More brightness & punch out of cedar-top/hog B&S (STRINGS)

[ruger9]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

Cedar and mahogany are two strikes against getting a bright sound. Best bet is to pick a little closer to the bridge.
That will be more effective than playing around with string brands, etc..

I'm not looking for "a bright sound", this is a very warm/soft souding guitar, and I'm looking for strings that could help accentuate the punch and balance of it... which would, in fact, "balance" the tone- not make it "bright".

Think of it this way:

Most of you put strings on, and they are kinda' bright to start with, then they "settle in" nicely. then they get dull.

With THIS guitar, new strings ARE (sound) "settled in nicely", and by a week later (after they actually settle in) they sound dead (they are not dead; I don't play acoustic that much).

Which is why Elixirs (coated strings) work well with THIS guitar. But I don't like the slightly higher tension of the Elixirs. I wonder if Martin Lifespans are more "normal" tension (not as stiff as the Elixir Nanos)?

[Standicz]

Originally Posted by ruger9

I wonder if Martin Lifespans are more "normal" tension (not as stiff as the Elixir Nanos)?

The same gauge will have the same tension. Correct me if I'm wrong. Did you try to lower the action? In any case, try the Martins and see if you like them! That's the best thing you can do.

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by ruger9

I'm not looking for "a bright sound", this is a very warm/soft souding guitar, and I'm looking for strings that could help accentuate the punch and balance of it... which would, in fact, "balance" the tone- not make it "bright".

Think of it this way:

Most of you put strings on, and they are kinda' bright to start with, then they "settle in" nicely. then they get dull.

With THIS guitar, new strings ARE (sound) "settled in nicely", and by a week later (after they actually settle in) they sound dead (they are not dead; I don't play acoustic that much).

Which is why Elixirs (coated strings) work well with THIS guitar. But I don't like the slightly higher tension of the Elixirs. I wonder if Martin Lifespans are more "normal" tension (not as stiff as the Elixir Nanos)?

Martin PB light sets have more total tension than Elixir Nano light. Maybe something with the slicker feel bothering you.

Bronze strings sets have slightly lower tension the PB sets.

If you want more punch and clarity play a little closer to the bridge. For example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RpggOr2p74

[Brucebubs]

1. D'Addario Nickel Bronze
2. Martin Titanium ... and yep, they're $39.99 a set.

[ruger9]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

Martin PB light sets have more total tension than Elixir Nano light. Maybe something with the slicker feel bothering you.

Yes, I looked that up... interesting... certainly didn't FEEL that way!

[ruger9]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

1. D'Addario Nickel Bronze
2. Martin Titanium ... and yep, they're $39.99 a set.

I've wondered about those Titaniums....

My situation is kind of unique, might actually be worth the price IF they work...

I change my acoustic strings only 2-3 times a year. Because they don't get a ton of use, I'm primarily an electric guy. So my guitar hangs for months between changes, and only gets played comparatively little. So, $80 for a year's worth of strings isn't TOO terrible, compared to you guys who play alot and change them every couple weeks...

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by ruger9

I've wondered about those Titaniums....

My situation is kind of unique, might actually be worth the price IF they work...

I change my acoustic strings only 2-3 times a year. Because they don't get a ton of use, I'm primarily an electric guy. So my guitar hangs for months between changes, and only gets played comparatively little. So, $80 for a year's worth of strings isn't TOO terrible, compared to you guys who play alot and change them every couple weeks...

I got a good 10 months out of the set I tried.
Nice feel, great tone and excellent volume.
Uncanny ability to stay in tune for the 1st 6 months.

Round core so don't cut them until they're up to tune.
Also read of some breakages from users that like to change tuning a lot - I didn't change tuning on mine and they stayed good.

[tippy5]

Once you are used to Elixir tone (I love it on some of mine too) it is not easy to find that anywhere else. I like the TI Spectrums for less tension, string longevity and woody tone. Or I would try the hybrid Elixirs 54-11. They are less tension and subsequently a little less tone. But it is the tone of the Elixir you want to duplicate.

Are you missing chord, or single note, vibrato with the high tension?
Or do you have sore fingers?
Have you tried lowering the action?
Gotten a pro setup? A great setup can reduce the perceived string tension.

[ruger9]

Originally Posted by tippy5

Once you are used to Elixir tone (I love it on some of mine too) it is not easy to find that anywhere else. I like the TI Spectrums for less tension, string longevity and woody tone. Or I would try the hybrid Elixirs 54-11. They are less tension and subsequently a little less tone. But it is the tone of the Elixir you want to duplicate.

Are you missing chord, or single note, vibrato with the high tension?
Or do you have sore fingers?
Have you tried lowering the action?
Gotten a pro setup? A great setup can reduce the perceived string tension.

Being primarily a rock/blues player, I like to bend. Alot.
I don't want the action any lower, I like it on the medium side. i'm one of those guys that like some fight. Tension on the Sunbeams is great. 12s. I don't like 11s on this guitar, of any brand. If I were a fingerstyle player perhaps, but I'm a pick guy. Sort of a strummer/picker (not a flatpicker and not an "only strummer")

I see the Martin TIs are also round core, and have lower tension.

After looking up tension numbers (NO ONE has tension numbers on Sunbeams??), it seems the Martin SP Flexible Core "Tommy's Choice" (I had lying around), are higher tension than even the Elixirs... so I will re-try the Elixir Nanos again. The string longevity really makes it worth it for me, since I DON'T play alot of acoustic.

And, being silly, I'll probably drop $40 on a set of those Martin TIs as well....


The Sunbeams work great for gigs- put on fresh strings, play the gig (alot of strumming), then change them after. They just don't last, hanging on the wall for months.... at least not for this guitar/me... love how they sound when new/ish tho.