NGD - Dark strings?

MSedg · August 2022

Hi all,

I was going to do a NGD, but then I thought I’d add in a question. I’ve been lucky enough to recently get a new toy - a player grade 1961 J-50 that’s been through the usual stuff. Probably a neck reset, certainly two cleated top cracks, new tuner buttons, shaved down bridge with filled section replacing adjustable bridge etc. Despite all that it plays great (and even better now I’ve replaced the incredibly low saddle that was on it). I’ll take some more pics but one is here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/XfUtLuEzp4xLQHGFA

Its a great thing, and replaced a J-45 Vintage I had which was quite a “dark” sounding guitar. This J-50 is definitely a bit top-heavy to my ear (though it’s almost certainly that my ear was so used to the J-45) and I’m having a bit of trouble getting the right strings for it. My usual GHS Americanas are too bright on it, it’s got monels on now but although they’re smoother, it’s still a little bright for my taste. Any recommendations for strings which tend to tone down the top end a bit? I know I could just leave these on for 6 months, but my usual approach is to throw money at the problem!

bertie · August 2022

let @TimmyO ;; play them for 5 mins, they'll be darker than a dark thing

I just got rid of some Thomastik Spectrum cos I thought they were dreadfully dull/flat - but some consider that "warm" -- could give those a try ??

Mellish · August 2022

Or Silk & Steel, they introduce warmth

Nice-looking J-50 btw.

TimmyO · August 2022

I would have suggested Monels - but if you don’t like them they’ll not darken much over time

MSedg · August 2022

Hmmm. Not tried any Thomastik (or at least if I have it’s long enough ago that I can’t remember) - maybe they’ll be next up!

p90fool · August 2022

Mellish said:

Or Silk & Steel, they introduce warmth

Nice-looking J-50 btw.

That's what I ise on my bright, loud J-35 to sweeten it for recording.

For live jamming I enjoy it being a cannon though.

Mellish · August 2022

@p90fool ; same here mate - power when I'm gigging, especially outdoors

Tannin · August 2022

Most phosphor bronze strings are darker than GHS Americana, but few manage that same wonderful combination of brightness overall with depth and subtlety as they play in.

So ... 'most any phosphor bronze string, such as John Pierce, Martin, Darco, Earthwood, and many others. But I think you are looking for more than that.

"Monels" probably means Martin Retros (you didn't say which brand). And yes, they will darken over time. Retros take a week or ten days to develop their proper tone.

Retros are brighter than D'Addario Nickel Bronze, the difference is quite noticeable. For some reason D'Addario charge quite a lot more than Martin do for a similar string, but if you want that smoother, darker sound, it's worth the extra. SIT also make a Monel string; I've ordered a set to try but they haven't got here yet. And finally, I understand that the darkest of all the nickel strings is the John Pierce Pure Nickel. Sounds as though that might be your best bet. (Again, I have a set on order, not yet tried them.)

J-45 -> J-50 is an upgrade in my book. Happy new guitar!

MSedg · August 2022

Thanks @Tannin - I hadn’t realised there was much between the Monel/nickel alloy sets. You’re right, these are Martin Retros, so if there’s a noticeable difference then I might go for John Pearse and see if they’re too dark. A cheaper trial than Thomastik anyway, I just looked up the price…!

MSedg · August 2022

Mellish said:

Or Silk & Steel, they introduce warmth

Nice-looking J-50 btw.

Thanks! Not sure about silk or steel, I’ve tried em on a few guitars before and never really got on with them. I also broke more strings than I ever have with them. It was a few years ago though, so I might give them another go if the JPs don’t work out.

bertie · August 2022

you need some new thumb picks to go with that

Tannin · August 2022

Cheers @MSedg If you want to go part-way toward the silk and steel sound and get some of the benefits but not too many of the drawbacks, I very much like Pyramid 307 silver coated. Thomann had them for a crazy-low e4.90 the other week. (Fat lot of use that is is to me - Thomann don't ship to Oz!) They shine at fingerstyle, but you can strum them if desired (which I wouldn't really say about silk and steel).

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NGD - Dark strings?

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