Mapes strings anybody?

[imwjl]

I've known that they are a major specialty and piano wire maker maker for decades, know that they supply wire to the major string makers and hear they give you spare G, B & E strings. I've only found one web-based reseller in the US (so far).

This U.K. site supports the rumors of the spares:
http://calininstruments.co.uk/html/__mapes_strings.html

I've also been told these strings were or are the favorites of some Nashville players or stars.

I recall string sets having spares when I was a kid, but not what brand they were. It was a big deal for me to ride my bike downtown and marvel at the items at the music store and cough, cough I guess it hasn't changed in 40+ years.

Thank you.

[ovangkol bill]

I remember getting the Mapes Monel strings with the extra 3 strings back in my college days over 35 years ago. They sounded pretty good on my 1968 Yamaha Red Label FG-140. Because they weren't bronze they didn't have too much warmth or complexity, but they were loud! They also felt stiffer than the regular bronze/phosphor bronze wound strings.

[bgfriend]

Larry Sparks uses Mapes X-Heavy

[imwjl]

Interesting.

1. I didn't know monel was used in guitar strings but did know it was used in musical instruments, marine applications and in highly corrosive environments. It has been a long time since I worked with machining and metals but I thought monel was cupronickel alloy hard to machine and work-hardened.
2. I guess this confirms the rumors of well known if not star players liking them.

I found them at this site and ordered some - the price is certainly right and especially if they have the spares.

http://www.bigcitystrings.com/mapes.htm

[imwjl]

I got my package today, and indeed it's "a set and a half" with spare G, B and high E.

No time to try them yet with fresh or almost fresh strings on all my guitars.



WJL

[guitarjoe20]

How did the strings work out for you?

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by guitarjoe20

How did the strings work out for you?

That last post is 11 years old now.

[Skarsaune]

You can order strings direct at
https://www.mapesstrings.com/guitar-strings/
Packaged three sets to a bag, didn’t see any extra e’s or b’s in there.
I got some for a Yamaha rescue project and they sound pretty good.
Always like to support local businesses - the plant is just a couple miles from where I work.

[guitarjoe20]

I know, that was the year I graduated high school. Acoustic guitar forum has been around a while.

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

That last post is 11 years old now.