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