Eric makes a good point - some manufacturers use hex core wire, etc. which can give different results. Eric and I have used the D'Addario data to develop comparisons in terms of tensions. I would guess that _within a brand_ you can use this as a guide to what to expect as far as tension goes.
Tension probably relates more to the 'feel' of the set and can help us make relative comparisons, or understand the loading on the cone assembly, but it doesn't really tell us how they might sound. Lower tension might actually sound better on some setups. I have two Taylor acoustics, a Dreadnought and an Auditorium. The Dread feels and sounds much better with medium strings. I like the feel of the mediums on the Auditorium, but they sound kind of 'compressed' to my ear and have somewhat less sparkle to the sound. So, your dobro mileage may vary!
kmangelos :
from
Washington with
posts since06.02.2007...
You should also incorporate the Pearse 3050's they are the "Josh Graves" set that include a plain high "G". Since they're nickel wound they really sound good when you're using a magnetic pickup (Lace or other). They come in 0.018,0.018,0.026 “plain”, 0.038 wound, 0.048 wound, and 0.059 wound. They're also great for lower tunings such as D and E.
KMA
kmangelos :
from
Washington with
posts since06.02.2007...
Thanks for the advice Eric, Mike and KMA. I'm gonna order some bulk using your recommendations. It would be good to cut back on the price in order to feed my string habit.
The Scheerhorn set is cyrnogenic. So which brand would come close. They do seem to last a tad longer (probably measured in minutes ).
MikeConner :
from
Seneca SC with
posts since07.08.2008...
KMA,
I've added the 3050 set to my table for the next revision. Thanks!
Will,
I am personally sceptical about the value of cryogenic treatment. The theory is that it changes the residual stresses from manufacturing the strings. (I'm a chemical/metallurgical engineer in real life). My opinion is that cryo treatment is a marketing hook. If strings are only lasting 3 hours for you, I doubt cryo treatment enhances the performance. Again, just my opinion and YMMV!
Will Andrew :
from
Southern CA with
posts since06.01.2006...
You're probably right about not lasting any longer. They just "seem" to last a tad longer than the D'Addario set. I do like the sound of that set though.
Is it just the tension that gives us the sound we like?
Does the brand have much to do with it?
Is there any truth that there are only a few manufacturers of the wire, which are just labeled with different packaging?
terry harris :
from
kernville, ca with
posts since08.31.2007...
In my experience, the GHS 1650 set lasts considerably longer than a D'Addario J42 set. I really like the sound of the J42s, but I can't get the third to last any longer than about two hours (usually less) before it starts buzzing. I can keep a set of 1650s going for weeks if I'm not doing anything critical. I put a new set on two weekends ago, and between a gig and jam session I played ~9 hours in one day, and the strings were still usable the next day. I didn't replace them for another week or so...until the next gig...they weren't optimum, but they weren't buzzy yet either!
Now, whether it's the strings themselves, the gauges, or (most likely I'd guess) a combination of the effects, I don't know.
Bob McEvoy :
from
Wilmington Delaware with
posts since04.26.2006...
I tend to use J42s exclusively on the various resos I own. Primarily for one reason - consistency. On one of my reso's I replace the 0.026 wound G with a plain one and sometimes replace the 0.016 with another 0.018 but other than that for most of my instruments the J42s just seem the most consistent. I've never found that the coated strings add anything additional in terms of sound or longevity. I replace strings so often because I'm playing almost every day for hours or more.
My biggest problem is tired hands/wrist from playing - is there any magical advice for that?
Comments
Eric makes a good point - some manufacturers use hex core wire, etc. which can give different results. Eric and I have used the D'Addario data to develop comparisons in terms of tensions. I would guess that _within a brand_ you can use this as a guide to what to expect as far as tension goes.
Tension probably relates more to the 'feel' of the set and can help us make relative comparisons, or understand the loading on the cone assembly, but it doesn't really tell us how they might sound. Lower tension might actually sound better on some setups. I have two Taylor acoustics, a Dreadnought and an Auditorium. The Dread feels and sounds much better with medium strings. I like the feel of the mediums on the Auditorium, but they sound kind of 'compressed' to my ear and have somewhat less sparkle to the sound. So, your dobro mileage may vary!
You should also incorporate the Pearse 3050's they are the "Josh Graves" set that include a plain high "G". Since they're nickel wound they really sound good when you're using a magnetic pickup (Lace or other). They come in 0.018,0.018,0.026 “plain”, 0.038 wound, 0.048 wound, and 0.059 wound. They're also great for lower tunings such as D and E.
KMA
Also you can get the 3050's for $5.45 ea from Elderly,
KMA
Thanks for the advice Eric, Mike and KMA. I'm gonna order some bulk using your recommendations. It would be good to cut back on the price in order to feed my string habit.
The Scheerhorn set is cyrnogenic. So which brand would come close. They do seem to last a tad longer (probably measured in minutes ).
KMA,
I've added the 3050 set to my table for the next revision. Thanks!
Will,
I am personally sceptical about the value of cryogenic treatment. The theory is that it changes the residual stresses from manufacturing the strings. (I'm a chemical/metallurgical engineer in real life). My opinion is that cryo treatment is a marketing hook. If strings are only lasting 3 hours for you, I doubt cryo treatment enhances the performance. Again, just my opinion and YMMV!
You're probably right about not lasting any longer. They just "seem" to last a tad longer than the D'Addario set. I do like the sound of that set though. Is it just the tension that gives us the sound we like? Does the brand have much to do with it? Is there any truth that there are only a few manufacturers of the wire, which are just labeled with different packaging?
I really like the sound of the D'Addario EXP's on certain guitars but holy cow, kinda spendy.
terry
In my experience, the GHS 1650 set lasts considerably longer than a D'Addario J42 set. I really like the sound of the J42s, but I can't get the third to last any longer than about two hours (usually less) before it starts buzzing. I can keep a set of 1650s going for weeks if I'm not doing anything critical. I put a new set on two weekends ago, and between a gig and jam session I played ~9 hours in one day, and the strings were still usable the next day. I didn't replace them for another week or so...until the next gig...they weren't optimum, but they weren't buzzy yet either!
Now, whether it's the strings themselves, the gauges, or (most likely I'd guess) a combination of the effects, I don't know.
That has always been my question. Does anyone on the list know the answer? I'll bet Bobby Wolfe knows this one.
I tend to use J42s exclusively on the various resos I own. Primarily for one reason - consistency. On one of my reso's I replace the 0.026 wound G with a plain one and sometimes replace the 0.016 with another 0.018 but other than that for most of my instruments the J42s just seem the most consistent. I've never found that the coated strings add anything additional in terms of sound or longevity. I replace strings so often because I'm playing almost every day for hours or more.
My biggest problem is tired hands/wrist from playing - is there any magical advice for that?
Thanks,
KMA