Hi everyone I was wondering about replacing strings on my new D-55. It came with lights and I always used mediums on my Martin. Is it o.k. to use them on this Tacoma built D-55? I can't find out how to contact Guild. Will I need to have the neck adjusted. I also would like to hear what it sounds like with a oickup. There is no way I am going to make any physical changes in this"Pretty Lady". How about a mike or under bridge pickup. My mike is just a cheapie so I could use a new mike. None of this is going to help my sorry guitar playing though. I love this forum and reading about everyone's love for Guild guitars. thanks for any suggestions or help
new guitar.... what kind of strings
- Thread starter fishman1133
- Start date
The brand or gauge of strings that sounds best on my D55 may not be the best choice for your D55. I suggest you try as many different brands of strings that you can. Also keep in mind that gauging differs widely between manufacturers. The research will be fun and quite enlightening. I disagree strongly with those who feel that most string brands sound the same. Guild brand strings don't do it for me but that's just a personal thing.
West R Lee
Venerated Member
Totally agree. I bought, at the urging of a music store salesman (they were sold out of JPs), to buy some, heck Ragweed, Silkweed, Silkwood....something like that recently. Couldn't believe it, it sounded like I was banging on a coffee can.....very tinny sounding. Elixers don't have the brightness, but last forever with the coating on them. DiAddarios sound good to me, but don't last. And JPs are just right......great tone, good volume and they seem durable. I think it was Mr. P that suggested the 80/20s for fingerpicking. They are very plyable to me and feel soft to the touch without sacrificing tone. In fact, the sort of have a unique tone to me. BTW, they're also pretty cheap 
.
Thanks goodness for a bunch of guys here that recommended JPs to me.
West
.Thanks goodness for a bunch of guys here that recommended JPs to me.
West
IMHO fishman, mediums should do just fine. If that's what you like and what sounds best to you, use 'em. I've used D'Addario phosphor bronze mediums on mine forever and no problems.
I don't own a Tacoma Guild but I've played a bunch of them, and they appear to have superb workmanship, I would be confident they would be OK with mediums. Scalloped bracing not as strong as standard top bracing? I don't buy it, I've heard lots of discussion on this but I've been playing mediums on my DV-52 for probably six years now with no problems.
I don't own a Tacoma Guild but I've played a bunch of them, and they appear to have superb workmanship, I would be confident they would be OK with mediums. Scalloped bracing not as strong as standard top bracing? I don't buy it, I've heard lots of discussion on this but I've been playing mediums on my DV-52 for probably six years now with no problems.
My D-55 has had lights (.012 - .054) on it most of the time since it was new, but I have had mediums (.013 - .056) on it from time-to-time (mostly when the strings were free. ) The mediums produced a great tone and projection, especially the John Pearse brand West mentioned, but they just don't quite fit the grooves in the end of my fingers. :wink: And I gotta tell ya, I don't think they fit the grooves in the nut as well as they could've either. If mediums are the cat's pajamas for you, I'd say use them, but consider having your luthier check the nut slots for proper fit. Shouldn't be costly, and you can play with a lot more comfort and confidence.
I've been using a temporary soundhole pickup. I have a Dean Markley maple bar type, and I recently acquired a used Bill Lawrence. The Lawrence is much more sensitive and distinct, and requires far less gain in my PA. In a couple of weeks I will be having a more permanent solution installed, but I'm still waffling on which one. So I'm no help there!
That's my 2¢. Where's my change?
) The mediums produced a great tone and projection, especially the John Pearse brand West mentioned, but they just don't quite fit the grooves in the end of my fingers. :wink: And I gotta tell ya, I don't think they fit the grooves in the nut as well as they could've either. If mediums are the cat's pajamas for you, I'd say use them, but consider having your luthier check the nut slots for proper fit. Shouldn't be costly, and you can play with a lot more comfort and confidence.I've been using a temporary soundhole pickup. I have a Dean Markley maple bar type, and I recently acquired a used Bill Lawrence. The Lawrence is much more sensitive and distinct, and requires far less gain in my PA. In a couple of weeks I will be having a more permanent solution installed, but I'm still waffling on which one. So I'm no help there!
That's my 2¢. Where's my change?