Newtone Strings

[myom]

Go and get them. 

Seriously. 

I just got a set of the masterclass from a local shop and put them on my omv-50. They were pricey at almost 14 CAD, but I have never heard or played a string like this. I've been using john pearse phosphor bronze for months after working my way through d'addario, elixer, and martin strings. After hearing these, I wil buy nothing else. The clarity is unbelievable...and they are a brilliant compliment to the larrivee's even tone. There is warm bass like phosphor bronze, but a beautiful bright top end that seems to be missing with other strings that are this warm and full in the midrange and low end.

I can't tell you how they wear in, or how long they last, because it's only been a few days. Even if they were dead within 2 weeks I'd still be buying them. I'd compare these medium strings to the ease of playing of lights. The unwound strings are so smooth on my fingers, they are unlike anything you'll find in a traditional pack of phosphor bronze strings. If you compare the unwounds of just about every manufacturer, they are basically the same. Not these guys, although I can't explain why. I believe they are tin plated...

Try to find someone who carries them and give them a go. Even if they are a bit of an investment, if they do for your guitar what they've done for mine, you'll think it's money well spent.

[jimmy buffett]

I just got a set of the masterclass from a local shop and put them on my omv-50... After hearing these, I wil buy nothing else. The clarity is unbelievable...and they are a brilliant compliment to the larrivee's even tone.

I can't tell you how they wear in, or how long they last,...

Yep, "give them a go"...



Many years ago, one of the things that attracted me to Newtones (aside from a strong recommendation from The 12th Fret) was the fact that they seemed to stay "fresh" a long time.  I cannot get used to the D'Addario EJ16s on my L09 and plan on going back to the Newtones on my next string change.

Newtone Masterclass strings are not found in every guitar shop, but I believe that they can be ordered on-line from The 12th Fret if anyone is interested...


jimmy

[uke richard]

I use  Newtone strings  on all my steel strings. And if you play ukulele or classical or flamenco guitar, you gotta use Aquila Nylgut strings

Richard

[imwjl]

I am impressed by the round core strings I put on my Telecaster, so I would believe people like them on an acoustic. FWIW: I got DR on the Tele, and I see they make round core for acoustic too. The price was minimal for the results.

[thistle]

I only use Newtones now! I put the heritage low-tension ones on my old Tak to try and eliminate the eventual need for a re-set - they are very, very nice. My Larrivees and Martins have had both the light and med-lights. The sound is something else, and they do seem to last forever.

Luckily for me Newtone strings are not overly expensive here in the UK - about the same as everything else but much nicer, IMO!

~Lynn

[LaminateBoy]

I just ordered a bunch of different gauges of Newtones for my L, Parlor and L-12. Looking forward to trying them.

Myom, I order from The 12th Fret in Toronto and they only cost $9 a set, $12 for the 12-string. Even with the shipping cost to Montreal I will still come in a bit under your cost, but I guess not by much.

Anyway, if its only a buck or two difference, you should support your local businesses.

[Parlor Picker]

I absolutely endorse all the comments about Newtones strings.  They are the best sounding ones I've found and they last a long time as well.  I've found their lights are a bit sloppy on my (short-scale length) Larrivée Parlor, so must try some slightly heavier ones.

When I got my Kalamazoo it was strung with Elixirs and a change to Newtones improved the sound noticeably.

[Dale_I]

OK - you talked me into it. Would you suggest the Light or Medium Light gauges? If I understand what you are saying, it appears that they "feel" a gauge lighter than they actually are. So maybe Medium Lights that feel like Lights, but have better sustain???

[hatofthecat]

So maybe Medium Lights that feel like Lights, but have better sustain???

I'd definitely suggest "Medium Lights" 12,16,24,32,42,52   

I found a "Light" set lacked enough "oumph" at the bass end for my L-03 (their "Light" set is lighter than most manufacturers as is 11-50)

I'm also in the UK so cost of Newtones is same as any other brand for me 

Newtone actually do quite a few custom sets for different retailers, inc a DADGAD set, though what's available in US/Canada I don't know.

Pete

[Dale_I]

Thanks, looks like all I need to do is buy them.

I found them online for $9.95 a set plus shipping if you buy more than 5 sets. $8.95 for 10 or more. Anyone want to go in on some with me? We'll total the shipping to me and to you and divide it in half?

PM me if you're interested. Moderators - let me know if this is inappropriate and I'll pull the post.

[jimmy buffett]

I'd definitely suggest "Medium Lights" 12,16,24,32,42,52   

I found a "Light" set lacked enough "oumph" at the bass end for my L-03 (their "Light" set is lighter than most manufacturers as is 11-50)

Like Pete says, I've been using Medium Lights for a long time, but then again, this is my usual duage regardless of the brand.  Mine are 0.12, 0.16, 0.24, 0.34, 0.44 and 0.54.  I'm thinking that if your used to playing mediums, you will want to buy the heavier string.  While they are great sounding strings, last a long time, and have a nice feel to them, they shouldn't feel any "lighter" than another brand with the same guage.

As far as string guage, just go with what you're used to...

jimmy

[bhika]

Like Pete says, I've been using Medium Lights for a long time, but then again, this is my usual duage regardless of the brand.  I'm thinking that if your used to playing mediums, you will wanr to buy the heavier string.  While they are great sounding strings, last a long time, and have a nice feel to them, they shouldn't feel any "lighter" than another brand with the same guage.

As far as string guage, just go with what you're used to...

jimmy

Newtones take less tension then other strings to bring to pitch so they do feel a little lighter.

[walt33]

DADGAD set? Does this have heavier No.1 and No.6 strings to make up for the reduced tension?

[Dale_I]

I think it would keep the stings from slapping around from being too loose and making you sound "buzzy" (if that is a term). 

Side note, I got a deal on 6 sets so I picked them up. Enough for me to change over my 6 strings and have plenty for friends and family.

[LaminateBoy]

I've had Newtones on my L for a few days now. I like them - a different flavour than the D'addarios which I like also. the Newtones are a bit richer sounding, as if they used more butter in the recipe. The straight-out-of-the-package sound is somewhat less wild and crazy than the D'ads. I'm using the medium lights now and I'll try the custom set this weekend.
I'm going to put mediums on the Parlor and I have a 12-string set for my L-03-12.