Ernie Ball Aluminium Bronze Strings - Blown Away!

AndyC · #1 10-20-2018, 01:29 PM

Well, I've just installed a set of Ernie Ball Aluminium Bronze Medium Light (12 - 54) strings on my deep bodied OM42, and I am just totally blown away. They sound incredible.

Deep bass, sweet mids and crisp, clear top end - but the sustain, articulation and projection between strings is incredible. Playing fingerstyle, the difference over my previous (and long loved and played) D'addario Phosphor Bronze set is like night and day. Strumming a chord sounds like a heavenly choir has joined in.

Maybe this is early days (okay, it is early days, they've only been on an hour or two) but wow. Just wow.

Perhaps I have just stumbled across that sweet spot when a particular guitar and a particular set of strings come together, but I am beyond happy with the sound I am hearing right now. Longevity and durability I can't comment on at this moment, but thank you Ernie Ball. Thank you.

Wild Bill Jones · #2 10-20-2018, 02:32 PM

I do like them, medium gauge on my H&D TD-R a lot.

Tnfiddler · #3 10-20-2018, 02:45 PM

I replaced GHS LJ Signature Bronze mediums on my ‘02 Taylor W10ce with AB mediums and there’s no comparison between the two. The Ernie Balls blow them away for tone and overall sound. I’ll be trying them on all of my guitars.

golfreggie · #4 10-20-2018, 03:59 PM

Glad you like them. I have two sets left over after buying 4 sets maybe 8 months ago. They did sound good, but I always go back to John Pearse PB's. Different tastes and maybe different guitars and style of play. But I did enjoy the Aluminum Bronze, good strings

rmoretti49 · #5 10-20-2018, 04:16 PM

I've been using them on my carbon fiber Journey OF660. They're wonderful on this guitar. Haven't yet tried them on other guitars.

ChalkLitIScream · #6 10-20-2018, 04:29 PM

Would you say these are more similar to the NB/monels or more toward the PB or 90/20 spectrum?

jpmist · #7 10-20-2018, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfreggie

Glad you like them. I have two sets left over after buying 4 sets maybe 8 months ago. They did sound good, but I always go back to John Pearse PB's. Different tastes and maybe different guitars and style of play. But I did enjoy the Aluminum Bronze, good strings

Interesting. I like the JP PBs on my spruce tops, but the Earnie Ball Al Bz sound great on mahogany tops.

For the hog tops, they add a bit of crispness I find lacking from mahogany.

The John P's add some nice resonance to my spruce tops. Am a recent convert having used Elixar Phos Bz Nanos for years.

simpl man · #8 10-20-2018, 05:18 PM

IMO, they're most similar to PB's, but maybe a bit brighter overall.

I had good luck with a set of Med-Lights on a Modern D-18. I really like the definition, clarity, & separation of these.

Glad you found them!

Ludere · #9 10-20-2018, 05:24 PM

I like them too, (my "standard" was EB PB med-lights).

Been running a set on my Tak dread for about 2-3 weeks and they are still bright and articulate.

~ Paul

Guitarplayer_PR · #10 10-20-2018, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChalkLitIScream

Would you say these are more similar to the NB/monels or more toward the PB or 90/20 spectrum?

Definitely more similar to the NB/Monels. That's why I have them.

TBman · #11 10-20-2018, 06:59 PM

The EB's are nice. You should also check out D'Addario's Nickel Bronze Lt Top/med bottoms when you get a chance.

rgregg48 · #12 10-20-2018, 07:42 PM

maybe you can post a follow-up on how long they lasted before they went dead.

jomaynor · #13 10-23-2018, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChalkLitIScream

Would you say these are more similar to the NB/monels or more toward the PB or 90/20 spectrum?

AB is more like NB-meets-PB: Bright and punchy, with very pleasant overtones, but brighter still than either NB or PB. AB is not really that similar sounding to monel, which has its own strong and uniquely intriguing sound. And AB is definitely not like 80/20, since AB has lots of overtones.

AB is a fabulous string for a dark sounding guitar - it's a bit too much "much" for a bright sounding one.

It keeps its tonal goodness about as long as NB or PB, but nowhere near as long as monel.

Brucebubs · #14 10-23-2018, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomaynor

AB is more like NB-meets-PB: Bright and punchy, with very pleasant overtones, but brighter still than either NB or PB. AB is not really that similar sounding to monel, which has its own strong and uniquely intriguing sound. And AB is definitely not like 80/20, since AB has lots of overtones.

AB is a fabulous string for a dark sounding guitar - it's a bit too much "much" for a bright sounding one.

It keeps its tonal goodness about as long as NB or PB, but nowhere near as long as monel.

Excellent summary.

Dustinfurlow · #15 10-23-2018, 11:16 PM

I’d agree with TBMan. I’ve tried the AB’s on all my guitars since a few of my heroes (Andy Mckee and Antoine Dufour) use them but have found they pull out of tune easier than the NB or PB and their string-squeak is louder....I love the tone when they’re new though, so it’s not just my D’Addario endorsement talking here. They don’t last my acidic fingers very long unfortunately, either. So for me is D’Addario NB all day long and occasionally the EJ or EXP for more warmth.