So I bought an inexpensive F5, off the classifieds, and just got it back from it's needed fret dressing and bridge shaping.
When I first got it, from the previous owner, it came with Gibson monnel wounds, in pretty good shape. She had a nice mellow, but woody tone. More volume than my Washburn MI-SDL had. Overall a definite improvement.
The subject of strings came up with the luthier who did the work. He suggested D'addario J74 (which is what I have had on the Washburn, for over a year). Said it would give the Johnson a deeper tone.
I think maybe my ears hear diferently than his, or I misunderstood what he meant my "deeper". To me, it sounds bright and "tinny". I hear the metal from the strings, more than I hear the wood in the soundboard. It's kinda harsh sounding!!
Now, I have only had it back for about 24 hours, and have read here that some strings take time to break in.
I am wondering how much time I should give these strings, before going back to the monnels. I have a set of some GHS silk and steel strings with me here, which I bought to experiment with the Washburn, but never made it on.
If ya'll tell me that the D'addarios will probably mellow out soon, I'll let em ride. Otherwise, I want em off of there. At this point, the Washburn sounds better.
What do yall think?? Give the Daddarios more time, go ahead and switch em out for the GHS, or just wait till Monday, find some Monnells and go back to what I know I liked??
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