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Strings for a regular roundhole guitar

Hey guys!

Does anyone have any recommendations for strings well suited for a normal roundhole acoustic? I am not looking for something that will sound like a gypsy swing guitar because I know that is not really possible, but I am moreso seeking a set of strings that have a good feel and allow for deep vibrato without sacrificing a full tone.

Thanks!

Comments

  • MikeKMikeK Asheville, NCNew Altamira M-10, Altamira M-30 D-Cedar
    Posts: 464

    Back in the days when I played a ton of regular old acoustic guitar, I loved D'Addario Phosphor Bronze 12's. If you stretch them in well, they tend to stay in tune. And I very rarely broke one. They also sound good for a month or so, even if you play every day, as I did. They're cheaper than GJ strings too, I used to buy the 3-packs to save a little $.


    blfeguitarbillyshakes
  • flacoflaco Shelley Park #151, AJL Quiet and Portable
    Posts: 174

    I feel like you have to match the strings to the guitar. What I’ve found works best for me are the Martin retro monel strings. I use the Tony Rice gauge (13’s) but they have them in other gauges. To me these strings have a strong fundamental which really cuts through, even in a loud bluegrass jam. They also last forever. If I know I’m going to be playing outside a lot then I will use Elixir coated strings, but in that case I’m sacrificing tone for playability.

    blfeguitar
  • JoonasJoonas EstoniaNew
    Posts: 20

    I don't own a gypsy guitar yet, I have a Taylor 210. I've used Elixirs for years on it. Usually Phosphor Bronze but the other types are good too. I've been going lower in gauges the more I play though. At first it was 13s, then 12s and for the last year its been 11-52 and I wouldn't put anything heavier on it anymore. I'm tempted to try 11-50 but Elixir doesn't make that set so I might try the Pyramid Cleopatra strings next because they're 11-50 but also coated like Elixirs.

    blfeguitar
  • Posts: 391

    Deep vibrato eh? Silk and steel strings might give you that. Lower tension.

    blfeguitar
  • Russell LetsonRussell Letson Prodigy
    Posts: 389

    As Flaco points out, you need to match the strings to the guitar--and to your fingers and ears. And if by "deep vibrato" you mean finger vibrato, then you want a fairly compliant (as distinct from stiff) string, which comes from gauge or string composition. A lightish set will bend and vibrato easily, as will silk & steel or silk & bronze. On my light-build guitars, I've long used GHS Silk & Bronze lights (11-49)--they play well, last longer than silk & steel (which are copper wrapped), and sound very good to me.

    But everybody's ears and fingers are different, and any given guitar might react better to a different string formula. It's worth experimenting a bit.

    blfeguitar
  • icukericuker New
    Posts: 13

    I have a Taylor, and while I don't play GJ, I find it is fussy about the strings I put on it. Sounds the best it has with my current string set, but like a dummy I tossed the package so not totally sure what's on it. They are silver plated, and I think either a Eric Clapton set or Tony Rice...but again, I can't be totally sure.

    blfeguitar
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