What’s the best 80/20 string?

zoopeda · #1 12-10-2019, 10:02 PM

I have a 12-fret D-18 that loves 80/20 DAddario strings, but they wear out so dang fast. I’m open to round core but, less so, to coated strings. (Are the new treated Martin strings all they’re cracked up to be? Maybe a round core is the solution?). What are the best sounding, longest lasting 80/20s for a monster D-18?

steelvibe · #2 12-10-2019, 10:25 PM

John Pearse New Medium (310NM) are great on my Martin D Jr. 2

Just like any string- they are guitar dependant, but I would give them a shot in any gauge.

Newtone makes 80/20 round core but I've yet to try them- that will happen next string change

Jaden · #3 12-10-2019, 10:33 PM

Give the new Martin Authentic 80/20 light uncoated MA140 (blue label) a try. I had the custom light equivalent MA175 on the OM and found them almost indestructible but very bright. I still have the MA140 in package (haven’t tried them yet/ may not) because I’m happy with the D’Addario EJ11 which are smooth to my ear.

Wild Bill Jones · #4 12-10-2019, 10:36 PM

I rather like LaBella ( they are also friends of mine) and Octocore

steelvibe · #5 12-10-2019, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild Bill Jones

I rather like LaBella ( they are also friends of mine) and Octocore

I have LaBella Silk and Steel Med/ Light on my carbon fiber and they are fantastic.

zoopeda · #6 12-10-2019, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelvibe

I have LaBella Silk and Steel Med/ Light on my carbon fiber and they are fantastic.

How long do they last?

SKYHIGH · #7 12-10-2019, 10:50 PM

D’addario XT 80/20 sounds really good to me. Yes coated but feels really good too. My new favorite.

dadio917 · #8 12-10-2019, 11:50 PM

Quote:

I have LaBella Silk and Steel Med/ Light on my carbon fiber and they are fantastic.

I use Thomastik Enfield on my CF. I find the take the edge off and really bring out the clear tone. How would you describe the Labella? Might have to try them out.

steelvibe · #9 12-10-2019, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoopeda

How long do they last?

So far only a little over 2 weeks- so inconclusive at this point.

catfish · #10 12-11-2019, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaden

Give the new Martin Authentic 80/20 light uncoated MA140 (blue label) a try. I had the custom light equivalent MA175 on the OM and found them almost indestructible but very bright. I still have the MA140 in package (haven’t tried them yet/ may not) because I’m happy with the D’Addario EJ11 which are smooth to my ear.

I put MA140 on Gibson J-45 Standard on 21 October, they still sound excellent, even though they mellowed a bit. So, it is 1.5 months now.

The regular (and now discontinued) M140 are on Martin 000-15M since 15 August, I also have no desire to replace them, they sound very warm and the intonation and the tone are excellent to my taste.

steelvibe · #11 12-11-2019, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dadio917

I use Thomastik Enfield on my CF. I find the take the edge off and really bring out the clear tone. How would you describe the Labella? Might have to try them out.

Oh man where do I start? If you try them give them some time before judging- they are kind of like Retros with a shorter break in. At first I wasn't sure I liked them as the upper mids and trebles seemed a bit zingy - but that went away and now I love what I'm hearing.

I see you have a RainSong CH Parlor and I have an OF660. Very comparable body sizes and both have unidirectional tops. I'm not brave enough to put TI Plectrums on the OF660 because I don't know how $20+ strings will handle the breakdown should I need to do it. I have tried the Plectrums and love them too! They are amazing on my Martin.

The LaBellas are not quite as loud as the Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze but are darn near close, and that is an anomaly for silk and steel strings. They strike a balance in how they seem to have more “fight” than a light set, yet feel no where near mediums. This observation is reflected in how they sound as well- nice and punchy, balanced, and don’t have the flimsy feel that bronze/silk varieties I’ve tried had (and loss of volume). Another plus is that they are not squeaky! My favorite by far for both strumming and fingerstyle on my Journey. I will be buying them again.

Only just over 2 weeks on them though so I have no idea how long they will last.

Brucebubs · #12 12-11-2019, 04:08 AM

Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect. The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective proceeded by a noun with contrasting meanings, such as “cruel kindness,” or “living death” or "best 80/20 string." However, the contrasting words/phrases are not always glued together.

Dryfly · #13 12-11-2019, 09:34 AM

Work very well on my D-12

Joe Beamish · #14 12-11-2019, 10:24 AM

Every guitar wants something different. My OM loves John Pearse 80/20s.

My LG-2 hates them. On that guitar, they sound like a bicycle chain rattling on a metal trash can lid in the back of a flatbed driving on a gravel road.

blackbelt308 · #15 12-11-2019, 10:38 AM

I have a set of D'Addario EXP11s (coated 80/20 12-53) on my Custom Shop HD-28V and they sound amazing! Been playing them since April, and they still sound terrific. I used to be an Elixir Nanoweb guy but the luthier who set up my HD-28 talked me into trying the D'Addarios. Am now trying them on a couple of other guitars.

Rick