One More Monel/Retros Question

[ohiopicker]

Will switching to Martin Retros increase the amplified volume of my D sized guitar, which is equipped with an older Fishman Rare Earth single coil? I am aware that amplified and unamplified tone is a whole different topic.

[ntotoro]

Your non-amplified tone will actually go down. I can only assume your amplified tone will, as well, even if not as much.

[archerscreek]

Neither of my dreadnoughts lose volume with Medium gauge Monels on them. The fundamental sound I want to hear actually seems louder. This is compared to Lifespans, EJ17s, and other phosphor bronze strings. Similarly, I never lost volume on either mandolin when I switched to Monels.

[Mandobart]

Monel is slightly magnetic at room temperature; bronze is not. So in theory monel wound strings may produce a stronger signal from a mag pickup than bronze wound strings.

[Cool555]

Are D’Addario Nickel Bronze similar to Monels? Visually they look pretty similar. I couldn’t find Monels so I bought D’Addario NB instead. TIA.

[Guitarplayer_PR]

Originally Posted by Cool555

Are D’Addario Nickel Bronze similar to Monels? Visually they look pretty similar. I couldn’t find Monels so I bought D’Addario NB instead. TIA.

They are similar, but not the same. The Nickel Bronze will be brighter and a tad stiffer, at least from my point of having used both. Not as stiff as 80/20 or PB, though.

[Guitarplayer_PR]

Originally Posted by ntotoro

Your non-amplified tone will actually go down. I can only assume your amplified tone will, as well, even if not as much.

That's not accurate. They won't go down in volume. BTW, tone and volume (and projection) are very different things. What happens is that monel has less overtones.

[Cool555]

Originally Posted by Guitarplayer_PR

They are similar, but not the same. The Nickel Bronze will be brighter and a tad stiffer, at least from my point of having used both. Not as stiff as 80/20 or PB, though.

Thanks for the reply and information! I’m using the NB on my 00-15m currently and like them. A good alternative instead of my usual D’Addario PB EXP 16.

[ohiopicker]

Based on the responses so far, I‘m going to try GHS White Bronze. They will more likely respond better to my mag pu.

[Guitarplayer_PR]

Originally Posted by ohiopicker

Based on the responses so far, I‘m going to try GHS White Bronze. They will more likely respond better to my mag pu.

Or Vintage Bronze.

[gmel555]

Originally Posted by Cool555

Are D’Addario Nickel Bronze similar to Monels? Visually they look pretty similar. I couldn’t find Monels so I bought D’Addario NB instead. TIA.

I don't find D'Addario NB to be similar in tone or feel and they are definitely different materials. D'Addario NB's are Nickel Plated Bronze while Martin Monels are a solid Nickel-Copper alloy. It's a personal choice but I prefer the NB's. Many players love monels though.

[Brucebubs]

If you'd like a monel string with a little more volume than Martin Retro's try Curt Mangan round-core Monels.

[Cool555]

Originally Posted by gmel555

I don't find D'Addario NB to be similar in tone or feel and they are definitely different materials. D'Addario NB's are Nickel Plated Bronze while Martin Monels are a solid Nickel-Copper alloy. It's a personal choice but I prefer the NB's. Many players love monels though.

Thanks gmel555 for that informative reply! I’ve bought 3 sets of NB (12-53) and will try them on my other guitars when it’s time for string change. Good to know that you prefer NB to Monels.

Sorry OP for side-tracking on your thread. I hardly play amplified so will not be able to give any useful feedback.

[Robin, Wales]

Originally Posted by ohiopicker

Will switching to Martin Retros increase the amplified volume of my D sized guitar, which is equipped with an older Fishman Rare Earth single coil? I am aware that amplified and unamplified tone is a whole different topic.

The Fishman Rare Earth sound hole p/u is likely to be balanced for PB and bronze strings. The p/u will only be reacting to the core steel wires in those sets.

Monel strings may be very bass heavy when played through that particular p/u as the whole width of each string is magnetic.

[ChrisE]

I've used Monels as well as PB in an amplified situation and honestly can't remember there being any difference in volume that I could tell. I suppose it may depend on the kind of pickup you use.

When I play somewhere, I set my controls to suit the venue, crowd, etc.

That's what all those little knobs are for anyway, right?