Help finding thumpy strings for flat picking (not bright!)

[Slophand]

Hi, (first post, folks) I recently bought a used epiphone slope shoulder dreadnought aj220s that came with a set of old strings that gave it a wonderful thumpy , mellow, woody sound but when I swapped them out for daddario phosphor bronze lights, it now sounds way too bright for my liking. I
Im looking for strings that have that thumpy, smooth mellow sound like early, j45 era dylan for flat picking. I suppose I prefer dead-ish sounding strings in general. Would elixir poly webs be the strings for me? Can anyone recommend strings that aren't too bright that would provide that "thump" I'm looking for? Thanks.

[HHP]

I'd try Retro Monels. Not dead sounding but very fundamental in tone and a more powerful, projective sound. They tend not to add a lot to the guitar sound. Much less bright than any PB or 80/20 variant.

[KarenB]

D'Addario Flat Tops. They have the added benefit of reducing squeak noise (though some people may like squeaks).

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by HHP

I'd try Retro Monels. Not dead sounding but very fundamental in tone and a more powerful, projective sound. They tend not to add a lot to the guitar sound. Much less bright than any PB or 80/20 variant.

Yep, these went on a bright guitar and they literally changed the guitar's tone, not it's voice, but tone. They need a few hours to mellow out and then they're good.
If you want "dead" those aforementioned flat tops will do it. I had them on for about five minutes and they were removed.

[guitararmy]

You might simply put on a set of noncoated PB strings and wait for them to get thumpy. I know exactly the sound you're talking about...that's usually a sign for me to change out my strings.

[Buc-a-Roo]

Originally Posted by Slophand

.....came with a set of old strings that gave it a wonderful thumpy, mellow, woody sound......

Key words there are "old strings". I too prefer that dry, thumpy sound from old strings and there's not a set of new strings out there that recreate it. Just gotta be patient and play that new set in until it gets where you like it.

[cmd612]

DR Rares might be worth a try.

[Slophand]

Originally Posted by Buc-a-Roo

Key words there are "old strings". I too prefer that dry, thumpy sound from old strings and there's not a set of new strings out there that recreate it. Just gotta be patient and play that new set in until it gets where you like it.

Yeah, half of my brain was thinking that and the other half didn't want to believe it. Haha. I will try to get my greasy mits on those strings as much as possible and strangle them into submission before I swap sets. Thank you.

[Slophand]

Thank you all for your replies. This is a great forum, u guys are prompt! I'm gonna research all of the aforementioned string options. Cheers.

[SunnyDee]

I don't like bright either. I like Martin M130 Silk and Steel for that, but they feel a little sticky for sliding. The Flat tops do sound pretty good right away but mine didn't last long at all.

[Slophand]

Originally Posted by SunnyDee

I don't like bright either. I like Martin M130 Silk and Steel for that, but they feel a little sticky for sliding. The Flat tops do sound pretty good right away but mine didn't last long at all.

I've been considering silk and steel type strings for fingerpicking applications . Another option to consider. Thank you.

[semolinapilcher]

I used to feel the exact same way. I guess I just got used to the twang.

Old strings just don't seem to stay in tune as well though.

[Looburst]

Nickel Bronze by D'Addario. A friend of mine, Bob Minner, the acoustic guitar player for Tim McGraw's band plays them almost exclusively. Excellent for bluegrass flat-pickers.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Looburst

Nickel Bronze by D'Addario. A friend of mine, Bob Minner, the acoustic guitar player for Tim McGraw's band plays them almost exclusively. Excellent for bluegrass flat-pickers.

Another member said those had more zing than the Retros.
I just don't know what to think anymore.

[vindibona1]

Try Rotosound Jumbo Kings