Two week evaluation of String Set B.
This is day 14 with these strings, and I am still more or less of two minds about them, primarily because they're really good for some things I play, and not up to the task for others, as previously documented.
For quieter music, well, it is hard to fault them. They sound warm, detailed, well-balanced, harmonious, free of metallic overtones, just generally pretty and beautiful. Bass is full and present but not overwhelming; trebles are restrained, sweet, not jangly. Overall tonal focus is in the low midrange. If I'm alternating between cowboy chords and chords up the neck, the dynamics stay consistent. Feel is just splendid; they're smooth and flexy, easy to play. If I only played the more mellow half of my set lists, I would buy these strings over and over.
But if I'm playing something more energetic, and I need more volume, I hit them harder and everything falls apart. They become uncontrolled, almost rattly. I don't really get much added volume, either. It's like they have a ceiling, and beyond that ceiling they can't really move the guitar's top much more. My guess is that this is me unconsciously hitting them too hard, trying to get that volume, and that's why they sound uncontrolled, but dammit, if I need the volume, I need the volume.
So, final judgement: Fine for folk, inadequate for rock. I wish they could be outstanding across the spectrum, but I guess everything's a tradeoff.
Two week grades:
- Construction A
- Volume C+
- Playability A
- Tone B+
And now I get to go find out what they are. No guesses this time. I know I've seen that black and white color coding before, so when I go get the package from my wife's office I'll probably smack my forehead and go "Oh yeah!" Off I go to get them.
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Jeopardy music plays*
String Set B is Dunlop DAP1254.
Well, that's kind of a surprise. My previous experience with Dunlop in other gauges (13s) doesn't match with this experience. And I have to say, for budget strings (which these are), they performed quite well within their limits. I just wish their limits were a little higher.
I'm not sure yet whether I'll leave them on for much longer, but of course I'll report when String Set C goes on.