BEST STRINGS FOR D25

[Andy Hiwatt]

Lately I 've been playing my 1982 D25 a lot , both in live gigs and when I'm practicing home.
I find the D25 meaty neck and wide fretboard so much more comfortable than my D50, but of course the tone is dramatically different being made of mahogany back and sides and a rosewood fretboard compared to the rosewood back and sides and ebony fretboard of the D50.
I love the sound projection that the arched back gives to the D25, but sometimes for my ears the general tone of the D25 is a little bit "thin" and a bit trebly ( especially the E-and B strings, the bass strings are ok to me ,very deep sounding) compared to the D50. I know that it's an impossible comparison between different tone woods, but I'm wondering if changing and experimenting with strings and gauges could improve the tone of the D25,making it a little bit warmer, less trebly and with more "body".
Currently the D25 is strung with D'Addario 12-54 EJ39 Phosphor Bronze strings, I also tried the lighter 11-53 EJ16 , then tried Martin SP and Marquis 12-54 ,but even switching back and forth these 2 brands I didn't notice much tone difference.
I also tried some bronze wound strings but the feeling wasn't very good for my fingers and it looked like they were deadening the tone,I could hear the treble strings no more very clearly.
I'd like to avoid using a gauge thicker than 12-54, because the action is already a bit stiff for my taste using 12-54, and I'd like to keep the guitar comfortably playable.

Please if you have any suggestion or have been through the same problem let me know.

 

[marcellis]

You might try Martin SP's. I notice they dampen the treble end a little.
Maybe that's what you need. D'Addario EXP's also tend to dampen
both ends (at least to my ears). But they're great strings & last
a long time.

I always use Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze.
They last and have great tone. But they may not
be right for your D25.

 

[GardMan]

Hey Andy,
Most of my dreads are no strung with John Pearse PB lights or PB bluegrass gauge, but my D-25 is still strung with John Pearse 80/20 lights... and like their sound (tho' I am going to try it with PBs next time I swap... I've been trying to "simplify" my string orders).

I am certainly no string expert, but I would think that the treble (unwound) strings would exhibit the least variation within a brand, and perhaps even from brand to brand. I guess I always assumed that the unwound E and B strings of the same gauge from JP were the same strings, regardless of whether they came from a PB or 80/20 set... and even between manufacturers, the alloys from which the unwound strings are made would only vary slightly. In contrast, I assume winding compositions and characteristics can result in major tonal differences.

I also like JPs PB and silk strings light/meds (610LM, which I play on my D-35 and D-44). To me, they sound a bit "warmer" out of the box... sort of like already broken in PBs. They also seem to suppress some finger squeeking. I haven't had any issues with string life on the PB and silks (I swap strings every 4-6 months...).

The one thing I can think of, other than playing with different gauge treble strings, would be to try some of the cryo-treated strings... I never have, tho' I have heard lots of positive comments on them. Someone here plays them... and thinks that, for a given gauge, they are reputed to be stiffer and drive the top more.

Good luck!
Dave

 

[killdeer43]

Andy,

I've been using Martin SP Mediums on my '79 D25 and it just rings. I don't find myself thinking about different strings as long as these sound as good as they do. Plus, I get a nice discount at my local dealer if I'm nice enough to buy more than one set! :wink:

Holiday cheers,
Joe

 

[marcellis]

The D25 humpback is definitely a different guitar than the D25 flatback.

There was never any danger of the treble strings getting too loud or thin
on my 1972 flatback, because the tone on that guitar was all mid-range.
It's a really fantastic mid-range though. The best I ever heard.

Maybe the humpback D25's have a brighter sound. I know they're
substantially louder than the flat-backs.

The Martin SP's won't give you a thin sound on the high-end.
In my experience, they'll dampen the high-end a little.

I wouldn't like Martin SP's on my old D25. I'd want a brighter string.
I'll use them on my D60 though. The John Pearse strings sound good
on my D60.

