Throbak/Taylor

mischultz · #1 12-22-2019, 07:52 PM

So, working through string choice with a recent acquisition (that will no doubt mildly disappoint a couple folks I pinged about more ambitious options), and the usual suspects weren't cooperating. DR Sunbeams lacked any sort of depth and the John Pearse Pure Nickels (which I've adored in other circumstances) were weirdly bright rather than the beautiful mellow/clear that's defined them previously. Still need to run a set of Nickel Bronze, but I was pleasantly surprised this evening with a leftover set of Throbak Vintage Choice roundwounds. Different personality but mellow in a good way like the Pearse strings were in a previous application. So, if you have a Taylor that needs a nudge in the vintage-y direction, these might be worth a shot. I may order a few more sets and see how they pan out over the longer term on this end.

Brucebubs · #2 12-22-2019, 08:31 PM

You don't mention the model Taylor you have that makes Sunbeams lack depth and JP Pure Nickels sound bright?

mischultz · #3 12-22-2019, 10:12 PM

Bruce,

It’s a 2013 516e. Those have both been among my favorite sets with other instruments. I may have given the negative too much emphasis, as the key takeaway for me was the texture of the Throbaks. It’s always a sum of the parts thing, and for whatever reason, I couldn’t bring out the positive qualities I’ve enjoyed with this Taylor.

Best,

Michael

Brucebubs · #4 12-22-2019, 10:47 PM

OK, a Grand Symphony Spruce/Mahogany - very nice!

First suggestion is Martin Retro Monels - they work well with Mahogany.
Second suggestion - I haven't tried these - Curt Mangan also do Monels but these are round-cores - might be a nice combination.

By sheer coincidence I swapped a set of those JP Pure Nickels with a set of Sunbeams on my maple H&D just last week!
The Sunbeams are great but I'll go back to the JP's when I next change strings.

mischultz · #5 12-23-2019, 10:18 AM

Thanks for the recommendation, Bruce. I'll throw the Monels into the queue and see what transpires. I was initially a little down about not grabbing something more aspirational, but the Taylor's growing on me quickly. If you can only have one, it's a strong contender and nothing to be ashamed of.

generalliamsayn · #6 12-23-2019, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Second suggestion - I haven't tried these - Curt Mangan also do Monels but these are round-cores - might be a nice combination.

FYI I put these on my Collings CJ (ad/hog) to get a more 'vintage-y' tone and LOVE them (after a week of sounding a bit harsh - there seems to be an unusually long break-in period).

mischultz · #7 03-08-2020, 05:49 PM

Finally fired up the Martin Retros after cycling Newtone PB and nickel sets. The Martins do have a very pleasant, positive weight to them and seem to match this instrument well. I’ll run another set of Throbaks next for a back to back comparison but I’m quite pleased. Thanks again for the suggestion.

Brucebubs · #8 03-08-2020, 06:05 PM

As chance would have it - I'm trying those Curt Mangan round-core Monels on my Huss & Dalton right now and they feel great but I'm finding them a touch too warm for bare-flesh finger-style - and I'm a guy that likes warm tone! - so I'm going back to the John Pearse Pure Nickels next string change.