String Recommendations?

[danabaw]

I want to try some light-medium strings on my OM-03K when I take my guitar in for it's pro setup very soon.  Does anybody have any suggestions on which strings I should get/try?  I am open to trying a bunch of different types and seeing which ones I like best, I was just wondering as to which ones people use and why they like them.  Thanks.

[fongie]

Elixir lights or D'addario
cheers
fongie

[ncognito]

You might consider John Pearse 80/20 New Mediums.

          DAVE

[danabaw]

Also can someone make a suggestion of PB vs 80/20 and why I should go with either?  What do you think would sound best with a spruce top/koa back and sides combination?  By the way, I was planning on switching up to medium-light strings because I tend to do a fair amount of strumming and am looking for that added tone/volume.

[Corky]

I have heard good things about the Ernie Ball Earthwood lights. 

Anyone here have any info on these?

[leftync]

http://www.samash.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_AGS802%20Acoustic%20Guitar%20Strings%2012Pack%201253_-1_10052_10002_53801_cmCategorySA181086

I ordered these b/e they were cheap, and intended to use them only on my son's and my inexpensive guitars. I'm surprised at how much I like them. I rarely change strings, and we now have enough to last for years.

[drmar120]

I suppose it's a plain-vanilla choice, but for my Larrivees I've settled on ordinary Martin SP phosphor bronze lights. They have a nice, resonant (but not too bright) sound and they age surprisingly gracefully--sounding quite characterful and moody even as they're wearing out. In fact, I almost like them better when they're not so new. I've kept them on for up to six months. Next, I'm going to try the Extended Life SP+'s.

[BenF]

Newtone Masterlacss PB custom lights (12-54).  I use them on both my Larrys now

[jimmy buffett]

Newtone Masterlacss PB custom lights (12-54).  I use them on both my Larrys now

I use MC strings on all my Larrtys as well, including my koa.  Try 'em - you'll like 'em...

[PortHueneme]

When I first got my OM-03K, I used Elixr bluegrass. I have since switched to a full medium set.
The OM is a great guitar with a very balanced sound. I find the mediums restore the balance where
the light trebs and medium basses gave the voice just a tad more low end thump.

The bottom line is get a string that gives the sound you want.
I have switched to D'adds Exp for all my guitars it makes buying strings easier.

[ffinke]

My choice by far is the Curt Mangan med-light string (.012-.054 which is normally the light in other parlance). For an uncoated string they last forever.

For a coated string try D'Addario EXP or Martin SP+. I like them both but I really don't think they last as long as Mangans.

f

[Pilgrim]

After years of experimenting with strings, I've come to the conclusion that within a given gauge and type (alloy) of uncoated strings, it is often times difficult to identify differences in sound between brands.  I can easily hear the difference between phosphor bronze and 80/20s, and between light gauge and medium gauge.  And I usually hear differences between coated and uncoated strings, and even between brands of coated strings.  But as far as uncoated strings of the same alloy and gauge, I can seldom identify differences between brands.  To put it another way, if I put Brand X uncoated medium PBs on my D-03, and change them to Brand Y uncoated medium PBs, I'm not confident that I could identify any differences in sound.
 
Generally, there other differences between brands that guide my string choice.   I've seen coated strings that have an unpleasant color, and I've removed them because I didn't like the appearance.  And in my experience some strings will become discolored or sonically dead more quickly than others, and I might avoid a brand that seems to die quickly for me.
 
How the strings feel is another area where there are differences.  Some strings feel mushy/loose, while others feel stiff/hard.   Some coated strings are slippery (which can reduce string squeak), while some uncoated strings feel somewhat rough to the touch.

One area that I have noticed very small differences between brands is with regard to intonation.  Differences in core wire diameters can affect the accuracy of tune between fretted and unfretted notes.  I have found this most noticeable on the low E string, where the E is in tune when played open, but sharp when played at the third fret (G).  This will vary by guitar, and can be minimized by using the gauge of strings the guitar was set up to use.   However within a given type and gauge of strings, the brand can also have a small affect on intonation.

Availability can guide string choice.  I have tried and liked some strings that are rather difficult to obtain.  However, not having found the silver bullet of strings, I typically stick with brands that I can easily find and buy.  With all the good strings available, I find no need to settle on special strings layered with unobtainium, and deal with the frustrations of finding them.
Price and country of manufacture can also guide string choice.  The market for strings is competitive and there is relatively little difference in the price between brands within a given type (alloy/coated/uncoated).  It seems all 80/20s cost roughly the same amount and are cheaper than PBs.  And everybody's coated strings seem to cost about twice the amount of non-coated strings.  Most strings are made in North America, with many being made in the US.  I'm not aware of any made in Canada, but the last time I looked, the strings from one major manufacturer were made in Mexico.

[dmcginnis]

Newtone Masterlacss PB custom lights (12-54).  I use them on both my Larrys now

I, too, use the Newtone Masterclass strings...good ones to have on the guitar....

Dave

[danabaw]

I'm gonna go with the John Pearce 710 New Mediums for now to try them out, I like their specs, hopefully I'll like them.  If not then I'll try something else.  Thanks for all the replies and feedback.

[ducktrapper]

My string recommendations, as always. Six (or twelve). New. Guage as preferred or as your guitar prefers. Cheapest available unless or until otherwise proven deficient.  

[leftync]

Duck, you should try the ones I linked to at Sam Ash. Ridiculously cheap, and I haven't felt the need to change strings in less than five or six weeks.
While it's logical that strings, like auto tires, should make a real difference, I can't say I hear much difference--expect for John Pearse strings, which I admit sound better than others.

[wilblee]

I have been really enjoying the Martin "Clapton's Choice" 12's.  I'm definitely gonna buy more.  My current 2nd place finisher is Webstrings' PB lights (called "Portland Acoustics").  They sound good, last a long time and are ridiculously cheap.

[BluesMan1]

   D'Addario EJ-16's. Or -17's for a guitar that needs mediums. Just can't beat the sound & playability. Do have to be changed more than coated, but are worth it. And I always count them to make sure there ARE 6!
     Jeff   

[richy3]

I like Martin strings.  I use the plain jane phosphor bronze lights on my LV05 and on my D28.  Not the SP or the FX or the marquis or anything fancy.  I am pretty sure Martin makes a "hybrid" light/medium set like what you're talking about.  Rich

[kwakatak]

I use DR Rare Medium/heavies on my OM-03R and together with dropping the tuning down a 1/2 step they really give the low end more depth.