Strings and Carbon Fiber Guitars

[Ed Curtis]

I own a CA Legacy AE (2004). I'm wondering if others who have carbon fiber guitars have a choice of strings that they have found work best for CF guitars, or not. I'm not sure if this is really an issue, but if experience has taught any of you that BRAND X strings sound best on a CF guitar, I'd like to know.
My experience - I like D'Addario EXPs over Elixer and Dean Markley. I have Martin Authentic ligts on the guitar right now, and they aren't bad. What do any of the rest of you thihnk?

[raysachs]

I doubt that all carbon fiber guitars are the same any more than all wood guitars are. I have an Emerald X7 (most recent model with offset soundhole) and after trying quite a few strings, my favorites are Martin Monels followed pretty closely by DR Sunbeams. I also like GHS Vintage Bronze on it. And so much of this is personal preference - I think I’m part of a fairly small group that likes Monels on Emeralds, so your mileage, as anyone’s, may vary... I had an X20 for a while as well and liked Monels on that too, but I really didn’t test that many strings on that guitar...

[Jim in TC]

Current favorite on a CA Cargo is D'Addario nickel bronze.

[GuitarLuva]

My current favorite is a toss up between D'addario nickel bronze and John Pearse pure nickels on an Emerald X20.

[jdinco]

Current favorites are the TI Plectrums on my Emerald X7

[rmsstrider]

Mu current favorite on my Legacy are Elixir 80/20 HD. I found the Legacy to be a bit on the dark side? and feel like the 80/20's brighten it up. Also the HD represents beefier trebles.

There may not be any consensus of the best strings for any particular guitar. But there appears to be some general consensus that carbon fiber instruments are particularly sensitive to strings and that strings can make or break the sound quality of a CF instrument.

[David Eastwood]

I'm very happy with D'Addario Nickel Bronze on my Emerald X20.

As an bonus, they look really nice with CF too

[nuttyprof]

I realized recently that different people prefer different string sounds depending on their usage. Might be helpful to clarify what you're looking for.

Anyone have any thoughts on what type of sound best accompanies vocals, such as in a small group setting?

[Ed Curtis]

I appreciate Evan's thoughts. I think he is on the right track. What I am looking for (my taste) are strings that acknowledge and respect the deep, resonant sound of my CA Legacy, have a bright sound along with that, and last for a long time. I know I'm asking for the moon, but why not?

Ed;

Thank you, I appreciate any appreciation I may get.

Also, muy good on you--go for it!

[jdinco]

Originally Posted by Ed Curtis

I appreciate Evan's thoughts. I think he is on the right track. What I am looking for (my taste) are strings that acknowledge and respect the deep, resonant sound of my CA Legacy, have a bright sound along with that, and last for a long time. I know I'm asking for the moon, but why not?

You may want to put the Martin Lifespan V2.0 Authentic Acoustic strings on your list to try..... nice resonant bold tone and last a long time.

[Strumalot]

Ed, I think my preference in strings and choice of guitar may be similar to yours...

I was using Reds on my GX with Newtone Double Wounds as a second favorite. Unfortunately, the Reds have been discontinued and the Newtones are not readily available.

So the search has been on.

I've tried... Elixir — Polyweb, Nano PB, Nano 80/20, D ‘Addario — EXP 16, 16 Flatops, EXP 10, 11, 26, Everly — Cleartone PBs, EQ, Ernie Ball — Earthwood, Aluminum Bronze, Martin — PBs, Retros, Martin Laurence Juber Retros, Santa Crux Parabolic Tension, La Bella — Silk and Steel, Vibe — PB, Pure Sound of Freedom — Cryogen X10 and probably a few others I've forgotten about.

The short story... I am liking the EB PBs (Earthwoods) and they are some of the cheapest in the bunch. They are not coated but grow old gracefully.

I will try the coated "Everlast" version next.

And I also have a pack of Newtones to retest. I ordered direct from England... cheaper than the one source in the U.S., but slower.

Good luck Ed!... as Evan noted, strings are an adventure to find the best for your particular guitar and preference.

[121]

I like bronze flat wound strings and I realize I'm one of the very few that do.

My current favorite strings for my 2017 X20 are Dogal Nightclub V25.
They are pricey, so I only indulge when they go on sale.

My next favorite strings are Galli AJF1047
which I presently have on my 2016 X7.

I've not tried the Dogal on my X7 yet.

[steelvibe]

Originally Posted by 121

I like bronze flat wound strings and I realize I'm one of the very few that do.

My current favorite strings for my 2017 X20 are Dogal Nightclub V25.
They are pricey, so I only indulge when they go on sale.

My next favorite strings are Galli AJF1047
which I presently have on my 2016 X7.

I've not tried the Dogal on my X7 yet.

I’m curious about these strings. What style do you play 121?