What acoustic strings / gauges do you recommend?

Chuffola

I changed the stings on my Eastman E2-OM to Ernie Ball Earthwoods and I don't like 'em! I'm not 100% sure what was on there previously - whatever they come with but they were nice - and I appreciate the Earthwoods are relatively new (couple of weeks, played for about an hour every day).

Likely to be very much a taste situation, I know, but any good recommendations - brands and gauges guidance welcomed!

earwighoney

I think the Eastmans come stock with D'Addario EXP16's, which are their coated Phosphor Bronze strings.

IMO, for any new guitar I'd recommend using the strings you are most familiar with, but if they aren't sounding pleasing to your ears I'd recommend either one of D'Addario's standard set of PB or 80/20 12-53 strings.

ICBM

What don't you like about them - too bright and tinny? If so that's a characteristic of 80/20 bronze.

If so try anything phosphor bronze - they sound warmer and fuller. For standard off-the shelf brands I like D'Addarios best - but I am a big fan of Newtone, which are made in the UK by a small company and will do custom gauges and options if you want... although if you're asking for advice on gauges I assume you don't yet have any preferences!

I use the Newtone Masterclass Phosphor Bronze 12-52, they have lower tension than most standard sets of 12s and seem to last a very long time, as well as sounding great out of the packet.

I also like DR Rare, but they're a bit more expensive.

malcolmkindness

Newtone Masterclass phosphor bronze 12-54 are my strings of choice.

Chuffola

Thanks chaps. Phosphor Bronze could be the very thing especially if that's what they came with. Definitely prefer a warmer sound. Gauges are a personal preference of course but 12 to 50-something are what I'm used to. I'll check out options as suggested. Cheers. 

more

I would suggest you work your way upwards . Start with something like a basic set of  Martins , about £5 .00 . It is possible that they will be OK ,but if not why not ?

drofluf

Newtone 12's or 13's depending on what's in stock. As other's have said great tome out of the packet and they last well

MichaelWatts

I use Elixir and have done for 20 years. My choice is 12-53 PB across all my acoustics

artiebear

I never use anything but D'Addario EJ PB strings. I get through boxes and boxes of 12's and 13's, they are always consistent in terms of performance, feel and tone whichever guitars I am using at the time.

Jalapeno

Always found new Eathwoods aren't new for long, they clog up - and the bronze stains your fingers.

I know Elixirs are a bit marmite, but I agree with @MichaelWatts 12s.  D'Addario Gypsy 10s on Maccaferri style though - not as shrill as Argentines or Gallis but last a whole lot longer and keep their tone.

shufflebeat

This is a difficult one because there are many variables, including the chemistry of your own body, I know folks who seem to kill PB strings on contact.

I used to use d'Addario ej17 sets on my  Tak ef360s (non TT) but then I bought an ef341sc which prefers the bluegrass set with a slightly lighter 1/2 but retains the heavier 5/6.

On a Crafter I tried all of them and eventually discovered Nickel Bronze strings which are beautiful to fingerpick but get "clacky" when played hard.

Kilgore

D'Addario PB 12-53 on spruce tops.

I really like 80/20 bronze on Mahogany tops. (90% Fingerpicking) 

malcolmkindness

As far as gauge is concerned, it depends on the guitar. I use 13's on a drednaught, 11's on a small bodied Martin authentic and 12's on everything else. I usually use Newtone masterclass or John Pearse.

lincolnblue

I use both Elixir Nanoweb 11s and D'Addario EXP16. I like the coated strings for longevity but I have heard good things about Newtone so if you don't like coated (I don't think they do coated strings?) maybe give them a try. 

Lestratcaster

I use the Elixir phosphors too on acoustics, they last ages and have a nice bright tone. Can get that nice jangly strummy sound when doing open chords.

Longtallronnie

I've always used Elixir 80/20s on my Faith Saturn, never really given other materials a thought. How do the phosphor bronze ones differ? 

Stuckfast

malcolmkindness said:

As far as gauge is concerned, it depends on the guitar. I use 13's on a drednaught, 11's on a small bodied Martin authentic and 12's on everything else. I usually use Newtone masterclass or John Pearse.

That's true but it's the other way around for me. My dreadnought is best with 12s but I have an ancient parlour guitar that really needs 13s, the difference is surprisingly dramatic.

ICBM

Longtallronnie said:

I've always used Elixir 80/20s on my Faith Saturn, never really given other materials a thought. How do the phosphor bronze ones differ? 

Warmer and fuller-sounding.

Longtallronnie

ICBM said:

Longtallronnie said:

I've always used Elixir 80/20s on my Faith Saturn, never really given other materials a thought. How do the phosphor bronze ones differ? 

Warmer and fuller-sounding.

Cheers, will give em a go next string change. 

Amigo

Sorry to barge in, I am trying to make sense of the pricing of coated PB strings. Right now, on Amazon, D'Addario EXP16 strings are £29.99, but Elixir 92/8 PB Nanoweb Lights are £14.30. Last time I bought Elixir strings a few years ago they were more expensive than the D'Addarios, now the D'Addarios are double the price of Elixirs. What am I missing here? Have D'Addario added Unobtainium to their strings?

thermionic

I thought the D’Addario EXP were discontinued and replaced by XT?