Yet another monel strings thread

[Ken Carr]

I have enjoyed reading the recent thread by Robin Wales on monel strings. I have some questions and I didn't want to divert the topic of the existing thread. So I have often read on the forum that many of the monel string users like these strings particularly for mahogany dreadnoughts. I know they are getting a lot of love by bluegrassers. I know with Tony Rice's face on the package it helps to appeal to the bluegrass genre. I have tried them myself and I like them on my D-18GE. And they do hold their tone for a long time as opposed to bronze strings. My questions are : 1. How many people here on the forum prefer monel strings on rosewood guitars? 2. Do you prefer monels on body sizes other than dreads ( om, oo, grand concert, etc )? 3. Do you prefer monels over phosphor bronze for fingerstyle playing? 4. If so, or if not, then why? I'll leave the questions at that for now.

[David Rance]

I prefer them on my Martin OM28 Reimagined but I think I will be in the minority. Sitka/rosewood. Fingerstyle with picks. Why? Good question. Subtler sound for loud technique? Older sounding tone like my Piedmont Blues heros? Cheaper definitely.

[zmf]

Originally Posted by Ken Carr

1. How many people here on the forum prefer monel strings on rosewood guitars?

Totally depends on what tone you're after. You could argue that mahogany is already more dry, fundamental than rosewood, so if you want that tone, rosewood would need monels more.

Or you could look at it this way. I have a rosewood that is full of energy and harmonics. Almost too much for some music, but for others. Monels tamp this down just a tad -- the guitar still plenty left -- it's still an energetic rosewood -- just a little more manageable.

Then the question becomes why buy a big-voiced rosewood if you're going to tamp it down.

[Trinity13]

I've used them on all of my Martin Rosewood guitars I have or have had...Right now, my D42 and D28 AA, when I had a 000-28EC, 000-42 and OM-42 I loved them on all those guitars as well. I just like the sound much better than pb or 80/20

I even have them on my Yamaha 830 Dread. Every so often I switch to PB and I can't wait to get the Monel's back on

[firelakekid2]

I used them on my Martin 000-42. To my ear they sound better than PB and keep their good tone for a long time. I have a pack of PB in my desk drawer that's been there for a couple years or so. I have no interest in going back.

[JMW01]

The monel strings bring out the best in my Martin 000-15SM. My other guitars... not so good.

[Mike McLenison]

I do mainly fingerpicking and some flatpicking. I like Phos Bronze round cores (Pyramid). I tried Monel's and they were not as dynamic on my Martin (HD-35). Everyone's ear and taste is different.

[srm1]

I have Martin Retro Lights on my Alvarez Pd91s, and they sound great. Cedar over Rosewood, all solid. I play with my fingers, different styles.

[eljay]

Thanks to the OP;

I've used monels on my mahog guitars for several years with great results. In fact, I'm about to put a new set on my SCGC vintage southerner.

I have 3 Gibbies with maple (Dove, J-165, and J-185) and I wonder if the "monel magic" works with maple.

Of course, I can just try 'em and find out, but why not ask knowledgable AGFers first?

Many thanks!

[GeneralDreedle]

I have Tony Rice Monels bluegrass on my HD28- a rosewood, and I really like them. It's true they sound quite fundamental, but I like that. Between the VTS (baked) top and the strings it sounds like an old time Martin

[Zissou Intern]

I have them on my Collings D1T and Walker Wise River. The D1T sounds best with Monels, but I like it with various PB's as well, especially when they are getting old. Monels are the only strings I like on the Wise River. The D15S sounds best with J17's or J19's. I had an HD28LSV that didn't sound great with Monels. I preferred DR Rare 13-56 on that. Its new owner likes J17's. My wife's Engelmann/carved maple jumbo has Monels on it right now. She likes them, but initially noticed the lack of "zing" she'd normally hear with a new set of PB's.

[therailriders]

I use them on my HD-28v. Like them more than the PB Pearse I have used for years.

[bufflehead]

I like them equally on my 000-15m and Custom D. All my guitars are mahogany or sapale, so I can't comment on how they might work with a rosewood instrument.

[ChrisE]

They really sound great on my D-18 but sound dull and thumpy on my HD-28.

[Dut4907]

Just installed a set of the Tony Rice Signatures on my D-16RGT.

Sounds like it lost some of its overtones and bass like that Elixir PB’s gave it.

Using a BC TD50 which makes it a little dull sounding, so I thought about using a TD40 and seeing if that will bring back some life.