DR RARE vs MARTIN FLEXIBLE CORE (or any other "low tension" string).

[Guitarplayer_PR]

As my everlasting search for playing every single style of strings continues, recently I bought two "low tension" strings: DR Rare and Martin Flexible Core. Even if I put them on different guitars (but similarly both 12-fret ones), I found them similar in feel and tone. Of course, they didn't make both guitars sound the same (thank God!). If you've played both, which one would you prefer? (BTW, before you mention anything about Santa Cruz strings, I haven't played with them yet, but I'm kind of curious.

[LeDave]

Haven't tried the Martin ones but the DR Rares are probably the best set of strings that I've ever used.

[Lillis]

I like both equally well. I really like the flex core mediums on my GS mini.

[TwangGang]

Sorry I haven't tried the DR Rare so I am no help in your comparison. But I recently tried the Martin Flexible Core (medium PB) and like them. I didn't loose any tone or volume, but the strings are a little easier to play.

[Brucebubs]

I tried DR Rares back to back with DR Sunbeams - same gauge, same maker - a straight hex-core versus round-core comparison - and preferred the slightly more pronounced string to string definition of the Sunbeams on an Epiphone EJ-200 - other guitars may be totally different of course.

[Archemi]

I think Newtone Heritages are the best low-tension strings out there. Definitely try them if you haven’t already. Round core and balanced tension with amazing tone and playability.

I buy in bulk direct from the UK to save on postage and processing time.

[EZYPIKINS]

Here comes that Rotosound guy again. Super Bronze contact core. Lower tension as well as lower action.

[Guitarplayer_PR]

Hey, I'm a fan of D'Addario Nickel Bronze strings, as some of you may know; but with my 322ce, the DR Rare are WAY much better than the Nickel Bronze. I didn't expect that. For some reason, the NB felt quite stiff (while with my 317 don't) and blackened my fingers. And for a guitar with a shorter scale, it was killing me (I use NB mediums on my Grand Pacific with no problem at all, for those keeping score). Changed the strings to DR Rares, problem solved. Also, it gave the 322 a bit more low end which is great.

[rdeane]

I recently switched out silk and bronze strings on my Eastman E20 OM with some DR Sunbeams 12-54. I liked the silk and bronze, but the Sunbeams were easier to play, and I think they sound richer, more lush. I like the definition of each string on the Sunbeams, and I think there is a bit more sustain as well. But overall, the Sunbeams are the best I've found for the E20.

I like DR Rares on my other guitar (a Teton STGCENT180 AR--a surprisingly good budget grand concert). The next string change on the Teton will be to Rares.

[JERZEY]

The Martin FX strings are pretty average. Not to be compared to DR Rares imo. The Rares have a richer and warmer tone. The Rares also have insanely nice bass response and sustain compared to the FX strings.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Archemi

I think Newtone Heritages are the best low-tension strings out there. Definitely try them if you haven’t already. Round core and balanced tension with amazing tone and playability.

I buy in bulk direct from the UK to save on postage and processing time.

I second this.

[colins]

Thanks OP, I hadn’t heard of either of these low tension strings, so I’ll give them a try.

My low tension journey started with TI Plectrums. They are good but, to my ears, not as good as Newtone Heritage (and the TIs are much more expensive too). The Newtone Heritage strings are outstanding, as others have said. I use a bunch of different strings by Newtone and I find the low tension Heritage hold their own tonewise against the full tension strings. Easy to buy online, direct from Newtone.

I have also started using GHS Thin Core. I didn’t like them at all on the first guitar I put them on, but when I put a set on a second guitar… totally awesome! And previously I’d been using full tension Newtone PBs on that guitar.

So, a vote for the Heritage and for the Thin Core, and the lesson I learnt is that guitars and strings are best matched individually. What sounds good on one guitar may not sound just as good on all other guitars.

[ruger9]

I use both the Martin FX and the Sunbeams. Both are good strings, my favorite uncoated strings actually. Which I prefer would depend on the guitar. At the moment, on a Farida OT-22, I am preferring the FX.

However- the Sunbeams, in the same gauge as the FX (I use .012), bend a little easier than the FX in my experiences.

I haven't played the Rares in many years, so I can't reliably comment on those, other than, at the time, I preferred Sunbeams to Rares, which is why I still use Sunbeams.

[mercy]

If we are talking low tension strings then its Newtone Heritage. I buy direct though you can buy standard sets from Guitargal. I get one gauge higher bass E string on the sets I order from Newtone.