#1
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Rainsong String report
I have tried many types and brands of strings and pretty much had settled on the Martin Retro's. Last week I put on a set of John Pearse 960L pure nickels.
I noticed right out of the pack they seemed more flexible / limp compared to the Retro's of similar gauge. Immediately I noticed they were easier on my left hand. The tone/sound was "BOLD and clean" So far I am greatly encouraged, and if they last anywhere as long as the Martin Retro's. I may have found a new go-to string for my RainSong H DR1000. Let's track their longevity and see! This is a list of the strings I have tried. Elixier: NanoWeb Light gauge 80/20 & PB; PolyWeb med Light 12-53's EB Earthwood's 12-54 EB Aluminum Bronze 12-54 D'Addario; Bluegrass, EJ-16's, EXP-11, EXP-13 SIT's Newtone Cleartone GHS Martin Marquis, Flexible core, Retro Monels, 80/20s DR's
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vANCe 1976 Martin D-28(original owner) 1992 Taylor 420(original owner) 2012 RainSong H DR 1000(original owner) 2011 Gretsch Anniversary Model(original owner) Mandolin- 1920's A-Style (unknown brand) Mandolin- Fender Mandostrat Banjo -2016 Gold Tone EBM-5+ Fender 2013- Strat |
#2
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you might give thomastik enfield plectrums a try. spendy but I sure enjoy them on the RS.
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Martins: 000-28EC, '37 00-17, '23 0-18k, TXK2 Gibson: '54 SJ Rainsong 12 fret parlor concert series E-guitars: Turner Model 1, Fender Strat Banjo: Gretsch ukes: TK1, Harmony Smeck, banjo-uke |
#3
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If you liked the EB Earthwoods at all but are looking for greater longevity, you might want to give EB Paradigm strings a try. I'm amazed at how long they're lasting... giving Elixirs a run for their money. And they feel and sound exactly like the Earthwoods to me.
Can't say for sure how long they'll last 'cause I'm still on my first set after six weeks. |
#4
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I'll have to give these a try at my next string order. I've been using GHS White Bronze (52% nickel) as my long-lasting non-coated strings for many years. I've always described White Bronze as "sounding three days old when brand new, but staying that way for a couple of months". They also mellowed the tone of certain guitars, to my ear.
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#5
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I have the John Pearse 960L on my Shorty right now. As I try strings I record them and I've tried a whole bunch. I really like these JPs too but I'm not sure I like them more than the Retros. The both offer some pros and cons:
JPs pros and cons: I prefer the string-to-string separation and I like the feel of them as well. I actually prefer these to the Silk and Bronze JPs I tried months ago and that is really saying something because those are great strings too! Having said that, there still is a bit of top sizzle I can hear over other strings I've tried, and that includes Retros (at least to my ear). Martin Retro pros and cons: They last forever and I like the tones for both strumming and fingerstyle on the Shorty. They are inexpensive, last forever, get better with age, and have great feel. Having said that, they can get a little "milky" (stealing a forum member's words there) in the mid-range and that might be great for singing with them but they might lack definition for those seeking a bold sassier sound. On top of that, the Retros sound weird right out of the package and everybody knows this. I don't think it is a matter of our ears "acclimating" to the new sound and new material either- they just sound weird. Then a magic unicorn comes and graces them with it's majestic rainbow horn and they sound glorious! (yes I've been watching too many Greg Koch videos)
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Don't chase tone. Make tone. |
#6
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I tried the retro's but never got beyond the weird stage. maybe I'll try them again. How long does it take usually?
I've used GHS phosphor bronze on my 000 forever...like them. didn't sound good on the rainsong...little too bright. Maybe i'll try the white bronze. be interesting if one of these can unseat the Plectrums on my RS.
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Martins: 000-28EC, '37 00-17, '23 0-18k, TXK2 Gibson: '54 SJ Rainsong 12 fret parlor concert series E-guitars: Turner Model 1, Fender Strat Banjo: Gretsch ukes: TK1, Harmony Smeck, banjo-uke |
#7
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Quote:
I've done a fun controlled experiment with strings on the Shorty. Over the last 2.5 years I've tried and recorded 10 different sets of strings. Hated one, most were "good", but 4 packs were stand outs: Newtone Masterclass Double wound PB Martin SP Lifespan PB John Pearse Pure Nickel Martin Retro What I've found is that the Retros win for tone and playability for my style of play and softened the top-end a little better than the others. I still want to try D'addario NBs though.
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Don't chase tone. Make tone. |
#8
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I'm another TI Plectrum fan, I have tried a LOT of different strings. They are pricey, but mine have lasted a long time. I'd be interested if anyone has tried the SCGC low tensions on a CF, they are outstanding on every wood guitar I have put them on. Martin, and SCGC. Beating other strings by a big margin.
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John |
#9
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Quote:
Jim |
#10
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Quote:
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Don't chase tone. Make tone. |
#11
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Ahh...great to see the report on the SCGC strings....I need to order some. Thank You !!
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John |
#12
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Yet another Ti Plectrum (11's) user on my RS. Tried lots of alternatives but these continually outperform others. I wish it weren't so. Oh well I look at how much I have spent on my guitars, why cheap out.
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