Newtone strings

**dorenac** · Jun-09-2012, 5:18pm

There has been talk from time to time about Newtone strings, but usually in the context of being hard to find or for light string applications. I see they have a good offering of gauges for mandolin, but can't find much discussion them. I'd like to hear comments from those who have tried them especially in the 11-40 +or- range. How do they sound and play. Do they last any better than more commonly used strings?

**Jim Garber** · Jun-09-2012, 6:13pm

A couple of prior threads:

Newtone strings

Newtone strings

**Dave Hanson** · Jun-10-2012, 2:33am

My Paul Shippey mandolin came with Newtone strings fitted, the best strings I have ever used, they were sometimes hard to get hold of because the maker Malcolm Newton was a one man business and had trouble keeping up with orders.

I still buy them occasionally from Eagle Music in West Yorkshire [ UK ] but can't always get exactly what I want, having said that, they are great strings.

Dave H

**Tavy** · Jun-10-2012, 4:29am

I'm a big fan of Newtones, and have mentioned them a few times here. I also get mine from the Eagle Music online shop as they offer custom gauged sets.

But..... like all strings it depends on the instrument and what kind of sound you're looking for, so I (currently, till I change my mind again!) like D'Addario FW74's on mandolins, but Newtones on mandola's or longer instruments. That said, if the choice was Newtone PB's or D'Addario J74's for a mandolin, then the Newtones would probably just edge it for me.

**Richard Moore** · Jun-10-2012, 4:55am

I've changed to flatwounds over the last couple of years but used to use Newtones a lot on mandolin family instruments and guitar. I like them, they last well due to having a round, as opposed to hexagonal, core and Malcolm Newton would make sets up for me in custom gauges.

**dorenac** · Jun-10-2012, 5:57am

Specifically I'm considering model MPBB-H 11-39 for my f-style mandolin. Currently I'm using J-73's on it which sound slightly brash, although the instrument is only 3 months old custom built. I don't want to go much heavier because the instrument was build for the 73's. How's the tone with Newtones? Warm, bright, clear, woody, etc?

**Jim Garber** · Jun-10-2012, 10:13am

As noted in the other threads, Newtones are available in the US from juststrings.com

**Tavy** · Jun-10-2012, 11:14am

Originally Posted by dorenac

Specifically I'm considering model MPBB-H 11-39 for my f-style mandolin. Currently I'm using J-73's on it which sound slightly brash, although the instrument is only 3 months old custom built. I don't want to go much heavier because the instrument was build for the 73's. How's the tone with Newtones? Warm, bright, clear, woody, etc?

They're generally considered "bright". Note that if you're limited to light strings, then that will also limit the tone you can get from any string brand IMO. How about TI mediums, or the Jaz-mando strings? Either would be easier on the instrument than J74's, but also mellower, and less brash/bright, which seems to be what you're looking for?

**Jim Garber** · Jun-10-2012, 1:33pm

Originally Posted by dorenac

Specifically I'm considering model MPBB-H 11-39 for my f-style mandolin. Currently I'm using J-73's on it which sound slightly brash, although the instrument is only 3 months old custom built. I don't want to go much heavier because the instrument was build for the 73's. How's the tone with Newtones? Warm, bright, clear, woody, etc?

Similar in gauge to the J-73s (tho not necessarily in tension) would be the Newtone MPB-M