Do Strings Sound Better? - General Discussion

RE: Do Strings Sound Better?

Richard Hauser — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 03:16:38 +0000

I had a Fishman "Blackstack" soundhole pickup installed on one of my guitars. I sometimes play with or without the amp. I did notice that things sounded better thru the amp, and I did not have to change strings on that guitar as often as my other guitars.

RE: Do Strings Sound Better?

George Lange — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 03:55:33 +0000

Some companies use string engineers like Curt Mangen ( who sells his own brand of guitar strings ) to design strings for them. I did not know that. Someone told me this while we were on vacation in Florida recently

RE: Do Strings Sound Better?

George Lange — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 02:16:23 +0000

Santa Cruz makes nice strings too

RE: Do Strings Sound Better?

Laffa — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:02:18 +0000

I've tried numerous different strings and the best I have found are Elixir Phosurous bronze Custom lights.

They are expensive but definitely worth it hands down if you want that raw Outlaw drop D country sound.

RE: Do Strings Sound Better?

dom — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 22:20:34 +0000

I put a new set of D'Addario 12's on last week after many months with the previous set, and they are just starting to wake up. I haven't enjoyed the break in period much as they need a bit of time to settle down. I expect them to hit their peak in a couple more weeks before plateauing for a couple of months, after which they gradually lose their bounce.

Putting on new strings is less about the strings - which are usually fine - and more about giving the instrument a clean. This involves polishing the frets with some 0000 wire wool, wiping all the dust from the nooks and crannies with a damp cloth, putting on some wood cream/polish, and giving the fretboard ten minutes soaking in lemon oil. Followed by a truss rod tweak.

It's not so much about the strings, but an opportunity to give the instrument a bit of TLC. I think they appreciate it, and I enjoy doing it.

RE: Do Strings Sound Better?

jrick92 — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 02:04:41 +0000

@jerseychicadee I've been guilty of going a couple of months without even looking at two of mine. That's not good. They at least need to be tuned up and checked out every day or two.

RE: Do Strings Sound Better?

jerseychicadee — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 13:59:23 +0000

I’m still resistant to changing out Penny’s strings. I play almost all of my guitars everyday, most of the time. I was thinking I would get better if I tried to play just one but I love my babies, I hate to neglect them.

RE: Do Strings Sound Better?

George Lange — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 23:15:10 +0000

String companies make products that sound unique and pleasing to the player. This is normal. Some use American wire, others use Chinese wire. Some use a hex core and others do not

RE: Do Strings Sound Better?

George Lange — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 20:05:54 +0000

I find the strings sound great at first, then the settle in and work great for a while and then I notice that the low E strings start to sound thumps and dull. After that, then the rest slowly get dull. I also notice that the finish on the strings start to loose their physical lister as well.

RE: Do Strings Sound Better?

Eric Reinhardt — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 13:48:34 +0000

I think they sound better after a few weeks, and then over time will start to sound dull. That’s when I change them