Strings

[Texan Mando]

I would bet money that this topic has been beaten to death on this board. But, since I am new to this site, I would like some input from the mando players that are "long in the tooth" ("experienced" for those not familiar with cowboy vernacular).

I have been using Elixer Nano Web strings for the past two years, and they are not bad. Rather than spend a fortune on string experimentation - I figured I'd just ask. Anybody have a preference of stings over Elixer?
Jay

[Keith Erickson]

Hey there and Good Morning Jay,

I would highly recommend. D'Adario J-74's.

I've always had great luck with them. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[fatt-dad]

. . . . and on the other hand, you may want to try the Bush Monels (Gibson).

(It would actually be a good idea to know what mandolin you plan on putting them on.)

f-d

[Daniel Nestlerode]

Hey Tex-Man,
You know, there really is no substitute for personal experience with strings. J-74s are my standby, but I like the Elixir nano-webs and the Gibson Bush strings too. I tried the D'Addario FT-74s, but they didn't really melt my butter. I ahve tried Tomastik-Infeld strings or Ted's JM-11's.
But none of my experience with these strings on my mando is really transferable to your experience with these strings on your mando. If you don't have the bucks or the patience to try all kinds of strings one after another before they wear out under normal play wear, then buy two sets at a time. Your regular strings and one you haven't tried yet. Put the ones you haven't tried yet on first. If you like 'em, leave 'em. If you hate 'em go back to your standby set. Start over when your standby set wears out.
Good luck, have fun and enjoy the process!

Daniel

[travers chandler]

I play J 75's and tried the 75 exp this weekend and they stood the test!!!

[JEStanek]

I think strings on a mando are like shoes on your feet. I like Doc Martens and those Mocs Lands End sells.

I've played Elixers and liked them. The J74s I liked too, but they tarnished up way earlier than the Elixers. I just put on the Jazz Mando strings and love the comfort. I don't play bluegrass, I hardly jam with anyone other than my 2, 4 year old, and my teacher.

The planets of your mando, playing style, pick, and string choice all gotta be right to find the Goldilocks string. Don't dump tons of money into it maybe just 3/4ton. The phospor are the BG standard. Phosphor with a coating seems to vary based on what I read....

Have fun. Everytime your restring you get better at it. Trying new ones is fun! Keep a journal with your likes and dislikes, picks etc. for the accessories. It helps my Senior Moments of trying to remember what I liked vs didn't like.

Jamie

[Big Joe]

My current favorite is the D'addario J74's. Elixer Nano Web is a close second. I love the Bush strings for an entirely different tone but usually use one of the first two. You won't go wrong with any of them. The J74's are not quite as bright as the Elixers, but the elixers will last about twice as long. The bushs never seem to wear out, but they also have a certain cool dead sound to them that is very percusive. The only negative to the monels is the A strings which are 14's and would do much better with 16's. I usually replace the A strings with 16's from a different set and they work fine.

[Mando4Life]

I would recommend trying the Black Diamond 74s. #They really sound good on my mandolin. #I was strictly a Gibson Monel used until I tried the BDs out on my last string change.


You will most likely try a lot of brands before you find one that sounds best to you. #It's all part of the fun of playing mandolin.

WBL

[banjomanva]

i like the elixir's also but i recently tried the d'addarios. i still think i like the elixir's more because they seem to feel smooth for months longer than anything else i have tried. the d'addarios have already worn out and they are just a couple of months old (but they have been played to death).

[GBG]

Look at webstring.com for some cheap strings that have the same specs as J74's.

[Texan Mando]

Gracias amigos…..that ought to keep me busy for a while. I appreciate the helpful tips. Fatt-Dad - it's a Lebeda "Blonde" Curley Maple Jazz-5. I have a picture of some fella named Roland White playin' it. He looks like he knows what he is doing.
Jay

[travers chandler]

Months? I just wish I could get a week out of mine....




like the elixir's also but i recently tried the d'addarios. i still think i like the elixir's more because they seem to feel smooth for months longer than anything else i have tried. the d'addarios have already worn out and they are just a couple of months old (but they have been played to death

[Jasper]

I noted a lot of folks like the J74s, but I prefer D'addario nickel-wound strings. They seem to have a little warmer tone than bronze. I also like the GHS Bobby Osborne set. Though I must confess, part of the reason I like these two types is because they are slightly smaller in diameter than the J74s and a therefore a little easier on my fingers. Be patient and try as many as you can and you will settle on a favorite or two.