 

[eastcoastbuzz]

My D25 has a nice warm tone with Elixir Nano medium lights. I tried the lights first, but the medium light set with the heavier strings on the low end make a huge difference in the overall sound of the guitar. It also sounds more mellow when tuned down 1/2 step.

 

[killdeer43]

The D25 humpback is definitely a different guitar than the D25 flatback.

Mine has a hump and it does ring!
I find a very nice balance in the sound/volume of the strings, from top to bottom, and I consider myself quite fortunate to have acquired this particular D25. Do they ALL sound this GOOD?! :wink:

Merry, happy
Joe

 

[Ridgemont]

I love my D25. It is a humpback and boy does it have tone. While you can't deny its tone, it may not be for everybody. It has mahogany written all over it. It has a crisp twang that is very compressed, a loud boom in the base, and a bright treble. On the high end it is a bright guitar. It is just a bright guitar. Personally, I really like it and is exactly what I was looking for when I bought it. I have had other guitars that were not quite there and so I spend much time changing strings and gauges to try and find the right fit. Most recently, I have tried to brighten up a guitar so I can tell you about the strings I chose not to buy for that specific experiment. GHS makes some nice strings but they are 12-54 for lights. If you haven't tried this brand, I wouldn't dismiss them. I have found them to be less stiff than Martins. I chose not to buy the Vintage Bronze due to them having a more mellow warm tone than regular phosphor bronze. I also chose not to buy D'Addario's silk and steel. I have not tried either, but was told that they would provide a more mellow sound.

I recently started playing some songs tuned down a whole step, which definitely darkened the sound. Worth a couple of minutes to try it out.

-Ridgemont

 

[Andy Hiwatt]

thanks for the answers so far..
Yes, as I mentioned in my post I already tried the Martin SP strings that some advice but couldn't hear a different sound....not warmer than before .
I 've never tried GHS for acoustic guitars, I used to mount them on my Les Paul years ago, I'll give it a try on the D25.
John Pearse strings I never saw them here in Italy, I could try finding them online..

thanks again, more advices are welcome..

 

[bluesypicky]

In case you'd like an idea of how D'addarios XL's sound on a D-25, I posted a clip in the "member's music" section.... I like the "pinchy" feel of the XL's (for finger picking that is).

 

[Ross]

Currently the D25 is strung with D'Addario 12-54 EJ39 Phosphor Bronze strings, I also tried the lighter 11-53 EJ16 , then tried Martin SP and Marquis 12-54 ,but even switching back and forth these 2 brands I didn't notice much tone difference.

hi Andy:

I also have an '82 D-25. I've used Martin SP and Marquis 12-54 for many years, and been quite happy with them. Of the two, I'd give a slight edge to Marquis for longevity. Currently the guitar is strung with its first set of D'Addarios; I like the feel, but there's not much difference in tone from Martin.

Last year I tried a set of John Pearse - they were quite nice, but not worth the difference in price (50% more than Martin or D'Addario). Depending on the longevity of the D'Addarios, I might stick with them, or go back to Martins.

I've never experienced low volume from the higher-pitched strings.

cheers
R

 

[southernGuild]

THIS THREAD has got me itching like crazy for that D25 of mine hanging around Portland getting her neck reset!!! Man.....I CANT WAIT!!!!

 

[bluesypicky]

THIS THREAD has got me itching like crazy for that D25 of mine hanging around Portland getting her neck reset!!! Man.....I CANT WAIT!!!!

I feel your pain Southern..... The week I have to spend waiting for my DV52 already feels like torture, but your ordeal is at whole other level!!!
Thankfully you get to see it being pampered in those great "slide show" updates!!!! Hang in there bro! Almost there!

 

[iJamF47M]

On my F47M I've tried D'Addario EXP 16s, Elixir Nano PB Lights, Martin SP lights, and Ernie Ball Slinky PB Med-Lights. My favorite from that bunch is probably the Slinkys.

