Warmer strings for my mahogany Fender PM-2 parlor

Shortfinger · #1 05-31-2019, 02:31 PM

It came with Fender Dura Cote Phosphor Bronze lights 012-054 and being a purist, I have restrung every time with the same strings as Fender put on it when it shipped to me.

It is a great little blues box, and I wonder what else I should try. Having shopped, I find the 012-054 gage spread limiting my choices somewhat.

Willie_D · #2 05-31-2019, 02:45 PM

Monel strings like Martin Retros can sound warm, especially after a couple days of playing them in.

beatcomber · #3 05-31-2019, 02:56 PM

Another vote for Martin Retros.

I just put those on my all-hog Martin 000-SM15, and they are delightful on that guitar.

Be aware that they will sound metallic/brash at first, but after a week or two will settle into a very warm, woody character that will last a long time.

SeaTay · #4 05-31-2019, 03:06 PM

I have Martin Retro's on my Seagull S6 right now. I did have d'addario nickel bronze previously. The S6 seems to be completely different style of guitar from your fender so there's no real comparison there for you.

Elixir PB 80/20s were first string change from the original Godin's for the S6. I did not like the clean modern sound of those strings for the S6. I wanted an old-timey and possibly western kind of sound. To me the nickel-bronze really provide that. Its a more raw sound to my ear. I'm a newbie, so maybe I don't have a good vocabulary to use.

Though I love the Elixirs on my Taylor. Different guitar... different sound though.

I recommend buying several varying sets and giving them each a try for a month.

Brucebubs · #5 05-31-2019, 03:43 PM

All great suggestions - put GHS and/or John Pearse Silk & Bronze on your list too.

Steel and wood · #6 05-31-2019, 06:33 PM

Martin SP's.

Russell G · #7 05-31-2019, 09:16 PM

I'm not sure why you would want "warmer" strings on a hog. From my experience owning a Taylor hog I have looked for a slightly brighter string.
I love the "mellow" sound I get from a mahogany guitar but there are times when I want a brighter sound. Maybe it's just my ear. We're all different.

Brucebubs · #8 05-31-2019, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell G

I'm not sure why you would want "warmer" strings on a hog. From my experience owning a Taylor hog I have looked for a slightly brighter string.
I love the "mellow" sound I get from a mahogany guitar but there are times when I want a brighter sound. Maybe it's just my ear. We're all different.

... on a parlor guitar like the OP?

Russell G · #9 06-01-2019, 09:37 PM

Bruce, actually I was referring to my Dread, I guess a very different animal.

Brucebubs · #10 06-01-2019, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell G

Bruce, actually I was referring to my Dread, I guess a very different animal.

Yes, I think you'll find 80/20's on a parlor guitar are actually illegal - any instrument that produces sound that can only be heard by dogs is just cruel.

Russell G · #11 06-02-2019, 09:31 PM

I guess I was barking up the wrong tree! Ouch

charlieparks · #12 12-18-2019, 08:45 PM

Another vote for the Martin Retro's, I've used them on mahogany guitars in the past with great result. Don't worry about the '54 gauge if its 52, or 53 you'll not be able to perceive a difference.

rokdog49 · #13 12-19-2019, 09:46 AM

GHS Silk and Bronze.

bufflehead · #14 12-19-2019, 10:06 AM

Retros and mahogany are magical together.

docwatsonfan · #15 12-19-2019, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlieparks

Another vote for the Martin Retro's, I've used them on mahogany guitars in the past with great result. Don't worry about the '54 gauge if its 52, or 53 you'll not be able to perceive a difference.

and I'm sure you know picks make a difference

retros and a green Dunlop Gator 1.5 is a wonderful combo