Question For Larrivee Om Players

[Play2praiseHim]

What type of strings do you  use on you larrivee OM . I have several sets of newtone strings that I was using on my previous Martin style Om. Anyone use these on their larrivee?  

[KenS]

I'm using Newtone Master Class PB (12-54)on mine and couldn't be happier withe the results.  I also used Pearse and Elixers on it - both with good results as well.  But the Newtones are my favorites by far and I don't anticipate using anything but them in the future.

It should be noted that this guitar is used strictly for alternate and open tunings (the bottom E never gets tuned above D) and that is why I use the strings with the heavier bottoms.  I tried the Newtone Drop tunes on it, but I like the regular MC's better.  On my standard tuning guitar, I use the Master Class PB 12-52's.  Wonderful strings.

Ken

[naboz]

I have currently (for the last three string changes), been using D'Addario EXP 16's, the tone takes a couple days to break in, but then they really shine...and last.  They also dont feel like a coated string.  Prior to that I had been with the factory recommendation of Elixir Nano's.  The Martin SP+ just died, in like a week.  I have a set of John Pierce PB's that are waiting their turn.
My playing is mostly fingerstyle, with some strum;
as that will determine choice for some.

naboz  

[wyodeb]

I've mainly used Elixir nanos so far. Tried some John Pearse bronze, but they died very quickly. I have some D'Addario EXP 16's on order. I have Martin Marquis bronze on the parlor, but I think I'm going to try something different on the next string change. I'm still waiting for the perfect strings... :rolleyes:

Deb

[KenS]

Deb,

I had the same experience with the Pearse strings - not very long lived.  They did sound good while they lasted though.  Not to sound like a broken record, but imho, the Newtones sound better, feel better, and last longer than the JP's.

The big problem is getting them.  to get a decent price in the US, you have order 6 or more sets (at least from Guitar Gallery, the only US dealer than I know of).  A single set costs about as much as a set of Elixers.  Buy 6 and they run $6-$7 depending on the type you choose.

Ken

[Tony Capri]

I'm anxious to try the Newtones myself. Hearing rave reviews thus far. But they're hard to find (I'm in Ga), and the one place (out of state) I did find that carries them is not clear about their price, even after email contact.

Right now I'm using Elixir Poly Lights with a D`Addario 13 for the high E. I too use my OM mainly for open tunings of all sorts, but also for standard about a 1/4 of the time. I'm still uncomfortable with the price of the Elixirs since I don't really get that much use out of them - due mostly in part to how often the guitar gets played. But I've become accustomed to their smoothness and the thought of going back to bare wound strings is not too appealing  ;)  .

[wyodeb]

The most reasonable price I've found Elixirs is at Little Mountain Music
( http://WWW.littlemountainmusic.com )

Their shipping is speedy, too.

Deb

[KenS]

I'm anxious to try the Newtones myself. Hearing rave reviews thus far. But they're hard to find (I'm in Ga), and the one place (out of state) I did find that carries them is not clear about their price, even after email contact.

Tony,

Different sets have different prices - and then there are quantity discounts as well.  You try giving Robin at Guitar Gallery a call after looking through their website and picking out what you want.  Newtones come down to several basic decisions:

1. Phosphor Bronze or 80/20?

2. Lights, custom lights, or mediums?  (Actually note that what we usually call "light," Newtone calls medium/light.  Their lights have a .011" top E.  The Med/Lights are .012 - .052, the custom lights are .012-.054, and the mediums are .013-.056.

3. "Drop Tune" or regular Master Class: the DT's have a larger core which makes them a little more rigid.  I use regular MC's on my alt tuning guitar - didn't like the feel of the DT's.

After that, it's how many.  As I said before, you get the best deal at 6 or more sets.  Perhaps one reason they couldn't be clear about about the pricing is that there is a difference between the MC med/lights ($6.75) and the custom sets ($7.25)  - both prices for 6 or more sets.  So it's hard to know the price until you know what kind you want and how many sets.

Like I said, when I was first ordering these, I used the phone.  That way I could ask questions etc.  Once I settled in on what I wanted, they were a pleasure to deal with.

Hope this helps.

Ken

[NewStrings]

I tend to go back and forth between the Newtone Masterclass customs and the Ernie Ball Slinky's light gauge.  I love both of these strings, they suit my OM-05 perfectly and give me the sound I'm looking for.  Since I find my OM to be a bit on the bright side, I tend to look for strings with larger dia. low E strings i.e. .54 instead of .53. to give the bass a little more punch.

Half the fun is trying different strings and finding the right ones for your particular Larrivee.  And, of course, what sounds good to you may sound average to me, it truly is a matter of personal taste.  

NewStrings