"Copper bronze" strings (Red brand)

[chazmo]

So, I'm leafing through Guitar World. Something new under the acoustic sun, folks?

"... highest copper content of any acoustic guitar strings -- more than 80/20, more than phosphor bronze -- Red Strings provide precise articulation, a louder sound, greater projection adn a warmer, richer tone from the moment you tune them up. There hasn't been a significant new material introduced for actoustic guitar strings in 35 years. Add some warmth. "

Any early adopters out there? Comments? So far their web site is content-free (www.redguitarstrings.com).

I know some of you have talked about 85/15 strings (which I have never tried)... I don't know; I'm kind of a PB guy, but these guys say red is even warmer. That would work for me!

 

[chazmo]

BTW, a search over on the AGF says these are listed on the Strings and Beyond website... Says they are pricey (hmmm..) It's all news to me.

 

[kitniyatran]

I get e-mail updates from Strings and Beyond, & read about them in one. I thought they sounded interesting, but I can't buy any for a while, so won't be testing them soon.

 

[Russell Letson]

Someone on another forum pointed out what I should have seen immediately: the "highest copper content of any string material" claim ignores the fact that gypsy-jazz strings such as Argentines (which date from the 1930s) have a silver-plated all-copper wrap, as do most compound strings for classicals. Can't get much more copper than 100%. Of course, you can't get Argentines in gauges heavier than 11-46, so folks who would like a medium set of coppers might be interested. But copper strings do not wear as well as bronze, so I'm not sure what the upside would be.

 

[DocNE]

Hello Chazmo

Strung my DV52 with Red Copper Bronze lights about 3 weeks ago. I was curious too and needed new strings, so figured I'd give 'em a whirl as I like to experiment w/ new kinds of strings anyway. Bought 'em from Strings & Beyond (great folks to do biz with), paid $11.99 for the set.

I don't care for them that much. To my ear they sound just okay but don't blow my socks off. I think they are definitely "darker" sounding than normal PB strings, but they don't have much sustain compared to, say, Elixirs or EXPs, and seem a little "flat" to me (i.e., not much overtone). I also don't like the feel of them much either. I took them off today and replaced them w/ Newtone PB lights (which I really like).

Bottom line: I'd punt on the Reds. Hope this helps.

Cheers!
DocNE

 

[chazmo]

DocNE, thanks for the feedback!!! I imagine that's probably going to be my reaction as well. Boy, I like those prices at Strings and Beyond... I think I'll order up some steel!

 

[tjmangum]

Strings and Beyond does a great job. Get on their email list and about every 2-3 weeks they have discount (beyond their standard discount) specials and if you order more than $35 worth the priority mail shipping is free. Seems the strings are shipped within minutes of ordering. Usually 2 days to California. As my mother used to say, "They're good people".
tj

 

[DocNE]

NP Chaz. Yep, S & B has great prices, great service and are fine upstanding people. They also always usually send a little extra "gift" along with the strings you order from them. Too bad more businesses don't conduct themselves this like S&B does.

I do like these Newtone PBs, although they've only been on my 52 for about 24 hrs. We'll see how they hold up, but so far they sound and feel fantastic.

DocNE

 

[kitniyatran]

Strings and Beyond does a great job. Get on their email list and about every 2-3 weeks they have discount (beyond their standard discount) specials and if you order more than $35 worth the priority mail shipping is free. Seems the strings are shipped within minutes of ordering. Usually 2 days to California. As my mother used to say, "They're good people".
tj

But itseems to be usually Elixers or D'Addarios!
Good prices, though, & real good service, I got some Thomastik mandolin strings from them awhile back, after everybody else's price went over $30.00, before their's did.
I'm currently using Galli flatwound bronze from Big City String Company on my D25; liking them a bunch. http://www.bigcitystring.com/galli.htm