I want to get a "warmer" sound from my guitar.

[haithereimazn]

I'm currently doing trial/error experiments with various strings on my Tak. I've gone from extra lights to mediums, with various brands. The Tak, having maple b/s, just has that "tinny" tone. There's almost no low end, and highs seem to be too bright.
However, I don't want to sell the guitar because it's decent when plugged in, but I know I can get it to sound better with a new set of strings.

I wasn't exactly fond of Elixir's tone, and D'addario just didn't seem to cut it either. (it came strung with EXP16's when I bought it).

However, a friend of mine did mention Cleartone strings.....but the problem is, no stores near me carry them.....I might search ebay and just order online.

Are there any others strings that can give me a warmer, less tinny sound?

[jmcphail]

Maybe a "Bluegrass" set with beefier low strings?

[denmar355]

best bet is John Pearse phos/brz mediums but maple is still maple IMO

[banshee87]

I tried Cleartone Lights (purchased at Guitar Center) on my Taylor 914ce, and I didn't like them. They were a bit too bright (they are known for having a better response curve) and, after playing them 1 time, they corroded and the low E string lost it tone. I don't why....but that's what happened ! I replaced them after my 1st gig with them. Went back to Elixirs. I use 80/20s, but some say to try the Phosphor Bronze to get a warmer tone. For years I hated Elixirs (coating rubs off, strings break)....but now that's all I use. So far they give me the best tone.

[RussMason]

Maple is fine for jazz, single-note playing and maybe strumming. It is not a resonant tonewood, the way mahogany and rosewood are. I had the same problem with a Parkwood (Cort) maple jumbo a few years ago. There is not a whole lot you can do.

John Pearse strings may help - they are far more mellow that other brands. Same with Curt Mangan and Sfarzo strings. These are all phosphor bronze.

There won't be a whole lot of difference between the sound of mediums or light - since the maple is creating the sound. Mediums might sound slightly fatter, but there are so many variables.

Another suggestion is to use a heavier (thicker) pick, or heavier fingerpicks. That might help also.

[min7b5]

How's the action? Getting it up a tad would likely help. A good setup can make a big difference.

[HHP]

As suggested, a heavier pick in the 1.5 to 2.0 range will warm up sound more than any string change. Won't give more bass but you can only get what's there.

[JohnnyDes]

Gotta try out the DR rare strings. Very warm.

JD

[ahorsewithnonam]

Trade it for a Martin?

[haithereimazn]

Originally Posted by ahorsewithnonam

Trade it for a Martin?

If only...

[Glennwillow]

John Pearse strings are known for their warmer tone -- they may help. The DR Sunbeams and DR Rare strings are also quite warm. Also nickel strings are very warm but I would try the above strings first before nickel.

- Glenn

[BuckMahoney]

Along with some darker strings try finding a thicker softer pick.Something made with nylon,I like the stringsandbeyond.com red pick,really mellows out my guitar when compared to a thinner more brittle pick.Don't really know what it's made of but i like it and it gives me a warmer tone compared to others I've tried.

[haithereimazn]

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

John Pearse strings are known for their warmer tone -- they may help. The DR Sunbeams and DR Rare strings are also quite warm. Also nickel strings are very warm but I would try the above strings first before nickel.

- Glenn

Originally Posted by JohnnyDes

Gotta try out the DR rare strings. Very warm.

JD

Just ordered these off of ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/DR-RARE-PB-Acous...item2c5772bd9d

will see/post how they sound on the Tak once they arrive

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by haithereimazn

I'm currently doing trial/error experiments with various strings on my Tak. I've gone from extra lights to mediums, with various brands. The Tak, having maple b/s, just has that "tinny" tone. There's almost no low end, and highs seem to be too bright.
However, I don't want to sell the guitar because it's decent when plugged in, but I know I can get it to sound better with a new set of strings.
...

Are there any others strings that can give me a warmer, less tinny sound?

I use and endorse John Pearse strings, and think that you might like either the phosphor bronze alloy or perhaps the John Pearse nickel strings, as well.

I also use and endorse the John Pearse armrest, which is designed to lift your forearm off the top in order to allow it to vibrate to its fullest extent. This will generally give you a more emphatic and fuller bass response.

The armrests attach along the edge of the top, directly over the lining on the inside. This area of the top doesn't vibrate, because the lining holds the told rigidly there, so no sound is dampened when an armrest is used. The armrest is also easily removed, should you decide you don't like it.



Here are some of the different styles that are available:



A quick and easy way to determine whether a Pearse armrest will help the tone of your guitar is to strum a vigorous first position E chord, then, as the chord is still ringing, lift your arm off the top.

If you can hear a change in the tone when your arm is lifted, and you LIKE that change, then you should consider installing an armrest on the guitar.

I typically use OM and smaller guitars, and I find the Pearse armrest to be essential in getting the fullest tone possible out of those instruments. So you might find it helpful, as well.

Hope this helps.


Wade Hampton Miller

[JohnnyDes]

Originally Posted by haithereimazn

Just ordered these off of ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/DR-RARE-PB-Acous...item2c5772bd9d

will see/post how they sound on the Tak once they arrive

Let us know how they work out. Also, I find the Dunlop gator grip picks to have a pretty mellow sound. You can get sets of two at picks galore to try out a bunch.

JD