Best overall balanced sound--smoothness, depth, clarity, sustain, powerful low end, comfort.
1. Ernie Ball Slinky PB Med-lights (less coating feel than Nanos or EXP16)

Clarity, sustain, accentuate highs
2. Elixir Nano PB lights

Smoothest, most rounded sounding, best string feel, strong in the mids
3. D'Addario PB EXP 16

Most flexible
4. Martin SP lights (Sound ok, but they have the most bend over over the frets...if that makes any sense? Some may like that, but I do not. They were not on the guitar long.)

I've also experimented with bridge pins. The bone supplied from Guild definately have more "bell- tone" and sustain than ebony pins I've tried with the same strings. The ebony pins did smooth over the top end somewhat making for a more rounded overall sound which may just the ticket if that's what you're trying to tame. I preferred the more aggressive and "alive" sounding bone on my guitar especially with the Slinkys. I would like to try DR Bluegrass Mediums 12-56 next. Heard good things and wondering if the 56ers will bring out the manliness even more than my current Slinky 54ers. I won't trade a lower end if the rest of it is crap though. We'll see. Your mileage may vary.

Report your findings....Many will be curious to hear.

iJam

 

[JDWags]

I have a 1981 D-25 and have tried at least a dozen different strings on. My favorite, by far, are the John Pearse New Mediums in both 80/20 or PB. The 80/20's are too metallic when first installed but about half way through their life span settle down real nice. The PB's are better from the get go. The John Pearse strings have a uniformity of sound that I really like. In other words, they work together with no strings overwhelming others. I tried straight John Pearse mediums on the D25 and didn't care for them. The New Mediums are just right to my ear.......1st, 2nd, and 6th strings are mediums......3rd, 4th, and 5th are lights.

 

[Andy Hiwatt]

Thank you all again
now I have some great inputs to experiment with what I can find here, and in case I'm not satisfied I'll find some John Pearse strings on the internet.
I love playing that D25 and if I can make it sound better for my taste I'll be a happier Guilder!

I'll let everybody know my point of view as soon as I have some new opinions to share..

 

[Bikerdoc]

I don't know what the DM15 I got from Joe is strung with but it sounds absolutely wonderful. I think they are D'Ardario PB lights but I'm not sure. When I change I'll try the setup I use on my J-40 Gibby.
On my older Gibby Hog I use PB lights for the E, A, and D strings and John Pearse medium's G, B, E.
I'm inclined to believe I'll be playing that DM15 the majority of the time. I'm tempted to install K & K as well but I'm going to wait and see how that new Hummingbird sounds when I need to plug in. I still have to experiment with strings on that one. The original Gibby strings just absolutely suck IMHO. Unplugged it just doesn't come close to satisfying me the way my Guilds do. I'm still disappointed in it and if I can't hear what I want out of it soon it will be up for sale.

Dang Joe!!! Thanks again so much for giving me the opportunity to purchase that wonderful Guild.

Peace

 

[killdeer43]

I don't know what the DM15 I got from Joe is strung with but it sounds absolutely wonderful. I think they are D'Ardario PB lights but I'm not sure. When I change I'll try the setup I use on my J-40 Gibby.
Dang Joe!!! Thanks again so much for giving me the opportunity to purchase that wonderful Guild.

Peace

Doc,

I'm so happy that you're happy so we have unanimous happiness! :lol:
It was great to make the connection with you through LTG.

The strings? D'Ad PB Lights....you got it.

Best to you,
Joe

 

[JimbowF212]

My Experience with Mahogany dreads is limited to Martin but, I would agree with the advice to use regular 80/20 bronze strings and see if that does the trick for you. If not, you might consult a Guild Tech to see if they would have any suggestions. You might also consider Silk & Steel strings also! Hope this helps.

 

[adorshki]

I'm still disappointed in it and if I can't hear what I want out of it soon it will be up for sale.
Peace

Hi Doc: Give the Gibby a chance, it might just need to open up. My D25 took probably a couple of hundred hours, seriously. It sounded great out of the box but one WARM day after about 10 minutes of playing, new strings, I realized "Wow this thing is really humming more than I ever remember hearing before." Of course on the other hand if you just don't want to spend a whole lot of time waiting to see I could understand that too. GOOD LUCK!