs... great set of strings and they last longer than any other that I have used. They stand up to the oils from your fingers that deteriorate string life. Less changing strings and more playing... They are a little spendy but well worth the dough.   :donut :donut2 :donut :donut2

i put an elixir phospor bronze custom light (0.12) on my Larry's and i don't have problem with it. great playability, tone, and of course long life.  :bgrin:

Cantwellm!! Congrats for your work...this topic is fu... amaaaaaaazing!!!!! :o)

Just revisited this thread, and realize I have the same mission ahead when my new harp guitar comes in  :arrow

I only use Elixar Polywbs on my OMO3re. They last forever and do not change tone from beginning to end, a month or two with 1 or 2 gigs a week. They are so easy on the fingers, Cleartones were very hard on the fingers, that's why I hated them.  I dislike Martin strings, esp the bronze ones. I used John Pearce for a while but had to change them every other week.
This last weekend I put new Elixars on, and mistakenly bought mediums instead of light, and to my ears, although louder, they do not compliment the smaller body and tone of my OM.  the ability to play a month or two without having to change strings is a big deal to me. Many of my friends here feel the same, but there are still plenty of musicians here(St.Louis) that will never use any brand of coated strings.
  Thanks for all the information!

Curt Mangan strings are available at the Music Tree (musicgrowshere.com) with free shipping, no minimum. Fusion Matched phospor bronze are $7.99 a set, for instance.

Have been happily playing my Larrivee since my last post. Then last week I walked into the 12th Fret - just to look - and walked out with a Marc Beneteau Dreadnought. Sonic Honey.... :drool:
Pics of my new Beneteau (http://www.12fret.com/content/2011/09/24/beneteau-dreadnought-1991-consignment/)
..but are we ever satisfied? I just know I'm going to get sucked into starting another obsessive round of the string game all over again!!!!  :wacko:

I want a beneteau!!!! hahaha