I've talked so many people who stick with one brand and gauge of string and really never try anything new. They spend two or three thousand dollars on a guitar and won't spend the money to try different strings. My experience has been each guitar is different from the others. If you don't try different strings and gauges, you may be missing out. Strings are such a big part of the sound chain. I've tried some strings and pulled them off within a couple days because they just weren't a good fit. To me, it's worth every penny I spend. I've had some real surprises (both good and bad) while experimenting with strings.

All that said, I've found that "Most" Taylor's sound better with Phos/Bronze of some sort. But I emphasize "Most". Don't take it for granted. I owned a 714ce IRW/Cedar that sounded much better with 80/20's. That's the only one so far though.

To chip in with my pennyworth if you like Martin SPs then give the Lifespan range a try - I liked Cleartones when I could get them though they were expensive. The coating is so unobtrusive that the natural feel and sound of the string comes through, so the Cleartone treated Martin SP should do the trick. I haven't tried them yet but next string change on my Taylor will be to the Martin Lifespan SPs...

I put a set of Martin Medium phosphor bronze Lifespan coated strings on my Taylor GS8. These are the worse strings I have ever used. First the coating is so thin that the string squeak with finger noise just like uncoated strings. Secondly the bass strings are dead they go thud,thud, thud. These strings suck. So if you have a Rosewood guitar DO NOT use these strings they sound terrible. What a waste of $15.00! Now I have to buy a set of Elixirs and change strings.

Martin M150 (Medium 80/20)

On my 2011 Spring Limited Macassar GA, I switched to the Elixir Light Phosphor bronze from the 80/20's that it was shipped with.

Mainly D'Addario EJ19 Bluegrass 12-56. I've also used the newer Ernie Ball Coated 12-54 strings also.

Don't care for Elixir too much, don't mind the Phos. Brz. Elixirs though, they aren't as bright as the 80/20.

Newtone strings for me. :)

I actually replaced some Elixer light nanowebs with a set of Martin M1200 Marquis 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Strings, Medium and the sound is closer to the elixers than anything I've ever used. About half the price.

D'addario EJ16 lights on the Yamaha. I like the sound of the 000-28H so much, I'll probably stick with the Martin MSP7100 Light Phosphor Bronze Lifespan strings it came with.

I drift between D'Addario EJ16's and Webstrings Portland Acoustic Lights. Going with the Portland Acoustics on this change.

Replaced the (dead sounding factory installed) Elixirs on my new Custom GC TF with Cleartone PB 12's. Well suited to this guitar in particular, but I still prefer Elixirs on my 614CE. I've also liked Martin Clapton's Choice PB's and D'Addario coated BP's on my Koa Tacoma.

Taylor GC TF custom (sinker redwood/AA rosewood) (2011)
Taylor 614 CE (2005)
Tacoma PK-30 (Sitka/Koa) (1997)
Martin 2-17 (1930)
etc etc

What Strings Do You Use
 

Hi all, this is Dr. J

When considering strings

Sore fingers and String noise are caused by friction

In my opinion, the best way to decrease string noise and Sore fingers is to decrease friction.

Please see this link to learn more...

http://www.guitarhands.com/index.htm

Thomastik-Infeld
 

Funny you should raise the topic. Over the past 10 years or so I've been using Elixir 80/20, first poly, then nano. Like them just fine. Have no problem whatsoever with the coating.

Lately, though, I've been experimenting, just to see what else is out there. The other day I put a new set of Thomastik-Infeld Plectrum medium lights on my OM-28V, and am sorely disappointed. I've been playing 40 years, and these are the most lifeless strings I've had in memory. No umph. No sustain. Only marginal tone quality. I will never understand how a set of strings that sell for $19+ with tax can be such a dud.

I have since mail-ordered some Newtone Masterclass strings. If these fail to impress, I'm going back to either Elixir or Martin SP.

Hank; How do you really feel about the Plectrum strings?