best type of guitar strings for a bass voice singer

[thestubbyone]

I know this might sound a little stupid, but I was wondering what make and kind of strings go best with a bass voice singer? I just re strung my taylor with some DAdddario EJ16 light gauge strings, and the guitar sounds too tinny for me. I 'd like the deepest sounding strings I could get. Any suggestions? I was thinking about drop tuning my guitar and I have done that in the past, but it causes a little confusion when I play with others.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by thestubbyone

I know this might sound a little stupid, but I was wondering what make and kind of strings go best with a bass voice singer? I just re-strung my Taylor with some D'Addario EJ16 light-gauge strings, and the guitar sounds too tinny for me...

Not surprised - a few thoughts:

• If it's an older and/or smaller-body Taylor (before the early-2K's) there generally isn't too much you can do, as their inherent design favors the middle and treble frequencies - I'd pick through various makes/compositions (PB, 80/20, 85/15, monel, pure nickel, hybrid wrap) until you find something that you can live with;
• Not that anyone here on the AGF ever needs an excuse to buy a new instrument, but you just might be one of those cases where you actually need a larger guitar that complements your voice - as long as you don't sacrifice the contrast of clear trebles to keep things from sounding muddy (a maple jumbo like the Guild F-50 - or the recently-discontinued carbon-fiber Rainsong JM1000 - might be a good place to start);
• If you're primarily a strummer, you might also consider a jumbo (17") 12-string: I'd look for strong bass response here (there's going to be enough high-frequency chime and jangle), and if you've got the money (and it's going to be your main instrument) I'd seriously consider a rosewood Guild F-512 - if not, find one to test-drive anyway and use it as your guide (FWIW Guilds are historically the criterion by which all other 12-strings are judged - and, as you'll soon discover when you play one, not without good reason)...

[L20A]

Try a set of Martin Retro strings and tune down 1 full step.
When you play with others use a capo at second fret.

[thestubbyone]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Not surprised - a few thoughts:

• If it's an older and/or smaller-body Taylor (before the early-2K's) there generally isn't too much you can do, as their inherent design favors the middle and treble frequencies - I'd pick through various makes/compositions (PB, 80/20, 85/15, monel, pure nickel, hybrid wrap) until you find something that you can live with;
• Not that anyone here on the AGF ever needs an excuse to buy a new instrument, but you just might be one of those cases where you actually need a larger guitar that complements your voice - as long as you don't sacrifice the contrast of clear trebles to keep things from sounding muddy (a maple jumbo like the Guild F-50 - or the recently-discontinued carbon-fiber Rainsong JM1000 - might be a good place to start);
• If you're primarily a strummer, you might also consider a jumbo (17") 12-string: I'd look for strong bass response here (there's going to be enough high-frequency chime and jangle), and if you've got the money (and it's going to be your main instrument) I'd seriously consider a rosewood Guild F-512 - if not, find one to test-drive anyway and use it as your guide (FWIW Guilds are historically the criterion by which all other 12-strings are judged - and, as you'll soon discover when you play one, not without good reason)...

I think you've given me the idea to start a new thread and ask what kind of guitar goes good with a bass voice. Strings? save em. Throw the guitar out! ha ha. But I have never looked at guitars with that purpose in mind and now I will. Thanks! Also when I record on garage band, I always turn the treble down and the bass up for the guitar track. Duhhhhh! Never thought about changing the guitar out. I have 3 taylors and the 12 string is no problem.

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by thestubbyone

I know this might sound a little stupid, but I was wondering what make and kind of strings go best with a bass voice singer? I just re strung my taylor with some DAdddario EJ16 light gauge strings, and the guitar sounds too tinny for me. I 'd like the deepest sounding strings I could get. Any suggestions? I was thinking about drop tuning my guitar and I have done that in the past, but it causes a little confusion when I play with others.

What you wrote has nothing to do with matching your voice. It's simply about a sonic preference that can be shared by anyone with any vocal range. Try a lot of sets and choose what tickles your ears best. There's no way someone here can know what you'll hear given any set of strings. Experiment.

[JayBee1404]

Originally Posted by jim1960

What you wrote has nothing to do with matching your voice. It's simply about a sonic preference that can be shared by anyone with any vocal range. Try a lot of sets and choose what tickles your ears best. There's no way someone here can know what you'll hear given any set of strings. Experiment.

I’m with Jim. I consider myself a singer who accompanies himself on guitar and, in the 60+ years I’ve been playing and performing, I’ve never given a thought to a guitar ‘matching’ my voice, nor have I ever known anyone else who has. If I like the sound of a guitar, I enjoy singing with it. For me, the most important things are the overall sound of the instrument and, most importantly, how it feels and plays - the absolute last thing I want is to be distracted from giving the best vocal performance I can by a guitar that doesn’t feel comfortable and play easy. If I’m comfortable with the guitar, I’m comfortable period.

[musicman1951]

Originally Posted by JayBee1404

I’m with Jim. I consider myself a singer who accompanies himself on guitar and, in the 60+ years I’ve been playing and performing, I’ve never given a thought to a guitar ‘matching’ my voice, nor have I ever known anyone else who has. If I like the sound of a guitar, I enjoy singing with it. For me, the most important things are the overall sound of the instrument and, most importantly, how it feels and plays - the absolute last thing I want is to be distracted from giving the best vocal performance I can by a guitar that doesn’t feel comfortable and play easy. If I’m comfortable with the guitar, I’m comfortable period.

I totally agree. While this question of guitar/vocal range match comes up with some frequency, I find no connection between the two on any concrete level. Pick a guitar and you can find a successful soprano and baritone singer using it.

Liking the sound of the instrument is the most important thing for me.

[Mandobart]

I also frequently see posts regarding matching a particular guitar to a particular vocal range and am always highly skeptical

IMO going further to try to match a specific string brand or winding alloy to one's voice is time wasted that could be better used practicing playing in a way that supports your vocals and/or singing in a way that works with your playing style.

I'd like to see someone knowledgeable in these "pairings" provide video examples of how the string/guitar selection (and not simply the playing and singing style/technique) makes a detectable audible difference.

[Glennwillow]

As I have noted in another similar thread, the choice of guitar is a minor consideration to matching a voice. How a guitar is played is the major consideration regardless of the voice or the guitar.

- Glenn