GHS Strings

[mandonewbie]

The local stores in my area don't have much of a selection of mandolin strings. It's time to replace mine for the first time on my new mandolin, so I went looking...Only thing available was GHS.....I plan on experimenting and ordering some from internet sources, but these will have to do for now.....Does anyone use them, and how do you like them....I'm gonna use lights, are there any good suggestions?.....I have a Kentucky KM-150S.

[vkioulaphides]

GHS lights work well on bowlbacks; OK, not great: The tone is a bit thin and shallow, plus the wound courses go dull relatively soon. Then again, they are inexpensive and therefore give you a reasonable quality for the price.

I know virtually nothing about carved instruments, so I assume the next post(s) will have more valuable advice than mine. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[jmkatcher]

I'm using the A270s (11/16/26/40) which I'm quite happy with. I think they're a little brighter than the J74s that a lot of others use, but I'll admit my newbieness here.

[happycamper]

I also use the GHS A270's and like them on my Gibson A model

[MikeB]

If you can find GHS Silk & Bronze, definitely give them a go. #They last a LONG time, sound great. #Not quite as bright as J74, 75s. #I try everything, but keep coming back to these.

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Mike Buesseler

[Unseen122]

You should try Phousphour Bronzes (D'Addario) some say they are the best I have only tryed a few others which weren't as good. I am trying Elixirs next they are on there way from elderly right now. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Doug Edwards]

GHS Silk & Bronze have the best tone on mine. I've a set of TI Stark on now. They are very good, have good volume, and feel great, but not as woody sounding as the GHS.

[Fretbear]

You would never know it to look at their website, but if you can get hold of an FQMS catalog, their price and selection of sets and non generic singles is pretty hard to beat.

[wannabethile]

my best advice for GHS strings is to avoid them. they are easily the worst strings ive ever used on my mando. i found absolutely nothing that i liked about them. uuuuhhhhhhh.....yeah

[Michael Lewis]

I happen to know that GHS uses the latest technology and first rate materials just like D'Addario, Gibson, etc. I have used many brands and find small differences between them but nothing major. Most brands have comperable strings sets except for the proprietary models like flat tops, silk and steel, monel stainless, etc. Some folks prefer the way a certain set feels or sounds, because of some slight differences compared to other sets, but that doesn't mean the other strings are bad.

People seem to get into a frame of mind like "Fords are better then Chevys" or vise versa, when there is often very little difference in the actual performance. That frame of mind drives much of the market.

[steve in tampa]

I just put a set (ball end) on my Ovation MM68, and really like the smoothness of the sound on that instrument. Had the Adamas on before. Next try might be a bunch of Elixer singles cobbled together.

[Larroman]

I like the GHS silk & bronze on my MMS-3.
I also like the Dadarrios',they were just a little too brite for what Im into these days,but good string all in all IMHO. I feel the GHS stay sounding better a little longer than the "D's"...But I sure like the Dadarrios'
on my Dobros'(but thats another forum ha,ha) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[mandolooter]

I've had the Silk & Steels on my mando for 2 months now and Im still loving the tone. (not the same set) I've been thru 4 different strings now and so far these are suiting my ear the best. #Tomasiks FW's, J74's, the flat-wound D'Addarios and now these GHS one's. #These seem to have the shortest string-life...woundn't ya know it!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[mrbook]

I've used GHS strings for years, and partiularly like the Bobby Osborne set (11-38). They work for me.

[Bob A]

GHS PF250 on a '21 F4. The bright bronze and the lighter gauge seem well suited to this vintage mandolin.

I've never had a reason to diss GHS strings.

[yoods]

Bob A
What kind of music do you play with your F; celtic, grass?

Have you tried the GHS A260 (11-38) or A250(10-36) set (Phosphor Bronze) on your F-4? If so, how do they compare with the sound of bright bronze? Any difference in how long they last?

[Dennis Schubert]

I've used GHS PF-270 sets for many years, playing bluegrass on Gibson F-5L and Flatiron A-5-1.

[futrconslr]

I just put a set of Silk and Bronze on. So far I like the tone. I was using J-75s. I have also used J-74s, elixers, silk and steels.

I thought about the monroe and bush sets just havent gone that way yet. Maybe next time! I am still trying to pair my mando with the best string for it.

[Pickin_N_Ridin]

Yep! I use the GHS silk & bronze strings all the time. My favorites...for now....