Journey OF660 and Strings

Samuelch · #1 01-27-2017, 02:36 PM

Just curious to know what type of strings people are using on their Journey OF660.

Earl49 · #2 01-27-2017, 02:53 PM

ummmm......guitar strings?
(please forgive me - it's Friday)

Ted @ LA Guitar Sales · #3 01-27-2017, 09:29 PM

My clients tend to use coated strings to keep with the weather proof theme, of which I prefer Martin Lifespans. YMMV.

TheChicagoTodd · #4 01-28-2017, 12:28 PM

I use the Elixirs, which I believe is what they come with.

Todd in Chicago

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Minstermarce · #5 01-30-2017, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samuelch

Just curious to know what type of strings people are using on their Journey OF660.

I use Elixir nanoweb coated strings on my OF660 as well. I find the Phosphor Bronze a little warmer than the 80/20 Bronze.

Samuelch · #6 01-30-2017, 09:52 AM

Just an update on this. When I received the guitar, I went ahead and changed the strings out for a pack of D'addario EXP PB lights. These were always my go-to strings for most of my guitars and I have them currently strung on my Larrivee. The guitar itself has a very warm and rich tone to it, but I thought having the coated strings would brighten it up a touch. I found that Phosphor Bronze strings on this particular guitar seemed to be a bit lacking in tone and projection.

Yesterday morning, I was tuning up the guitar and the high E string broke. The seller that I purchased the guitar from included two packs of strings. One was a pack of D'addario nickels and the other was a pack of Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze medium light strings. I never cared for Ernie Ball acoustic strings, but since I wanted to be a bit adventurous, I decided to give these a shot. Well, all I can say was that I was completely and pleasantly surprised! Not only did the guitar project more (it was significant to me), but the strings brought out all the good parts of what this guitar offers (the warmth and low end) plus adding in clarity. It felt like a completely different instrument and I couldn't put it down. I went online and did a little more research on the strings. Lots of mixed reviews, but a good amount were positive and many people shared that it really depended on the guitar you put it on. On this particular Journey guitar, it feels just right. I also saw that a lot of great guitar players endorse and use these strings including Andy Mckee.

Now, I know its only been one day, but we'll see how these strings feel and sound in the next couple weeks. So far, it's a winner.

Minstermarce · #7 01-31-2017, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samuelch

Just an update on this. When I received the guitar, I went ahead and changed the strings out for a pack of D'addario EXP PB lights. These were always my go-to strings for most of my guitars and I have them currently strung on my Larrivee. The guitar itself has a very warm and rich tone to it, but I thought having the coated strings would brighten it up a touch. I found that Phosphor Bronze strings on this particular guitar seemed to be a bit lacking in tone and projection.

Yesterday morning, I was tuning up the guitar and the high E string broke. The seller that I purchased the guitar from included two packs of strings. One was a pack of D'addario nickels and the other was a pack of Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze medium light strings. I never cared for Ernie Ball acoustic strings, but since I wanted to be a bit adventurous, I decided to give these a shot. Well, all I can say was that I was completely and pleasantly surprised! Not only did the guitar project more (it was significant to me), but the strings brought out all the good parts of what this guitar offers (the warmth and low end) plus adding in clarity. It felt like a completely different instrument and I couldn't put it down. I went online and did a little more research on the strings. Lots of mixed reviews, but a good amount were positive and many people shared that it really depended on the guitar you put it on. On this particular Journey guitar, it feels just right. I also saw that a lot of great guitar players endorse and use these strings including Andy Mckee.

Now, I know its only been one day, but we'll see how these strings feel and sound in the next couple weeks. So far, it's a winner.

Thanks - an interesting discovery. I need to give EB's a try. Funnily enough, I switched to Elixir 80/20 for the OF660 after I got the Rainsong OM1000 which made me appreciate more crystaline sounds. I actually switched to Phoshor Bronze on my Rainsong to warm it up and on the OF660 to the 80/20s brighten it up. What I am basically saying is I agree with you that strings do play a big role!

TheChicagoTodd · #8 02-07-2017, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samuelch

Just an update on this. When I received the guitar, I went ahead and changed the strings out for a pack of D'addario EXP PB lights. These were always my go-to strings for most of my guitars and I have them currently strung on my Larrivee. The guitar itself has a very warm and rich tone to it, but I thought having the coated strings would brighten it up a touch. I found that Phosphor Bronze strings on this particular guitar seemed to be a bit lacking in tone and projection.

