Warmer strings?

[jjbigfly]

I have a newer (4 months) Taylor 814ce Limited. It is the sinker redwood top and it is beautiful.
Looking for suggestions for warmer strings. It came with Elixer, and I switched to the nano version, but it’s still not what I wanted. It sounds VERY nice, but I know there is more in there. I tried the newer didario coated (light) strings and it has improved, but think there is more tone still hiding. I understand the sinker top can require a longer break in but I should be able to “adjust” the tone a bit with warmer strings, right?
I keep thinking I should move it along, but then I look at it and play some more tunes and I believe that if I get the right strings on it…..It’s Very nice now but I keep thinking that it could be nicer.
Others say it sounds really good, perhaps it”s me, but….
I would like to avoid trying 10 different sets looking for the “right” ones.
I prefer coated strings, but…….

[Mark Stone]

Originally Posted by jjbigfly

I have a newer (4 months) Taylor 814ce Limited. It is the sinker redwood top and it is beautiful.
Looking for suggestions for warmer strings. It came with Elixer, and I switched to the nano version, but it’s still not what I wanted. It sounds VERY nice, but I know there is more in there. I tried the newer didario coated (light) strings and it has improved, but think there is more tone still hiding. I understand the sinker top can require a longer break in but I should be able to “adjust” the tone a bit with warmer strings, right?
I keep thinking I should move it along, but then I look at it and play some more tunes and I believe that if I get the right strings on it…..It’s Very nice now but I keep thinking that it could be nicer.
Others say it sounds really good, perhaps it”s me, but….
I would like to avoid trying 10 different sets looking for the “right” ones.
I prefer coated strings, but…….

There are strings you can use to calm the Sinker Redwood down: John Pearse, Martin Retros — but what you really need is for time to pass. Sinker Redwood is excessively bright sounding when new, and mellows/darkens with age and playing. I think Taylor even has a disclaimer about this at their website. You have what will become (and to a great extent already is) a monster, but it will need some time and patience.

[Glennwillow]

On my Taylor guitars, I usually use D'Addario EJ16 (PB, light gauge set). When I need a set of even warmer strings I use John Pearse PB light. They are noticeably less bright compared to D'Addario EJ16. Another dark set of strings are the DR Rares.

- Glenn

[TBman]

I have a set of D'Addario Nickel Bronze 12 - 52 balanced tension on my Pellerin. Also, Curt Mangan PB Round Core Fusion Matched 12 - 53 are soft sounding.

[Stringmaster]

You might give Thomastik Plectrum’s a try. They are way different to most other bronze strings to my ear—much “softer” sounding—which may or may not work for your style.

[jmjohnson]

Any time someone mentions “warmer” i think GHS Vintage bronze. Often used to tame a bright guitar.

[jaymarsch]

Originally Posted by jmg257

Any time someone mentions “warmer” i think GHS Vintage bronze. Often used to tame a bright guitar.

+1 on GHS Vintage Bronze.
Best,
Jayne

[Shadowfox]

So might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes going brighter with 80/20 fits it better. On my furch, the PB was really bright, and the Aluminum Bronze was way too harsh at first. I find the brighter 80/20 strings actually tame the intensity of my Alpine/Cocobolo guitar the best. Kinda like how two negatives give you a positive reaction.

Try some John Pearse 80/20 they are cheap and well made strings. If they do the trick then there you go!

[steelvibe]

Another vote for GHS Vintage Bronze. I like Thomastik Plectrum too but they are not as versatile; I find them great for finger picking but not so much for strumming.

[J Patrick]

…if I’m needing to warm up a guitar TI plectrums are the string I go to….

[Brucebubs]

Lot's of good suggestions.

I'd add round-core DR Sunbeams and GHS Silk & Bronze.

[Zissou Intern]

I agree... GHS Vintage Bronze

[OPJ77]

I’ve owned a Taylor 314 and a 410. Just my opinion, but I found that really warm strings like DR Rares, which I love, just tried forcing the Taylors to be something they are not. I would co-sign the above poster in trying Sunbeams. They are NOT warm strings but they are a little creamier than hex core strings. They might be a great compliment to a Taylor. I never tried them on mine.

[OPJ77]

Originally Posted by Zissou Intern

I agree... GHS Vintage Bronze

How would you describe the sound of these, new and broken in? I’ve never tried em.

[Brucebubs]

This is the string tone range printed on the back of a GHS packet.

You can see they rate Vintage Bronze 1 step warmer (mellow) than PB's

Warmer again is their Silk & Steels

Then lastly they rate their Silk & Bronze as their warmest - I've tried these and they do not have the soft feel of Silk & Steel - they feel and play like regular PB strings but with a warmer tone.