String question.

[357mag]

Whats the difference between them and regular strings and whats their best application? Are they particularly good/bad on oval hole Fs? Thanks.

[250sc]

I'm not sure what "regular" strings are but you should match the string to the mandolin to get the sound your looking for. If you own 3 different F model oval hole mandos you might use 3 different types of strings to get the sound you want.

Trying them is the only way to answer your question. (Lots of people like the Sam Bush monels.)

[bgmando]

Anybody here used the Bush monels on your F-5, and what's your impressions?

[dan@kins]

I have used the Sam Bush Monels on my F9 and liked them.

To my ear they are a bit duller in comparison to say J74's. The thing about them is you can have a more aggressive attack and chop without your tone breaking up or distorting. Hmm, how can I put it, less overtones, less volume but they take a harder hit. Probably why Sam likes them as he's a very percussive player.

I went back to 74s on my F9 but started using the Sam Bush strings on my Spicewood Two point. Its a very loud mandolin and its got quite a chop to it, almost too loud, its really too much for me. I love the Sam Bush monels on this mandolin, they sounds really good on it. So I figure it depends on the mandolin they are going on, its tone, and you're playing style and furthermore your taste as to whether or not they are for you.

It figure its probably worth the 8 bucks or so to experiment, huh?

[RichM]

I use mostly monels, and I really like 'em. Sound is hard to describe, but I find them to have a more balanced sound, rounder with less "edge." But the thing I like best about them is the way they feel on my fingers-- very smooth and comfortable. I find I have less finger fatigue and smoother slides with them.

[fatt-dad]

I have the monels on my Flatiron A5-1 and my beach mandolin (after all monel is not prone to corrosion). I like them also!

f-d

[357mag]

Thats good to know. Im gonna give em a try. I have two sets of Gibsons.No specific description. Been using J62s on the other mandos but they are kind of "jangly" on the oval F Eastman. I lowered the bridge on it so I hope the heavier strings will work with my arthritis. Good to know the monels are a little easier on the fingers. Thanks all for the input.

[steve in tampa]

I have been going back and forth between the Sam Bush and EXP74's. The Monels are more comfortable to play. The plain strings sound about the same on both sets. The Monels are less bright that the 74s. Both seem to last longer than regular PB strings by around 2-3 weeks.

[JD Cowles]

hated them on my old F5G, absolutely love them on my Bill Davis F5. i use different strings and picks on my A2. it takes some time and a few bucks to find the right combo, but when you do, it's worth it.
jd
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[bgmando]

I was curious, because mostly I've use DiAddarios. But someone gave me some Gibson Monroe sig strings. I put them on just to be doing it, and I was surprised at how pretty they made my F-5 sound.
Not as much volume though, and gave out quicker. Went back to the others.

But I've wanted to try them again and now the Bush strings.

[Scotti Adams]

I love the Bush Strings..been using them since 1985..then they were called Gibson Monels. I like the fact that they dont corrode..and have that played in sound without sounding dead....a set last me 3 times as long as a bronze set.

[JEStanek]

Howard,
On my Eatman I'm using the JazzMando (http://jazzmando.com/jazzmando_jm11_flatwound_strings.shtml)from mandohack. THey are lighter guage than the J74s that came on your Eastman. According to his site, they have a lighter guage for ease with closed position chords. This lighter guage, steel-flat-wound string may work well for you with the arthritis and give extended play. No Financial Interest Just Satisfied.

On another thread... someone smarter than me suggested keeping a little spiral bound pad in your case and record what strings you put on and how they performed for you. I've been meaning to do that with wine, strings, whatever but haven't been smart enough to do it. Maybe its the wine... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

Jamie

[Kirby161]

If you play grass, monels are the way to go. I think they give a much more bluegrassy feel than the bronze strings. The chop is choppyer, the tone is woodyer, the rythem is clearer.
Diaddarios are great because they are an all-around good string for all styles. However, if you want a great grass string, monels are pretty sweet.

[250sc]

"If you play grass, monels are the way to go."

I don't know what Bill Monroe used but aren't the Gibson BM strings bronze?

[bgmando]

What strings did Bill Monroe use?

[fatt-dad]

What strings did Bill Monroe use?
I really think that the Gibson packaging for the Monroe set is the replicate the original strings that Monroe used.

f-d

[Dfyngravity]

they are one of my favorites. i was in a quick need for strings and all the store had was John Pearse strings, surprisingly i actually found them to be quite nice. very good tone, nice chop...the only thing i found is that they haven't lasted as long as i would have liked. plus they didn't come with extra strings so back to the Bush strings for me.

[steve in tampa]

I had the same experience w/ Pearce guitar strings. They were great for about 2 days, then died a sudden and horrible "wouldn't say in tune" death.

You can't go wrong with the Bush strings for playability and life. Its just a matter of preferred tone. I constantly try other brands and types, but always come back to the Bush strings if I want to know what to expect.

Have had some good experiences with the EXP 74s and 75s,and FT74s but don't find as many in agreement on those as with the Bush monels.

Next on deck are TI Starks due to arrive soon. First set is going on an F9.

Anybody here used the Bush monels on your F-5, and what's your impressions?
I tried them on my Hutto, hated them. Sounded dead from the first pluck. Had 2 sets because of a "buy 1 get 1 free" deal, so I tried the other set on my F4, loved them, sounded great. Lasted a really long time.

I really was impressed with the fact that they give you 3 A's and 3 E's. Great idea!

What strings did Bill Monroe use?
I don't know, probably the cheapest ones he could find (pre-endorsement deal). I have a feeling they only got changed when they broke or someone else worked on it.