Mapes Strings Love

[DaveKell]

I wish I could remember where I first learned about Mapes strings. A ton of thanks are owed to wherever it was! I ended up with 6 sets of Bluegrass gauge that are on both my custom Yairi DY90 and Martin HD28 VTS. First time I’ve had same string brand on both guitars and last time I’ll buy anything else for either of them. I sent one set to a friend with a respectable collection of Martins that he put on his D35 he plays in a bluegrass band. He right away asked me how to order Mapes strings because he wants to try them on the rest of his guitars. Like most pickers I was weary of the chase for THE STRING and am glad it’s finally over. Can’t believe after all these many years I’d never heard of Mapes before. I don’t recall ever seeing them in stores.

[GeneralDreedle]

Thanks for the tip. I also have a Martin HD 28 VTS. Did you get PB or 80/20 bluegrass?

[jaymarsch]

It is probably because Mapes is most well known for piano strings and making the core wire that other string manufacturers have used in their strings for decades. Octacore strings were created by Mapes a number of years back and I don't see them around much at all either. They were designed as an in-between hex and round core strings choices.

Best,
Jayne

[TomB'sox]

There was another recent thread on Mapes strings that sparked my interest. I bought 3 sets to try and I too am very happy. I am not really so fussy about my strings, but I will say these seem to be quite good. I have them on a Wilborn Nautilus model and was impressed enough I told him about them as well.

I have been very happy and will be buying more.

[Lillis]

The single packs are on sale right now. Just bought two sets of their 80/20 Lights. Looking forward to trying them on my 0015. This forum has probably sold a lot of strings for them recently which is very cool.

[DaveKell]

Originally Posted by GeneralDreedle

Thanks for the tip. I also have a Martin HD 28 VTS. Did you get PB or 80/20 bluegrass?

PB. 80/20 doesn’t cut it on vts imo.

[jimmy bookout]

I bought some PB round cores from Mapes. I think they are great strings and reasonable also.

PS. If you try Round Core strings (from anyone), DO NOT clip the string excess until the string is up to pitch.

[jklotz]

Thought I'd revive this thread. Somebody posted a really good experience with the customer service at Mapes, so I thought I'd give them a try. They sound great on my Eastman E20-OM. I've been playing them for 3 days now and am very impressed. These definitely should be on your radar if you haven't tried them yet. The tuning stability and intonation are great.

Sadly, my body chemistry destroys non coated strings in a matter of days, so I won't be able to use them, but for those of you who don't have that problem, I highly recommend them.

[jmat]

What is the tonal/feel difference in the core types?

[Earl49]

I’ll have to order some of these strings, even though my string box is well stocked currently.

Round core are supposed to have a softer playing feel than hex core string - less stiff because the windings and core wire are not locked together. But I don’t have a lot of experience with them.....

[jimmy bookout]

Originally Posted by jmat

What is the tonal/feel difference in the core types?

In the FWIW category, I find that I like round core strings on my Gardiner Parlor (a REAL Parlor guitar....13.4" lower bout, 24" scale), I'm using Mapes PB round core lights. On my larger Gardiner (OM size), I like d'Addario PB lights better. That guitar is cocobolo b/s with LOTS of overtones going on and the Mapes round cores seem to accentuate that to a point (especially plugged in) that the guitar gets crazy. On my Avian Skylark, the Mapes work better, just sound richer on that guitar than d'Addario EJ16's., I haven't messed with the Pono or the Taylor yet. Round cores definitely feel more flexible, I think they could be a little less tension, but not enough to require a truss rod adjustment.

[Scotso]

Just received some Mapes. Ordered on the 1st but arrived on the 12th. When I called to see what the holdup was, they said they have been overwhelmed with orders. Put some round cores on a D28 to start. It has been a couple of days and like them. So far thumbs up

[gibpicker]

How would you compare them to DD EJ16's? More, or less twang? Brighter?

[Matts67]

Just ordered a couple sets of medium round core PBs and a few sets of medium hex core PBs.

[GeneralDreedle]

I put octacores on my HD 28 VTS, sound good so far