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Thread: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

  1. #1
    Registered User banjer23's Avatar
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    Unhappy Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Ive always liked them for my arthritic hands,,but,,cannot find them anywhere,,does anyone know if Gibson has discontinued them,,or a seller who still carries them,,thanks to all.
    Passernig #64
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  2. #2

    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    I don't see them at the sites I usually shop for strings but Amazon shows as having 13 sets of them in stock:

    https://www.amazon.com/Gibson-Gear-S.../dp/B002NLWFW0
    Northfield F5S Amber #347 - 'Squeeze'
    Mann EM-5 Hollow Body - Gimme Moore
    Kentucky KM-270 - Not just for whisky
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    Cozart 8-string e-mando - El Ch(e)apo
    Lanikai LB6-S Banjolele (tuned GDAE) - Plinky and the Brane

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  4. #3

    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    According to the liner notes on his new album, Sam is using D'Addario strings now.
    Soliver arm rested and Tone-Garded Northfield Model M with D’Addario NB 11.5-41, picked with a Wegen Bluegrass 1.4

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    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    "Just Strings" has what appears to be an ample supply. http://www.juststrings.com/gib-smg-sbs.html
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    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Gibson wound strings with monel before Sam or I were born. the fact his choices changed an the marketing has too
    is kind of beside the point.

    Gibson Corp made decisions .. this forum is looking for a product they may have dropped..
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

  7. #6
    Registered User houseworker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Quote Originally Posted by lflngpicker View Post
    "Just Strings" has what appears to be an ample supply. http://www.juststrings.com/gib-smg-sbs.html
    But won't let you order them.

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  9. #7

    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Quote Originally Posted by houseworker View Post
    But won't let you order them.
    That's what I noticed too, that you could find a listing for them if you found the page via Google (not listed in their normal site menu) but no way to order. Amazon looks to be the only easy option. Slightly higher cost per set but free shipping if you order 4 helps defray some of that.

    Also, it's now down to 7 sets. Perhaps Banjer23 already grabbed some.

    C.
    Northfield F5S Amber #347 - 'Squeeze'
    Mann EM-5 Hollow Body - Gimme Moore
    Kentucky KM-270 - Not just for whisky
    Flatiron 1N Pancake - Not just for breakfast
    Epiphone Mandobird IV - Djangly
    Cozart 8-string e-mando - El Ch(e)apo
    Lanikai LB6-S Banjolele (tuned GDAE) - Plinky and the Brane

  10. #8
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Quote Originally Posted by LowNSlow View Post
    Also, it's now down to 7 sets. Perhaps Banjer23 already grabbed some.
    I did! They should be here tomorrow (Prime). They're my favorite string on my Gibson and help provide a distinct difference from my Black A2-z strung in phosphor bronze.
    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
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  12. #9
    Registered User banjer23's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Thanks guys,,,I did place an order with amazon,,maybe its time to start experimenting for an alternative.
    Passernig #64
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    GHS will be making a pure nickel string for mandolins, not sure how soon as Jon said things move slow here, but they have made a few sets and they sound great. Very warm attack, lots of depth on my A2 and absolutely wonderful on my Brentrup. Will post more when I know on the thread I have in Equipment.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Quote Originally Posted by houseworker View Post
    But won't let you order them.
    Wow! I am disappointed. Those were nice strings. Thanks, houseworker.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
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    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Quote Originally Posted by pheffernan View Post
    I did! They should be here tomorrow (Prime). They're my favorite string on my Gibson and help provide a distinct difference from my Black A2-z strung in phosphor bronze.
    Patrick, I should try them on my '13 Gibson A. I took the original strings off it (after 100 years of their existence) a couple of years ago and it has been sporting some J74's for two years.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
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    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  18. #13
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Quote Originally Posted by lflngpicker View Post
    Patrick, I should try them on my '13 Gibson A. I took the original strings off it (after 100 years of their existence) a couple of years ago and it has been sporting some J74's for two years.
    Dan, I'm all for experimenting with strings. My only concern is that the gauges could exacerbate the tubbiness of a teens Gibson oval. Were it me, I might try the GHS A260 Bobby Osborne strings which are heavier on the treble courses, including an .016 A which Marla Fibish recommends, and a bit lighter on the bass end.
    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    I believe that Martin is coming out with a Monel set sometime soon...hopefully not just for guitar...
    Chuck

