Yet another string question

[rmgjsps]

my Lakewood is currently strung with a set of Martins (not sure exactly which, but they feel like light tensions.) The treble strings are nice and bright but E,A,D are a little dull and muddy. Any suggestions? I'm perfectly willing to split sets if necessary. Pretty sure that others have had this issue. Tell me how you solved it -- short of exercising GAS, of course!

[ChrisE]

Originally Posted by rmgjsps

my Lakewood is currently strung with a set of Martins (not sure exactly which, but they feel like light tensions.) The treble strings are nice and bright but E,A,D are a little dull and muddy. Any suggestions? I'm perfectly willing to split sets if necessary. Pretty sure that others have had this issue. Tell me how you solved it -- short of exercising GAS, of course!

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=489328

• You should have used the search feature
• This is a zombie thread, you should have started a new one
• Buy both
• Only your ears can tell
• Play them both then decide
  
• Strings are cheap--experiment
• You should have bought a carbon fiber guitar
• Never buy a guitar without playing it first
• Truss rod doesn't lower action
• Stephen Stills
• Call customer service.

[Greg Ballantyne]

Originally Posted by ChrisE

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=489328

• You should have used the search feature
• This is a zombie thread, you should have started a new one
• Buy both
• Only your ears can tell
• Play them both then decide
  
• Strings are cheap--experiment
• You should have bought a carbon fiber guitar
• Never buy a guitar without playing it first
• Truss rod doesn't lower action
• Stephen Stills
• Call customer service.

Using is list sure will reduce content on this site.....

[ChrisE]

Originally Posted by Greg Ballantyne

Using is list sure will reduce content on this site.....

It seems you missed the intended humor in my post.

[rmgjsps]

Originally Posted by ChrisE

It seems you missed the intended humor in my post.

Well, Chris, I chuckled at your list. Ans, YOU ARE RIGHT! I should have just searched. Lesson learned -- with good humor.

[hairpuller]

Me, being a newbie, understand how we can bring up a question without searching the archives first. It's nice to get some up-to-date opinions plus ones from members that weren't around or active when it was brought up last.

Loved the list! Had me crackin' up, and I've only been here a couple months!!
Scott

[ChrisE]

All in good fun, fellas. Some people are just sooo serious.

[Mahoganymadness]

Try a set of D’Addario’s “Bluegrass Strings”. They have medium guage strings on the bass side, with lights on the trebles. I recently asked about them on the forum with positive reviews, and decided to give them a try. They did exactly what you ask for, a heavier more defined bass. In my opinion, D’addario’s EJ19 Bluegrass set have the best of both worlds, the tone of medium gauges in the bass register with the playability of lights for bends and fretting. By the way, I put Bluegrass strings in quotations as I find they work for most all genres/styles of playing.

[Ricky Nelson]

Touché mahogany madness.
good post.

[HHP]

Not sure Bluegrass gauge would be the way to go. If the bass is muddy with lights, Bluegrass gauge would just make the muddy bass louder. Might try going to an 80/20 or 85/15 alloy set.

[RodB]

Originally Posted by HHP

Not sure Bluegrass gauge would be the way to go. If the bass is muddy with lights, Bluegrass gauge would just make the muddy bass louder. Might try going to an 80/20 or 85/15 alloy set.

I agree trying a different alloy or two would be the best place to start given what you (OP) say - I like the tone and clarity that Nickel Bronze strings contribute.

[Quickstep192]

I’d try round core strings. DR Sunbeams are pretty bright the bass side.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Quickstep192

I’d try round core strings. DR Sunbeams are pretty bright the bass side.

I agree with this.

[Greg Ballantyne]

Originally Posted by ChrisE

It seems you missed the intended humor in my post.

Perhaps you missed mine?

[rmgjsps]

Well, everyone, I appreciate the good humor and good advice. To that end, I am going to try three different sets over the next few months:

1. John Pearse 80/20 Bronze wound Slightly light

2. D'Addario EXP19 Light top/Medium bottom "Bluegrass set"

3. Newtone Heritage Series .012-0.051 Low Tension

I also have a set which I know are Martin 80/20 Bronze Light purchased for a different guitar and never used.

I might also just have to try the new Santa Cruz Parabolics even though they are a bit pricey for a hacker like me.

I tend to use lower tension strings because of slight neuropathy in my hands that make higher tension fretting a bit painful.