Bluegrass strings.

[telepbrman]

I have "big brown" delivering me a 1999 A5-L soon, and I want to know, for A bodies, what strings should I start off with. The pawn shop Johnson special has some Martin strings on it, a light set, and with that...that's all for my A body experience. Thanks, dy.

[fatt-dad]

I would start with the D'Adderio J-74s, which I'm sure are one of the most widely used strings for bluegrass mandolins.

fatt-dad

[ronlane3]

It depends on a couple of factors. 1) which do you want to be harder on, the fingers or the pocket book. If you want to spend little money, the go with J-74's or J-75's, but they are somewhat harder on the fingers. If you want to spend some money go with the coated strings like Elixir or the creme of the crop Thomastic-Infields, they are easier on the fingers but much more expensive. Oh and 2) it is a personal preference of the sound that you want.

That's the long answer. The short answer, try a bunch of them and pick what you like.

[peterbc]

I would avoid martin lights, I tried them once and I thought they sounded just terrible for a carved top f-hole mando. I use J-75's, I think they have a better sound than the 74's. It might take getting used to from a light setup but if you're playing bluegrass it'll be worth it (I think). I havn't used elixirs, but I've heard them on guitar, I don't like them there (too bright) but I don't know about mando. TI's are really really nice, but expensive, which is why I don't use them. I don't know if they're much of a bluegrass string though, but I havn't used them in a few years.

So, uh, try a bunch and use what you like http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Keep in mind though that some need to be broken in, particularly (I think) phosphor bronze. TI's sounded pretty right off.

[Andrew Reckhart]

I second the 75s. They really project and have a great full sound.

[steve in tampa]

So far my favorites have been the Sam Bush. I also like the EXP74's.

Got some FT74's to try for the next change.

Always found the higher quality strings to be worth the cost.

[nupicker]

Have any of you used the Bill Monroe signature set by Gibson. I just put a set on my F5L and out of the box I don't like them. Do they sound better after they are broken in ?

[Kevin K]

My experience, go with J75 and keep your hands clean and the srings wiped down and they should last a decent amount of time. They have the volume and punch needed for bluegrass. A good 1.5mm pick helps too. Make those banjo's shiver in fear!

[Lane Pryce]

I have to put in plug for the J75"s too. Big ole whopping sound with kick when you need it. The J74's are good too but they don't have the guts the 75's do. Lp

[Yonkle]

Hey Newpicker. I have used the Monroe Strings and I like them. I thought they sucked at first, but after a day they sound loud and clear. They remind me of J75s. I also Hated the Sam Bush Monels at first, but after a day or two they are fine,,, JD

[addcourt]

I agree with Yonkle--sent my mando to David Harvey for fret work and setup and it came back with Monroe's sounding great. #Put a new set on next change and it took a day or so for them to give the good sound they're capable of giving. #However, you probably need to experiment with different types of strings to see what works best on your instrument played your way.

[straight-a]

Monroe's and J-75's are the most powerful I've used to date. Just put on a set of J-74 EXP's. The are amazingly woody and dry. It will be interesting to see how they play in.

[Chris Baird]

Gibson makes a heavy duty top suited for heavy strings.