PDA

View Full Version : Gibson Monroe Strings



Mar-20-2005, 8:20pm
I have been displeased with the 74's that i usually use. The sound last for a very short amount of time and they have just not been to my liking.

Anyone use the Gibson Monroe strings? Are they good? Nice sound? Well i am plannin on gettin a new set this week. Please give me your advice. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

Yellowmandolin
Mar-20-2005, 9:15pm
That is what I am currently using on my F5G. I really like them but seem to come the opposite conclusion about how long they last. I have found that the J74s last longer than the Gibsons, a lot cheaper too. As soon as I run out of my current supply, I'm trying Bush's. Still, give them a shot, they might be just what you are looking for.

Greg H.
Mar-20-2005, 10:54pm
I really like the Monroes (they seem to hold up quite well for me). That said, because it's become a bit more of a pain to order Gibson's online (not to mention the fact that they cost an arm and a leg--and it's d#%n hard to play once I've sacrificed the arm for strings http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif ) I'm using J75's. The problem I always had with the J74s was that I really prefer the sound of the slightly heaver gauge (e.g. of the Monroes and the J75s).
That said I've found that different mandolins are particular to different strings. I had a Dearstone that really seemed best with Monels. The last two I've had (Apitius and Rattlesnake) have seemed best with the Monroes or J75s. When I get another mandolin I'll probably have to start from scratch and try out every type of strings to see what sounds best on that one.

Steve Farling
Mar-21-2005, 9:18am
PGAfan,I really liked the Gibson Monroe's on my F5-G but decided to try the Sam Bush's because of the feedback I got in another thread I started. I didn't like the Bush's even one little bit! I had them on for all of 3 days! I went back to the Monroe's. Then I decided to try the Tomastik stark's, WOW! These flatwound strings are worth every penny! Absolutely no string noise, and they've been on for about three months now with no indication of change in sound. Some of the other members say about six months life. No matter, I've got another set of them ready for the next string change. I know the're a little expensive, but not really when you consider the life of them. I was giving about 9.00 for a set of Monroe's at a local music shop and changing sets every two months. You can get the Tomastik's from Mandohack at jazzmando.com for 24.00 shipping included. As far as I know this is the best deal on the net. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Steve http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

straight-a
Mar-21-2005, 12:56pm
What Greg H. said!!

Lane Pryce
Mar-21-2005, 1:30pm
The last few sets of 74's seemed mushy to me after I played them hard. 75's are the way to go. Lp

Mar-21-2005, 6:58pm
Thanks for the feedback.