Yesterday morning, I was tuning up the guitar and the high E string broke. The seller that I purchased the guitar from included two packs of strings. One was a pack of D'addario nickels and the other was a pack of Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze medium light strings. I never cared for Ernie Ball acoustic strings, but since I wanted to be a bit adventurous, I decided to give these a shot. Well, all I can say was that I was completely and pleasantly surprised! Not only did the guitar project more (it was significant to me), but the strings brought out all the good parts of what this guitar offers (the warmth and low end) plus adding in clarity. It felt like a completely different instrument and I couldn't put it down. I went online and did a little more research on the strings. Lots of mixed reviews, but a good amount were positive and many people shared that it really depended on the guitar you put it on. On this particular Journey guitar, it feels just right. I also saw that a lot of great guitar players endorse and use these strings including Andy Mckee.

Now, I know its only been one day, but we'll see how these strings feel and sound in the next couple weeks. So far, it's a winner.

Thx for the info... I just ordered a set from Amazon to check it out.

Todd in Chicago

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rmoretti49 · #9 02-10-2017, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samuelch

Just an update on this. When I received the guitar, I went ahead and changed the strings out for a pack of D'addario EXP PB lights. These were always my go-to strings for most of my guitars and I have them currently strung on my Larrivee. The guitar itself has a very warm and rich tone to it, but I thought having the coated strings would brighten it up a touch. I found that Phosphor Bronze strings on this particular guitar seemed to be a bit lacking in tone and projection.

Yesterday morning, I was tuning up the guitar and the high E string broke. The seller that I purchased the guitar from included two packs of strings. One was a pack of D'addario nickels and the other was a pack of Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze medium light strings. I never cared for Ernie Ball acoustic strings, but since I wanted to be a bit adventurous, I decided to give these a shot. Well, all I can say was that I was completely and pleasantly surprised! Not only did the guitar project more (it was significant to me), but the strings brought out all the good parts of what this guitar offers (the warmth and low end) plus adding in clarity. It felt like a completely different instrument and I couldn't put it down. I went online and did a little more research on the strings. Lots of mixed reviews, but a good amount were positive and many people shared that it really depended on the guitar you put it on. On this particular Journey guitar, it feels just right. I also saw that a lot of great guitar players endorse and use these strings including Andy Mckee.

Now, I know its only been one day, but we'll see how these strings feel and sound in the next couple weeks. So far, it's a winner.

I just put a set of the Ernie Ball aluminum bronze strings on my OF660. First impression: Guitar sounds more balanced, a bit louder, with a noticeable increase in playability -- as compared to the standard Martin strings that I had been using. All good so far.

rmoretti49 · #10 02-15-2017, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmoretti49

I just put a set of the Ernie Ball aluminum bronze strings on my OF660. First impression: Guitar sounds more balanced, a bit louder, with a noticeable increase in playability -- as compared to the standard Martin strings that I had been using. All good so far.

After a few days of use, my initial impression of these strings stands confirmed. That said, I'm wondering if other bronze sets would also sound good.

futboljim · #11 02-25-2017, 03:54 PM

Any further thoughts on these alum/bronze strings?

I just received a new of660 from Ted on Friday, and always like to try a few different sets on a new guitar. Pretty happy with the sound of the nano pb that I put in, but want to explore a bit.

pandaroo · #12 02-25-2017, 07:19 PM

I use elixirs on mine

Groovin' Geo · #13 04-09-2017, 11:11 AM

I recently changed the original coated strings on my OF660 to Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze strings. The tone is good but my LH fingers and RH palm get stained with an aluminum coating after playing. The stain has a metallic smell and takes some vigorous scrubbing to remove. Not for me.
The original coated strings also sounded good. My only gripe was that they felt slippery while bending. I've ordered a set of ClearTone Phosphor bronze 12's that claim enhanced volume and no corrosion or flaking. Will report back when I've tried them out.

dsokolov · #14 04-20-2017, 01:39 AM

Thomastic Plectrum 12 is my choice so far. They have really thick low E .59 but the tension is light and playability is great. The acoustic bass is rich, but electric sound requires EQ on the low end with this set of strings.
Although Thomastics are not coated - they last really long.
Also I plan to try Thomastic Jazz bebop nickel roundwounds soon. I have a feeling that they will sound intersting.
If you want to try Tomastics, bear in mind that they are much lighter in feeling than any other strings. So choose at least 1 stop above your usual gauge. To my opinion .12 Thomastics have similar feeleing to .10 Elixirs.

Groovin' Geo · #15 05-14-2017, 10:28 AM

I've had the ClearTones on for a week and I'm really liking the tone and the feel of them and no metal coating on the fingertips after playing! I was glad to remove the Ernie Ball aluminum phosphor strings which still left a layer of grey on the fingers every time I played them. The wrapped G was also thoroughly ringed, which suggests a softer alloy that won't hold up to bending wear.