Quick poll: what strings and why?

[mdlorenz]

I 've been experimenting w/ different strings a lot lately, & it's interesting to see the differences, especially on different mandos.

On my Flatiron (93 performer A) I use J75s, to get a bit more volume & punch out of the midtones. Seem to work better than anything

On my Campanella, I've only used exp74s & J74s. Thinking of trying EXP77s, or EXP 75's. Just to see the difference.

In general what are the tonal differences in the 80/20 77's & the Phos Bronze 74s? Any difference in the feel?

[Brandon Flynn]

For me, Exp 75s. I like their feel, the coating seems to last a longer time than other strings and feels good when I slide. I haven't used J75's in a long time, so I don't remember much, but I think the tone is very similar, the EXPs just last longer and feel better to me.

[Nick Alberty]

GHS Phosphur Bronze......11..16..26..40 size

I like the heaviest and thickest strings I can get. Thicker usually gives more mellow tone in my opinion. Phosphur Bronze aren't too "bright" and sound great after about two gigs.

No need to try any others. I have tried others and these are the best.

[mdlorenz]

Oh forgot another important qualifier... what type of music you play.

Also if you could include what instrument these strings are on. I know I like different strings on my 2.

[Gutbucket]

I like Thomastik Infelds. They last a long time,(stainless steel), give a woody tone, and are easy on the fingers because they're flat wound. They're great for toneing down a high bright sounding mandolin.

[Nick Alberty]

Ok....

I play bluegrass, and also play mandolin in my country band.

I use the strings on my '01 Gibson Flatiron.

[mandopete]

EXP-75's.

Quick.

[Mike Bunting]

Gibson Monels

[rbsumner]

Ok....

I play bluegrass, and also play mandolin in my country band.

I use the strings on my '01 Gibson Flatiron.
where do you get those at here in the usa?

[Joel Spaulding]

Greek Bowlback - Elixir mediums (pretty light, actually)
On my iii #17, Oscar Scmidt A and World-Famous Inlay Artist 2 pointer - J75s, Sam Bush Monels.

The monels are my "default" strings as they are carried locally. Usually last 4-6 weeks - but the "wimpy" A-string bothers me on occasion. The j75s really sing on the iii #17 and will give me an extra week or two compared to the Gibson strings. YMMV

[tango_grass]

EXP-75's.

Quick.
Pete,

You have a place local you get those? Or do you get them online? Thanks.

[Rick Cadger]

J74s with 115 instead of 11 on the E course on the Bovier Tradition (used to use J75s, but the mix balances the treble better with the bass).

J74s on everything else.

[DeamhanFola]

I like the John Pearse 2150s: phosphor bronze (.11-.40). I mainly play Irish trad on an A oval hole. Nice clarity and brightness witout unpleasant bite, nice feel, though I initially felt the .01 difference on the A strings when I switched to them fromD'Addario J74s, if you can believe it.

I'm open to trying others though.

[mandolirius]

<In general what are the tonal differences in the 80/20 77's & the Phos Bronze 74s? Any difference in the feel?>

I noticed no one answered that part of your query. There shouldn't be much, if any, difference in tone or "feel". I use 80/20 because something in my body's chemical makeup doesn't get along with phosphor bronze. They sound and feel about the same to me, but last twice as long. I'm lucky to get a week out of phosphor bronze.

[herbert]

just strings (http://www.juststrings.com) has pretty much any strings you need

[allenhopkins]

Donel lights on everything but the F-5, which has Donel mediums.

Donel is a brand that Dave Stutzman at Stutzman's Guitar Center carries as a "house" label. Initiated by his father, Eldon (get it? "Eldon"/"Donel"). Someone makes them for Dave, I'm guessing GHS.