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Strings Choice

Let this Strings By Mail database help inform your string choice by learning what other players with similar instruments have chosen and why.
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309 results
  • Year2005
    Instrument typeClassical
    Builder / ManufacturerGreg Byers
    Instrument ModelHand Made
    Top woodSpruce
    Side woodRosewood
    Back woodRosewood
    PlayerValerie Hartzell
    Strings Comment
    I used to use Savarez Alliance normal tension trebles & high tension bass strings. But, I did not like the bright tone. Byers recommended I use D'Addario because he had measure the nut and bridge for D'addario. Much better now!
  • Year2014
    Instrument typeClassical
    Builder / ManufacturerGreg Byers
    Instrument ModelCustom
    Top woodCedar
    Side woodRosewood
    Back woodRosewood
    PlayerAnonymous
    Strings Comment
    Strong but balanced basses, warm trebles, good string life.
  • Year2006
    Instrument typeClassical
    Builder / ManufacturerGreg Smallman
    Instrument ModelLattice braced
    Top woodCedar
    Side woodBrazilian Rosewood
    Back woodRosewood
    PlayerThomas Viloteau
    Strings Comment
    The Savarez Alliance have the right balance between projection and precision of the attack; they also fit my Smallman perfectly.
  • Year2008
    Instrument typeClassical
    Builder / ManufacturerGregory Byers
    Instrument ModelCustom 630mm
    Top woodSpruce
    Side woodRosewood
    Back woodRosewood
    PlayerAmy Brucksch
    Strings Comment
    Great projection, clear, crisp sound.
  • Year2020
    Instrument typeAcoustic
    Builder / ManufacturerGretsch
    Instrument ModelG9500 Jim Dandy
    Top woodAgathis
    Side woodAgathis
    Back woodAgathis
    PlayerAlexander Gibbs
    Strings Comment
    The Martin custom light strings pair perfectly with the shorter scale length of this compact parlor guitar. Compared to the original set of 12-53 strings, the lower notes have a deeper resonance and better sustain. The heavier set (D'Addario EJ16) were muddy and lacked the the ringing vibrations of these on the lower end. This change to the custom lights results in a cleaner, louder bass with very high definition. The highs and middles are very comparable to the heavier strings with slightly better intonation on bends and scale runs, while retraining the projection and bluesy, shrill quality provided by the parlor body.
    Pick Choice: D'Andrea Delrex 355 Pick Comment: This pick shape ups the volume and improves the clarity qualities on this Parlor. Perfect for picking Bluegrass or Blues runs with its precision point. Either the 1.0mm or 1.14mm gauge for me. Hard attacks seem to carry a better punch and pitch preservation with this shape. Sweeps have a stunning effect with this pick as well. For my style, it's hard to go back to a more rounded triangle after hearing how this shape sounds.
  • Year1984
    Instrument typeAcoustic
    Builder / ManufacturerGuild
    Instrument ModelD25M
    Top woodMahogany
    Side woodMahogany
    Back woodMahogany
    PlayerDavid Nigel Lloyd
    Strings Comment
    I don't like the sound of new strings. They sound thin and quacky to me. Except for Red Brand copper bronze. They sound pretty warm when new and warmer when warn in.
  • Year2012
    Instrument typeAcoustic
    Builder / ManufacturerGuild
    Instrument ModelF-30CE
    Top woodSpruce
    Side woodRosewood
    Back woodRosewood
    PlayerBrad Hogg
    Strings Comment
    The gauges on this set are almost exactly the same as what most in the GC community have been using for years, with only a couple slight changes. But I have found that this set, while initially feeling slightly stiffer due to the NYXL plain strings and cores, wears in to a very responsive and easy to play feel. D?addario?s Nickel Bronze alloy has a slightly darker tone that has a slight pianistic quality, and is also naturally non-corrosive. This last point is especially important, as I often can play a set of these for several months and still retain clarity and focus and never have to clean them. I cannot recommend these strings enough. The F-30CE features Cocobolo rosewood back and sides, a Carpathian Spruce top, mahogany neck and ebony fretboard.
  • Year1970
    Instrument typeClassical
    Builder / ManufacturerGuillermo LLuquet
    Instrument ModelSpanish
    Top woodSpruce
    Side woodSycamore
    Back woodSycamore
    PlayerPeter Allan
    Strings Comment
    These strings lend a natural airy resonance to the guitar sound. They actually have a feeling under the fingers as if they were gut strings. Once settled in they stay in tune well and months later sound fresh and resonant.
  • Year2006
    Instrument typeMandolin
    Builder / ManufacturerGuitarra Baiana
    Instrument ModelLight Tension
    Top woodMahogany
    Side woodMahogany
    Back woodRosewood
    PlayerYuri Barreto
    Strings Comment
    These strings, in the mandolin intonation, make the sound great!
  • Year2006
    Instrument typeMandolin
    Builder / ManufacturerGuitarra Baiana
    Instrument ModelTensao Media
    Top woodMahogany
    Side woodMahogany
    Back woodRosewood
    PlayerYuri Barreto
    Strings Comment
    I have a theoretical study of string tension, tested by great musicians. All of them very much like the strings with these tensions and scale length of 340mm - 360mm. These strings, in the mandolin intonation, make the sound great! It is a hybrid between guitar and mandolin, given totally to Brazilian musicality.