Alright Yamaha FGX owners, what strings have you settled on?

[ctvolfan]

I'm still trying to figure out what strings I like on my FGX5. I currently have some D'Addario PB EJ16s on it that I like quite well. I'm going to try some Elixir PBs on it soon. I know they come on it new but I purchased the guitar used and they were a bit dead when I got it. I've not generally been a big fan of mahogany guitars in the past because I've been a Taylor guy for so long and usually like a brighter sound. But I really like this Yamaha. So I'm not looking for anything that is too warm but keeps that warm sound with a little brightness. Just curious of other people's thoughts.

Also, does anybody else have intonation issues mostly with the low E string when using a capo on their FGX? I know that Jarvis guy from Singapore had the same issues in a video where he was comparing it to another guitar. Mine goes sharp.

[Matts67]

Try Martin Retros. They sounded excellent on my FSX5.

[YamahaGuy]

1) I'm digging D'Addario XT strings or their Nickel Bronze in the 12-53 gauge. For me, the Elixirs sound the same from the day they're put on a guitar until the day they break or are changed. And they're too slippery for my taste. I do like the way they sound, though. I really want to try either Cleartones or Martin Lifespans next on my FGX5.

2) yes, I've had the intonation issue. I reshaped my saddle. Which has helped some, but it's still not perfect. I think the guitar is so loud, clear, and articulate that it amplifies the sound so much that you hear everything more so--the good(amazing tone and sustain) and the bad(intonation issue).

[peanutavalon]

So far I’ve tried D’Addario XT 13-56, elixir phosphor bronze 13-56 and the factory 12-53 80/20 Elixir. So far the phosphor bronze win. They make the guitar loud and snappy. The D’Addario’s sounded dull in comparison.

[llew]

I agree...try a set of XT's.

[southbeck]

I really like the stock 80/20s. Actually feels perfect for the fgx5 so I don´t have any plans to try something else on this one.

[Bearstudio]

Originally Posted by southbeck

I really like the stock 80/20s. Actually feels perfect for the fgx5 so I don´t have any plans to try something else on this one.

Yamaha seem to favour 80/20 as stock strings. If the OP is wanting brighter that is the way to go.

[Cibby]

Originally Posted by southbeck

I really like the stock 80/20s. Actually feels perfect for the fgx5 so I don´t have any plans to try something else on this one.

My FG5 Red Label came with Elixir 80/20 nano's light gauge on it. I have found nothing better. Used Martin Retro,Martin light Phos.Bronze, Martin medium/lights,Elixir phos.bronze, D"Addirio phos. bronze and 80/20's.
None gave me the sound that made me buy the FG5. I'm not an Elixir player but the 80/20 Nano lights have a place on the FG5.

[Birchtop]

Originally Posted by southbeck

I really like the stock 80/20s. Actually feels perfect for the fgx5 so I don´t have any plans to try something else on this one.

Originally Posted by Bearstudio

Yamaha seem to favour 80/20 as stock strings. If the OP is wanting brighter that is the way to go.

Originally Posted by Cibby

My FG5 Red Label came with Elixir 80/20 nano's light gauge on it. I have found nothing better. Used Martin Retro,Martin light Phos.Bronze, Martin medium/lights,Elixir phos.bronze, D"Addirio phos. bronze and 80/20's.
None gave me the sound that made me buy the FG5. I'm not an Elixir player but the 80/20 Nano lights have a place on the FG5.

These are the same strings the LL16D are shipped out with as well.

There’s a reason why Yamaha uses these strings.

[Vader58]

Anybody using medium string on their FG5?

[YamahaGuy]

Originally Posted by Vader58

Anybody using medium string on their FG5?

I tried some once. It did well with them on it. I'm currently liking Martin MA540T.

[Wellington]

On my spruce top, hog b/s Guild I finally tried DR Sunbeams and I'm not looking back, tried many strings and got to them, they are so clear and dry/crisp finger picked and still have the pb warmth somehow, it's like a combo if PB and 80/20, the last long too for me. Definitely worth a try, but though it's the same wood combo, we're still talking different guitars.

[Whalerajm]

I picked up my FG5 used. Previous owner had just installed D'Addario Nickel Bronze 12-53 (uncoated). The guitar sounded amazing, however, I noticed a big drop off after about 3 weeks.

In addition to the Elixir 80/20 that came on guitar from Yamaha, prior owner tried: Ernie Ball Aluminium Bronze 12-54, Martin PB MA540 12-54, Martin PB MA540FX, 12-54 and didn't like any of them as much as the D'Addario NB 12-53.

I've since tried Stringjoy Foxwoods (coated PB), 12-54. OK at first, but not nearly bright enough for a mahogany dreadnought.

I'll be going back to the D'Addario NB. Maybe try another brand NB if anyone can recommned one that worked well with the FG5.

Per this thread, have same issues with low E with capo...have to retune with capo every time!

[personatech]

I'm digging D'Addario XS 12 PBs on my FGX3. Have a set of XS 12 80/20s set aside for the next string change.