What strings do you like on your J-45?

[duluthdan]

Both my J-45s sport Curt Manganese 12. 80/20 usually, on occasion the Manganese phosphor Bronze.

[woodbox]

Is it sacrilege to use Martin Lifespans on my Gibson J-45?

Well, if so, forgive me father, for I have sinned.

I go back and forth with those and Elizer Nano.

Seems to take so long to wear them out, I can never recall which I prefer.
So the bark goes on, er uh, I mean the BEAT goes on.

[Scootch]

DR Rare 12-54

[pjroberts]

Originally Posted by duluthdan

Both my J-45s sport Curt Manganese 12. 80/20 usually, on occasion the Manganese phosphor Bronze.

I've recently been using Curt Magnan's on a few guitars, and really dig the balanced tone on the high, mid and low-ends, with so far great playability and longevity (3 months in on my SCGC dread and Collings CJ35). Next they're going on my smaller Gibsonesque SC and 814. Though I don't own a J45, the CJ35 is a similar sloped jumbo Gibson-like guitar, and they sound great. I know they are not super well known, but the shop I bought the CJ, a major Collings dealer, called the Mangan strings their typical recommendation for Collings jumbos, and they are also very popular with the SCGC forumites.

Try a set, they're totally reasonable price-wise. I use their 12-54 Medium-Light PBs. Good luck.

[GibbyPrague]

Pyramids is what I string my Southern Jumbo with, but they are hard to get in the US, so DR Sunbeams would be a similar option, a little brighter, in 'sunny' kind of way.

Masterbuilts also have similar tone but die very quickly from my experience.

Would not recommend Elixers or 80/20's on the J-45, far too bright and metallic sounding, these guitars are ideal for warmer strings.

[Jim Owen]

Like Gibbyprague, I prefer Pyramid Westerns on my J 50.

I like the feel of roundcore and the Pyramids seem well balanced on that guitar. I've also used Pearse true nickels for a change of pace.

[Woodstock School Of Music]

Gibson Masterbuilt here. I tried a bunch of different brands but the Masterbuilts have a little extra punch which I like

[Warrenaines]

How do any of the Thomastik-Infelds sound on the J45?

[Jim Owen]

Originally Posted by Warrenaines

How do any of the Thomastik-Infelds sound on the J45?

They are really fine strings. I find they quiet my J 50; if, like Sal, you're all about the growl, they aren't very snarly.

[jheath]

I've got a J45 TV that I've acquired recently and so far I've tried Gibson Masterbilt 80/20 Lights and D'addario EJ16's. I prefer the EJ 16's so far and as mentioned earlier, they're cheap. They've been on the guitar about 2.5 weeks and they're pretty well dead, but I've been playing a lot. I've got a set of Masterbilt PB Lights and John Pearse PB Lights that will be the next couple sets up, and it seems they're also favourites around here on J45's. I really liked the John Pearse PB's on my other Gibsons.

[Pete'67]

Phosphor/Bronze does not seem to be the best choice for the J-45 Vintage.
PB overtones do not work well with the Adirondack top. Just my guess.

Also Elixirs where somehow disappointing (both PB and 80/20).

John Pears 80/20 Lights bring that bright but smooth tone I was looking for.
Stock Gibson Masterbuilt 80/20 Lights were not bad either.

Let's see how long they will last or change.

[RogerPease]

:-) All this is more proof that "it depends"!
That is, on how you play and what you like to hear.
Variety being the spice of life and all.

_Roger

[Warrenaines]

I've seen stock strings referenced in this thread as Gibson 80/20s. Is this still true? Have heard new Gibsons now have Daddarios.

[downtime]

I've tried a bunch and have settled on Pearse PB lights. I also really like the tone of Wyres PB lights but they are more expensive than John Pearse strings.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[eljay]

I put gibson masterbuilt PB lights on my 45 earlier today and they be da shizzle!