String suggestions to tone down a "bright" guitar

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by RRuskin

I recall them being nylon cored with a steel wrap back in the 60's.

You might be thinking of the wound strings on a classical nylon string guitar.

The Silk & Steel and Silk & Bronze strings for steel string guitars have a very warm tone.

[Dreadfulnaught]

Originally Posted by Hoyt

A lot of guitars sound bright to me. I think it is just my hearing or something.

In any event, I've been through all kinds of strings, picks, custom made sets, nut and saddle composition, bridge pins, etc. Picks definitely make a big difference, as do playing fingerstyle.

The best solution I found after years of searching is to keep strings on longer. I was always OCD about changing strings frequently. I do like how articulate new strings are.

But, older strings are less bright and it's not just the wound strings that are toned down a bit. The plain strings are too. Varying the make and winding of strings is really only changing the sound of the wound strings, not the plain strings. Older plain strings are less bright.

Nowadays, I leave strings on a lot longer and enjoy the mellower sound. When I do change strings, I'll often use a thicker pick or fingers until the strings age a bit.

Worked for Nick Drake.

[bellgamin]

Thanks to this thread, I have some DR Rares on the way & also 6 African blackwood bridge pins. I looove trying stuff out.

[RGWelch]

Thanks for this thread. I've got a Samick Greg Bennett OM that is rather bright, with the Diaddario EJ16 I have on it. I have a set of Dean Markley medium Vintage Bronze strings, would those be warmer and more mellow? I also have some Diaddario EJ11 80/20, but those are even brighter? Also some EXP19 coated, and some light Fender phosphor bronze, which I assume would be like the ones I have on there. I'd just like to see if I should try something I have before buying more.

[Kitkatjoe]

Originally Posted by paulzoom

Suggestions welcomed.

Why did you buy a guitar that's got that too bright problem? Why not sell it?