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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Quote Originally Posted by pheffernan View Post
    Dan, I'm all for experimenting with strings. My only concern is that the gauges could exacerbate the tubbiness of a teens Gibson oval. Were it me, I might try the GHS A260 Bobby Osborne strings which are heavier on the treble courses, including an .016 A which Marla Fibish recommends, and a bit lighter on the bass end.
    Good advice Patrick. I hadn't thought about the gauge and the ol' Gibson has a fine crack in the center of the headstock (as I think you knew) that is holding up well with J74's, but I can't take a chance with a lot of extra pulling.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Quote Originally Posted by CES View Post
    I believe that Martin is coming out with a Monel set sometime soon...hopefully not just for guitar...
    Good, good. Well, and maybe they won't be too heavy in gauge.
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  24. #17
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Do a search for Monel strings or Sam Bush strings. Gibson is strange about admitting they are no longer selling them or are phasing them out but I do believe that Martin is comnsidering making Mandolin sets using their Monel strings and D'Addario has Nickel Bronze (NB) strings that they will make for mandolin as well as the GHS pure nickel one that pops mentioned.

    I now have changed four of my guitar to Marti Retro monels and three of my mandolins including my 23 snakehead A2 which sounds great. It is once again my favorite mandolin to play. I has a snakehead A-Jr also that sounded great with those Sam Bush strings.

    I had three sets left and bought another three from a MC seller and now I think I am OK until the other companies come out with their new strings.
    Jim

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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Jim, I am not sure how the Monel compares to the Pure Nickel, but they are really nice on both my mandolins, but especially on the A2. I feel the oval Gibsons will benefit a lot by either of these strings over phosphor bronze.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  26. #19
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    I would love to try any of these nickel or nickel alloys. Dave McCarty has also used the D'Addario NB strings on his guitars which he said have a slightly sweeter tone than the monels. D'Addario is serious tho and has set up to send out prototypes in a beta test for new NB strings. I signed on as others here have.
    Last edited by Jim Garber; Aug-22-2016 at 7:31pm.
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  27. #20

    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    www.stringsandbeyond.com has the Sam Bush monels in stock.
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  28. #21
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Curious how the D'Addario strings sound, Jim have you put them on yet?
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  29. #22
    Registered User houseworker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Quote Originally Posted by mandotim1955 View Post
    www.stringsandbeyond.com has the Sam Bush monels in stock.
    Listed, certainly. Not in stock though. http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/gisambumowom.html

  30. #23
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Quote Originally Posted by mandotim1955 View Post
    www.stringsandbeyond.com has the Sam Bush monels in stock.
    Quote Originally Posted by houseworker View Post
    Listed, certainly. Not in stock though. http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/gisambumowom.html
    The last Gibson SB strings I bought from a commercial retailer were from juststrings.com and at this moment they no longer list Gibson strings on their mandolin page. Strings and Beyond have both SB and Bill Monroe strings as out of stock.

    Quote Originally Posted by pops1 View Post
    Curious how the D'Addario strings sound, Jim have you put them on yet?
    I have not received any strings yet. I imagine that it might take some time to send them all out to 400 people. Has anyone received them yet?
    Last edited by Jim Garber; Sep-02-2016 at 11:12pm.
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  31. #24

    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    I received a medium nickel bronze set from the D'Addario rep at the Cafe gathering at Grey Fox in July (Thanks D'Addario!) and have had them on my F5 for a month and a half now--they sound great. I am looking for a replacement for the monels that don't seem to be available any more and the nickel bronze strings seem to my ears to be very comparable--they have that old school sound, emphasizing more fundamental with less ringing on than the phosphor bronze strings.

  32. #25
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    Default Re: Are the Gibson Sam Bush strings defunct??

    Andy, I have a prototype pure nickel from GHS and it's the same thing, much more fundamental, nice soft attack, but still depth. A really nice change from phosphor bronze.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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