#1
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Piano strings on a guitar?
Hey guys I have an Eastman E10D with a soundboard that must’ve been cut from an old coffee table or something because I just can’t get this thing to move! I’m going through 13-56 sets mostly PB. When I bought the guitar it sounded awesome with whatever Nickel strings were on it. I assumed they were D’addario NB and bought a set but they didn’t have the same effect. Believe it or not some Elixir 80/20’s sounded decent but turned to plastic pretty quick. Right now I have another set of Elixir’s PB on it just to use them up but that was a big mistake. Sounds muffled and plasticky.
Curious if anyone knows which Nickel strings might have had the power to make this Eastman sing like a chainsaw (in a good way) or perhaps any suggestion to move this log of a soundboard with something aside from piano strings…which I reserve as LAST resort. I would say biggest issue is getting some volume and resonance out of strings 4, 5 and 6, especially 5 & 6 (I still disagree that this is how guitar strings should be counted but whatever). Things to note… 1. ebony pins were swapped out for bone by the PO but I still have them. 2. I am not shy with my right hand. 3. There’s an LR baggs Anthem SL installed (but bought it based on the unplugged sound with the silver strings…which I assume were Nickel plated?) |
#2
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Try a set of the John Pearse Pure Nickel strings in medium gauge. Nickel has less tension than the bronze alloys, so to counteract that the Pure Nickels have a couple of strings in slightly higher gauges than what you’d expect. It makes a difference.
Hope this helps. Wade Hampton Miller |
#3
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Try removing the Baggs UST from under the saddle. See if that helps to return the sound.
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#4
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As for your E10D, I have likely the same top on my E8D. It sings like a bird. |
#5
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My first thought was that not all instruments are winners, but it sounded great in the store, so I don't suspect that's the problem.
Humidity difference between the store and home? On a brighter note, this is a wonderful excuse to try 10 different sets of strings. You might even want to try a set of 12s - some guitars sing better with those.
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Keith Martin 000-42 Marquis Taylor Classical Alvarez 12 String Gibson ES345s Fender P-Bass Gibson tenor banjo |
#6
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Something that was an eye-opener to me when I began teaching was listening to other people play my guitar while I sat in front of it. Every lesson I played every student's guitar for a couple minutes to keep me apprised of what they were experiencing, and how the assignments I gave translated to their instrument. And while I did this I had them play my guitar (and we did duets etc for a couple minutes together). Wow did that change my perception/understanding of how my guitars sound. |
#7
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"I go for a lotta things that's a little too strong" J.L. Hooker |
#8
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Thanks for the replies! I’ll check out the John Pearse Nickels. I won’t be removing the USP because it’s the reason I bought the guitar (so I didn’t have to put holes in my D28) for playing small solo gigs. Humidity is definitely a bit lower right now but in my experience lower humidity usually sounds better than higher within reason. In this case I really think it’s about finding the right strings to get that thick Adi top moving. I lurk quite a bit on here and John Pearse gets mentioned quite a bit but I’ve never tried a set. Sweetwater doesn’t carry them though..any suggestion where to order them? I try to stay away from Amazon for strings since they sometimes sit in less than ideal conditions for a while before shipping out.
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#9
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Lol. True dat.
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#10
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Strings by Mail |
#11
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This is SO IMPORTANT. To get a taste at home without a partner, stand in a corner and strum a few chords towards where the two walls meet. Get close to the walls. You'll hear something quite different. Try the lighter strings too. I have an archtop that I kept putting heavier and heavier strings on, thinking it would sound better...but it turns out in the end, it vibrates best with .012s (and the high E only replaced with a .013) Just something to try. Strings are cheap. |
#12
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Ok, how then?
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#13
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Ljguitar has posted a very good comment.
If it’s really an issue, I respectfully suggest you buy (or rent/borrow from an agf member) a Tonerite device and give that a whirl. Try putting it on full energy (pretty meek vibrations, really) almost touching the bridge, stick it in an out of the way climate controlled closet (ie indoors) and let it sit there from 2-4 weeks. Kid you not. Then put on some fresh strings (important) and give it a whirl. Note to membership - I have no intention of getting into a Tonerite thang. Take it or leave it imo. If that doesn’t get it……oh have you checked the humidity? Is it too damp? Or, you may just have gotten a dog. Hate to say it but it happens. Hope not. Good luck with it! PS, after another look-see I agree with getting that ust out of there first. |
#14
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The last time I went serious guitar shopping, I played three different small-bodied Eastmans (Eastmen?) and came away decidedly underwhelmed. All three sounded quiet, dead and muddy. I doubt I would ever consider buying one again.
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2023 000-18MD 2021 000-15SM 2017 00-28 2023 0-18 2023 Guild D-1212 1977 Takamine F-400S 1976 Takamine F-365S 60's Harmony H1213 |
#15
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Anyone ever try those? Martin Luxe titanium core? |
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Tags |
e10d, eastman, strings |
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