Poll: what strings do you use?
 

What strings do you use, and why?

My question specifically about metal materials as well as coated vs. uncoated.

Certain brands are also known for having different tonal characteristics even within the same materials and coating.

Please feel free to select all that apply, including coating options and materials—especially if you use different strings on different guitars.

I've been using Elixir Nanoweb (80/20 and PB) on most of my guitars. I like the feel and tone.

Martin Lifespan or D'Addario EXP PB strings for me.
I prefer treated strings over coated strings.

I like D'addario nickel bronze strings.

Round core phosphor bronze 12s. Throbaks or DR Sunbeams (similar feel, different result).

Uncoated Phos-bronze. (flat tops)

Nickel alloys on archtops and mandolin.

Elixir PB and D'Addario XS PB....best coated strings IMO.

I've been mostly using Elixirs with the polyweb coating. They say they are "warm" and "slick and fast" which is what I want for a lot of my soft mellow songs. Love songs and sad songs make me happy. :) There are probably strings that would sound even better, but I don't have much motivation to experiment with many other types.

https://i.imgur.com/uTfAiQF.jpg

John Pearse 600L Phosphor Bronze Light Gauge

I really like the Martin Monel/Retros. Like the sound the way they sound, like the way they feel.

I use different strings on different guitars I have. On my Grevens I use D'Addario PB lights (uncoated). They just sound the best on these guitars, and they're inexpensive to replace.

On my Rainsong I use D'Addario EXP PB lights, because they last longer, and this is the guitar that gets more exposure to environmental conditions.

On my Taylor 12-string, I use D'Addario EXP PB lights, because I don't have to change strings so often. Anyone with a 12-string knows what a pain it is to change strings.

I've always preferred the sound of PB strings on any guitar I've owned.

Bill

The poll is confusing, there is uncoated option but then below there are uncoated materials options.

Monels on my CEO-7 (mahogany) and past 15 series guitars, and DR Sunbeams (PB) on my rosewood 000-28EC and on past carbon fiber models. None coated.

That’s why it’s a “select all that apply” type of poll.

-Ray

I usually use phosphor/bronze. Occasionally I'll use 80/20 on a spruce/rosewood guitar if I want a more aggressive sound. My body chemistry is such that strings last a long time (months), and I don't find it cost effective to buy coated strings. I use DR Rares and D'Adderio XTs a lot, but am not loyal to any manufacturer. I try out a lot of different strings on different guitars.