string recommendation for a Lowden guitar?

[JackWang]

Hi I am new here in this forum! I like playing fingerstyle guitar and I have used the following strings on my Lowden F50C AB/SRW:
Elixir 11052 Bronze 12 53
Lowden Light Gauge 12 53
Newtone Masterclass 12 54
Black Diamond PB 13 56
Martin MA540 12 53
So far I have best impression with the Martin strings, as they are excellent in both the comfortness to play and the sound quality, plus they are quite affordable compared to the other options, plz let me know if you have any other recommendations! thanks

[Wade Hampton]

Try John Pearse phosphor bronze strings in the gauge of your choice.


whm

[birkenweg42]

I tried a couple of different string sets on my Lowden O25c and ended up using Thomastik Infeld Plectrums 12-59. I liked the warmth and the clarity though I have to say that they lacked in volume.

[JayBee1404]

I’ve tried the proverbial ‘lot’ - I’m currently using D’Addario XS PB 12-53 on my F-23. They sound as good as any and better than most, last a lo-o-o-ong time, and are not as ‘slippery’ as Elixirs.

The usual disclaimers apply......IMHO, YMMV etc.

[Pender]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

Try John Pearse phosphor bronze strings in the gauge of your choice.


whm

Yes, Wade. I have one those to try. I loved them on my Martin 000-18.

[douglasfan1]

I would like to ask how's your impression about Lowden acoustic strings? They are expensive but seldom heard people talking about it.

[boombox]

For standard tuning, I am a big fan of D’Addario EJ16s or standard Martin Ligts - both 12-53 - on all my guitars. However, if you are going to be using DADGAD or C tunings, True Mediums can't be beat.

[musicman1951]

My favorites to date are Straight Up Strings Medium.

[JayBee1404]

Originally Posted by musicman1951

My favorites to date are Straight Up Strings Medium.

Made from Unobtainium. At least in the UK….

[JackWang]

Thanks guys! I see there are some interesting options that I haven't heard off, maybe it would be nice to try them!

[JackWang]

Originally Posted by douglasfan1

I would like to ask how's your impression about Lowden acoustic strings? They are expensive but seldom heard people talking about it.

The lowden string (light gauge 12 53) is the default string set for new Lowden guitars right now, i also had bought a set of them as well, these strings sound very good on my Lowden with CGDGAD tuning, the sound is natural, warm and has great depth. However it does not last long, I changed it after 2-3 weeks of using it, plus it is quite expensive v.s. the other options I have. If I have more budget, probably I will try with higher tension ones e.g. 13 56 gauge for my tuning

[Newbflat]

Tried a bunch on my O-32 over the years, I always come back to D’Addario PB mediums. I haven’t heard a coated string that doesn’t sound vailed to my ear. I D’Addario PB’s don’t last that long but I get it back two weeks of lovely sound out of them after a week of brake in.

[jaymarsch]

I don't play a Lowden guitar but I have used their strings and they sound great on my Wingert spruce/cocobolo and cedar/EIR. I didn't care for them on my Kramer spruce/mahogany. With my finger chemistry, they last a long time. 6-9 months and I am picky about when bass strings start to go. I know that they are treated and not coated which I like. I use light gauge on the grand concert but on the 00, I custom mix gauges since I keep that guitar predominately in a dropped tuning.

Best,
Jayne

[Rosewood99]

Well I guess that settles it. Seriously, it’s hard to say what is the best string for any particular guitar. It depends what you’re looking for. Is it more volume, playability, do you want something a little brighter, or emphasize the low end?

[blindboyjimi]

Elixir nano lights or D’Addario/Martin Monel. John Pearce strings sound great if you own one guitar or are willing to re-string each week. I’d much rather pay $13 for Elixirs and change strings 3 or 4x/yr.