checking out some cleartone strings

tsaidog · #1 11-09-2007, 12:55 PM

I'm thinking about trying out some cleartone strings and I'm looking for some opinions... I have a Taylor K24ce that currently has elixirs, but I'm wanting to see what the cleartones will do to the tone but I have heard strings sound different depending on the guitars. Thoughts, comments?

rlouie · #2 11-09-2007, 01:03 PM

nice tone but they felt a little stiff to me......................

Bluepoet · #3 11-09-2007, 01:04 PM

I tried Cleartones, on my 414ce...I didn't think they flattered the tone...too "brassy", for my taste...but then, I don't like the Elixir Nanos, either...I favor Elixir Polys, or PBs, as they take off some of the "shimmer", while keeping balance, or slightly favoring the mids to stand out. I'm still looking for a string that will bring out more bass tone, without being muddy--till then, I'm just trying to make my thumb more "expressive"!!

For non-coated strings, I like Dean Markleys (the Blue package, cryogenically treated).

Sammy_L_D · #4 11-09-2007, 01:12 PM

Play them and judge for yourself. Cleartones are a big toss-up for most people it seems. Better off trying them yourself.

rlouie · #5 11-09-2007, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammy_L_D

Play them and judge for yourself. Cleartones are a big toss-up for most people it seems. Better off trying them yourself.

they are a little bit expensive here in the states to just try them out without some opinions on them..............

Sammy_L_D · #6 11-09-2007, 01:18 PM

Ah...fair enough.

In that case, I have two experiences with them which were completely different.

One was that they sounded quite jangly when first put on, and mellowed out suprisingly quick (for coated strings).

The other is that they felt a little too tight, and their tone stayed consistent for a long time.

TBman · #7 11-09-2007, 01:24 PM

I'm using Cleartones lights on my Martin D-16GT in this partial cover of Tommy Emmanuel's "Those Who Wait"

Those Who Wait

I like them.

Guitar Hack · #8 11-09-2007, 02:00 PM

I just posted a thread on these strings. THey are great. So far 9 days on the guitar and they sound as good as the first day. See my thread.

Bryan T · #9 11-09-2007, 03:01 PM

I've been disappointed with their longevity both times that I've used them. The wound strings seemed to lose their clarity after a few weeks.

Bryan

Emil · #10 11-10-2007, 03:09 AM

I gave them a try a few weeks ago but i didn't care much for them.
I put them on my Taylor 114e and to me they just felt stiff and were lacking bass.
However i did like that they didn't feel like coated strings to me and they had a nice crisp and bright sound.
Well i had them on for a couple of days then i switched back to my Alchemy GB.
Thing is some like em some don't. Try em out.

firegarden · #11 11-12-2007, 05:36 AM

Just stung my Mcpherson with some Cleartones. They are really tight and indeed brassy sounding. And also lacking in sustain. Although I used a medium - light gauge, the bass response seems missing. I'm going to switch back to my uncoated Blue Steel. They sound so much better

MuzicMaKen · #12 11-12-2007, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan T

I've been disappointed with their longevity both times that I've used them. The wound strings seemed to lose their clarity after a few weeks.

Bryan

I agree Bryan....
I bought 6 packs of mediums, put a set on my Breedlove and it made the guitar sound dead after a week. Ended up trading them for D'Addario's pack for pack.... I prefer ELixer's and D'addario's ...

Anyway I think the concept of Cleartones sounds good and looks good on paper but are overrated. I bought them because Tommy Emanuel endorses them. JMHO

ken