What do you string your hogs up with?

[Chas007]

So what brand, type and size strings do you like to use on your dreadnaught size all mahogany guitars?

[FrankHudson]

Originally Posted by Chas007

So what brand, type and size strings do you like to use on your dreadnaught size all mahogany guitars?

I have no all-mahogany dreadnaughts. I recommend everyone tries Monel (I use Martin Retros) on all-mahogany guitars from my experience with my Martin 00-15 and then my spruce/'hog 000-17.

My experience is that the sound you hear for the first few hours of play with Martin Retros is not what you'll get once they settle down, and then once they settle down you get a long stable life.

I'd also say not everyone will like Monel, even after giving them a good test, but my results say everyone needs to rule them out on all-hog.

[jacot23]

DR Sunbeams sound great on everything, 12-54

[Steve DeRosa]

I have a D-15S and J12-15, both strung with Martin Monels (13's on the dread, 10-47 on the 12-string), and I'll ditto Frank's comments about break-in time and longevity. To my ears they're a natural combination, brining out the inherent woodiness while providing just a bit more tension than 80/20 or PB to drive the top harder (very important during a hog-top's initial break-in period IME); paradoxically I find they have a looser, slinkier feel gauge-for-gauge, which allows me to use a single instrument for fingerstyle, rhythm, and lead work. FYI I also have them on my Rainsong 17" jumbos (12's on the 6-string, 10-47 on the 12), and they add an organic warmth to the CF detail and clarity - the sound I imagine Bob T. hears in his head but can't quite achieve with all-wood construction; good stuff, and IME well worth a try on any guitar...

[Rogerblair]

Monels, or for a little brighter sound, I like D’Add Nickel Bronze. They have the same basic sound characteristics as Monel with just a bit more edge. They’re great on my Guild D20 whereas Monels are a bit too soft sounding.

Nickel bronze and mahogany go together like ice cream and hot fudge.
Rb

[Chas007]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

I have a D-15S and J12-15, both strung with Martin Monels (13's on the dread

Aren't 13's rough on your fingers?

[Rockysdad]

Martin Retro’s, your choice on guage

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by Chas007

Aren't 13's rough on your fingers?

I’m 71 and still play 13s on dreads. Plenty comfortable. And the only way I can get that inspiring robust tone.

[Lillis]

My only dread is my new Guild D1212. I have Ernie Ball PB 10-47’s on it and it sounds fantastic. Very rich and full. Of course a lot of that is probably because it’s my only experience with a 12 string and it’s blowing me away. I always go overboard with strings on new guitars and I have sets of Retros,nickel bronze,80/20’s and other PB’s waiting in the wings. Should be a fun journey.

[truckgoodbar]

I second D'Add nickel-bronze. I put them on my custom Martin 00 all hog, and man, it made quite a difference to my ears. It gave it more punch and clarity.

[carmona_nostra]

For a while I was into Martin Monels on a sinker D18. They sounded really good (only Martin strings I buy), but I have since switched to SIT American Roots Monels, which sound AMAZING. This has been the case on more than one mahogany guitar I have tried them on. Huge fan. Everything thing else gets John Pearse PB's.

[Nicky Parrish]

Ran to gambit on strings when I bought my 000-15 SM.
Had to to see for myself. In the end, Martin Retros, as suggested by many, pairs well with this all mahogany 15 Series.
Current strings are 6 months old and sound perfect to me. I use .11s and tune down a whole step. No pick, fingers only.

[Daddyo]

Larrivee SD-50
Martin Retro 12s

[jschmitz54]

Martin retros on my Martin OM Mahogany .
John Pearse Pure Nickel also a good choice.

[rollypolly]

retros on my GPC-15ME , silk and steels on my OM-15. Weird, but retros sounded terrible on the OM-15. I'll eventually try nickel bronze for a little more sizzle.