What strings you like for acoustic?

D

dstroud

Well-known member
Just got a new acoustic guitar and wanting to change strings - and really out of my element here lol What strings do you guys like on acoustic? Looking for gauge too - TIA!
 
Well, recording/performing guitars I use whatever acoustic strings on hand. Usually Martin. 13s.

The one in my hands most of the time I set up with super low action and regular old Slinkys.
 
Yeah. I dont have preference for acoustic. I dont notice much about acoustic strings until my fingers start smelling like rust
 
I used to like Earthwood Bronze ernie ball 12-54 on my acoustic blues machines but these days I like LaBellas on everything and they have a pile of acoustic sets to choose from.

It depends on the guitar what set you should put on. What you got?
 
I always used and liked the coated D'Addario strings when I worked at Guitar Center. I always used those to restring floor guitars.
 
I have Martin Luxe 12s on mine right now. They sound good but I'm not sure I love them. I'll probably go back to Elixirs. I'm having some hand and wrist issues right now so I think i'm going to give 11s a go.
 
Thomastik Infeld Spectrums or John Pearse Phosphor Bronze for warmth, Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze for bright, or D'Addario EJ or Elixir Nanowebs for balanced.

Edit: reread OP. String gauge is also important for brightness or warmth. Would recommend starting with a balanced set of 12s and find where you want to go from there. Too dull? Brighter strings/smaller gauge. Too bright warmer strings/thicker gauge. Brighter strings are usually better for cutting and most recording unless you have something good for the latter, imo. Given that guitar has a sitka top and mahogany back/sides you can really go any way you want since it's pretty balanced to start.
 
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I used to put 10’s for electric guitar on my acoustic for song writing and general jamming. It was easier to write and compose or pass the guitar around for ideas when I was in bands.
 
NowYou'rePlayingWithPower said:
Thomastik Infeld Spectrums or John Pearse Phosphor Bronze for warmth, Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze for bright, or D'Addario EJ or Elixir Nanowebs for balanced.

Edit: reread OP. String gauge is also important for brightness or warmth. Would recommend starting with a balanced set of 12s and find where you want to go from there. Too dull? Brighter strings/smaller gauge. Too bright warmer strings/thicker gauge. Brighter strings are usually better for cutting and most recording unless you have something good for the latter, imo. Given that guitar has a sitka top and mahogany back/sides you can really go any way you want since it's pretty balanced to start.
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good info thanks so much!!!
 
I have the Martin Lifespan 12s on my newest Martin, an 00-28 which has a smaller scale. On my older GPC Martin, I changed to the Martin Flexcore 11s and are great!

The Flexcore strings are pretty cool because they somehow make them feel easier to play but are the same size as the regular strings. I noticed a difference. I might try Flexcore 12s on my 00-28 when I change strings.
 
I use D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze 11|52 strings on my Martin and they are very nice.
 
I don’t play any acoustic. I have an acoustic… somewhere. I think it has Elixir. 11s. Something coated since Oregon air eats metal. I haven’t seen it or touched it in years.
I was gonna start a string thread.
Wanted to see how what percentage of players use flats vs. rounds vs. hybrid.
 
TheBiggestJerk said:
I don’t play any acoustic. I have an acoustic… somewhere. I think it has Elixir. 11s. Something coated since Oregon air eats metal. I haven’t seen it or touched it in years.
I was gonna start a string thread.
Wanted to see how what percentage of players use flats vs. rounds vs. hybrid.
Click to expand...
This is the most non combative post you have ever made!
 
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