String Question

[MDSMITH]

I was wonrdering what everyne thought of the Daddario Flat Tops and the Elixers? I have j74s now, but was thinking of trying a something new. Also, can you still get good tone out of a set lighter than the j74s? Maybe 10,14,24,34? Thanks

[Ravenwood]

I tried the D'Addario flat tops and didn't like the way they felt under my fingers, but that is an entirely personal and idiosyncratic preference. The tone I got from them was almost identical to what I get from J74's on that instrument. I use Elixers on one of my instruments, but don't like them on the other; too bright.

I think what you will find is that choice of strings is a very personal thing. How they feel under your fingers and sound on your particular instruments are probably the best basis for making a decision about what to use. You will just have to experiment and see what you like.

As to what you get for tone from a particular set of strings, I think that very much depends on the instrument, the pick you use, and the way you play, as well as the strings themselves. I can get different tone just by changing my picking angle. Here again, whether you use lights or mediums is really a very personal thing.

[kestrel]

"As to what you get for tone from a particular set of strings, I think that very much depends on the instrument, 'the pick you use', and the way you play, as well as the strings themselves."

I know, the ideas for changing your sound, tone, yada, yada... have been picked to death, everything from changing tail pieces, bridges, string brands, to nuts and tuning machines, but I'm a firm believer that the the first line of offense - before spending a buncha money on all these other cool things - if you want to find out what your instrument can do, is try different picks. It is totally amazing how such a simple - and cheap - tool can change the way your instrument sounds. Of course practicing, once in awhile - which is even cheaper - helps a little bit, too. :)

Gene

[Philphool]

I used Flat Tops on my guitar for several years and really liked them.
So I tried them on a Weber mando I had and absolutely could not stand them on THAT mando. Very jangly sounding.
Haven't tried them on other mandos since I already liked the strings I was using: Silk & Bronze, J74s, Sam Bush monels, TI Starks.

YMMV

[Frank Russell]

Both sets of Flat tops I tried from D'Addario were the fastest strings to go flat I've ever encountered. I don't think I got more than a few weeks out of them before they sounded dead. Frank

[Bruce Clausen]

I've used Flattops on a couple of mandolins and liked the sound and feel. But the wound A strings will play out of tune unless your bridge is compensated for them. (So I chucked the A strings.) As for lighter gauges, in general a heavily built instrument sounds better with higher tension strings, and a lighter built instrument with lower tension. But there's also scope for personal taste, of course. Lately I use the J73 set (10 to 38, I think)-- I feel like I can do more with the tone, compared to heavier strings.

BC

[MDSMITH]

Thanks guys. It sounds like the flat tops are a no go, I may give the Elixers a try though.

[Phillip Tigue]

I love the elixers. I've played them almost exclusivey (went to GHS silk and steel when the music store was out), but have recently switched to J-74s (and I can't stand them!).

I started using them when I was in the navy, and elixers were the only ones that wouldn't crust up after a week! Salt air is rough!

I'd suggest getting a couple of sets of different strings and just having a taste test. Record yourself playing the same song with different sets of strings...that might give you a good idea of what to expect.