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Thread: Coated like uncoated choices

  1. #1
    Fingers of Concrete ccravens's Avatar
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    Default Coated like uncoated choices

    What I'd like to get your opinion on, is if you can recommend any coated strings that sound the most like their uncoated counterparts.

    I like the DR MD-11s most of all on my mandos. I've often not liked the sound of coated strings as much as non-coated (same on guitar), but I would like the extra life that coated strings are supposed to give. Less string changes.

    So, are there any coated strings you've tried that most closely approximated the sound of uncoated?

    DR MD-11s vs, their Dragonskin counterpart?

    D'Addario J74s vs. their XT counterpart?

    Or any coated string that you thought gave you similar sound and feel of an uncoated string, but with the benefit of extra life?

    I know this is a very specific question, not the "tell me what strings you like" kind of thread, but I can't be the only person to have looked into this!

    Thanks for the replies!
    Chris Cravens

    Girouard A5
    Montana Flatiron A-Jr.
    Passernig Mandola
    Leo Posch D-18

  2. #2

    Default Re: Coated like uncoated choices

    In regards to "like the sound of" coated vs. uncoated,and long-lasting or extra life/less string changes,all these traits tend to point to D'Addario and/or Curt Mangan Monel strings. They're not coated,sound good(to me),and tend to retain lively tone longer than other types of strings I have used.

    I prefer the above mentioned brands of Monel strings to the Martin Monel strings made in Mexico.

    Just my personal observations/ymmv.

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  4. #3
    Registered User Billy Packard's Avatar
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    Default Re: Coated like uncoated choices

    Go to the Mapes.com site and check out their options. They feature what they call 'Appalachian Moonshine' which is a light coating on the wrapped strings. It is very thin and works very well. I tried one brand or another when coated strings first come out and did not like them at all. I think they sounded dead and unresponsive. Once I discovered Mapes and tried their mandolin strings I've not used anything else. Mapes is only available on their web site.

    They manufacture wire and piano strings.

    Billy

    billypackardmandolin.com
    Billy Packard
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  6. #4
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Coated like uncoated choices

    You primarily concerned about bronze oxidation? try Monel instead..
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  7. #5
    Fingers of Concrete ccravens's Avatar
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    Default Re: Coated like uncoated choices

    Quote Originally Posted by Billy Packard View Post
    Go to the Mapes.com site and check out their options. They feature what they call 'Appalachian Moonshine' which is a light coating on the wrapped strings. It is very thin and works very well.
    Thanks for the tip.

    BTW, if anyone else tries the link, it is actually:

    https://www.mapesstrings.com/
    Chris Cravens

    Girouard A5
    Montana Flatiron A-Jr.
    Passernig Mandola
    Leo Posch D-18

  8. #6
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    Default Re: Coated like uncoated choices

    I think the material makes a difference on life of the string. GHS Pure Nickel is also a good sounding, long lasting string. Different from Monel.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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  10. #7
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Coated like uncoated choices

    Yea you could define the differences as % of the various constituent minerals..

    here is a chart listing 5 common ones via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monel which several are at least half Nickel
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  11. #8
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Coated like uncoated choices

    Phil

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  12. #9
    Fingers of Concrete ccravens's Avatar
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    Default Re: Coated like uncoated choices

    Many thanks for the replies!

    If you were going to advise me your opinion about the most uncoated-sounding sounding, coated phosphor-bronze string, which would it be?
    Chris Cravens

    Girouard A5
    Montana Flatiron A-Jr.
    Passernig Mandola
    Leo Posch D-18

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