Six new phosphor bronze string sets to try on the D-55

[dwasifar]

They're here, and they're obviously D'Addario.

Why I think so.

Here is a comparison to Fender branded strings, which I already know to be D'Addario private label.

Front of package:



Back of package:



Open package:



Inner pouch:



Brass-colored core wire:

 

[dwasifar]

Any idea of how long they may last before they die?

Interestingly, they are "breaking in" rather rapidly. This may be the tradeoff for the initial excellent sound, if they don't stay that way long.

If true, I suppose that makes sense for their market. The company is in Nashville, (presumably) catering to professional Nashville players, who (again, presumably) change strings before each gig or session. For that use case, you'd want something that sounds great immediately, and wouldn't be as concerned with longevity. One would think, anyway.

 

[dwasifar]

This is somewhat of a digression, but I got to wondering why the gold colored core wire? I've only ever seen that on D'Addario and Ernie Ball. So I wrote to both of them to ask. D'Addario hasn't replied yet, but I had the following exchange with Ernie Ball, which started out nicely and then grew increasingly frustrating.

Me (via their contact form):

Why is the core wire on some of your acoustic strings brass-colored? As far as I have seen, only you and D'Addario do this. What's the benefit?

Ernie Ball customer service (via email):

Hello,

Thank you for contacting Ernie Ball Customer Service!

Here is the response from our engineering department:

There was a time that we did this, but we haven't done that for about four years. We were using it for a time, but we opted to go back to tinned high carbon steel. We believed it would be a closer galvanic match to the wrap wire that could translate to longer lasting strings, however over longer spans we determined that tinned high carbon steel was better for a number of reasons including longevity.

Sincerely,

Ernie Ball Strings and Accessories
Domestic Customer Service Team

Me:

In that case, the last set of Earthwood 12-54 PB I tried must have been sitting around the store for quite a while.

Obviously you felt the tinned steel cores were a better material. Aside from longevity which you already mentioned, how are they different? Feel or tone?

Thanks.

Ball:

That is the only reason. There is nothing more we could advise.

Sincerely,

Ernie Ball Strings and Accessories
Domestic Customer Service Team

Me:

That's an unexpected answer, given that the first reply mentioned "a number of reasons."

Ball:

That is the only reason we can advise you on.

Sincerely,

Ernie Ball Strings and Accessories
Domestic Customer Service Team

The first answer seemed like they wanted to be informative, but the subsequent replies seemed almost hostile.

So I don't know what to take from that. They have other reasons, but it's a secret? Or maybe CS just doesn't want to ask the engineering department another question?

 

[GGJaguar]

Ernie Ball customer service (via email):

"I am not programmed to respond in that area".

 

[dwasifar]

"I am not programmed to respond in that area".

Logic is a little tweeting bird.

 

[JohnW63]

You got the customer service 'bot at the other end of the line.

 

[dwasifar]

The first answer seemed like they wanted to be informative, but the subsequent replies seemed almost hostile.

So I don't know what to take from that. They have other reasons, but it's a secret? Or maybe CS just doesn't want to ask the engineering department another question?

D'Addario also finally responded, and they were politer and more informative. They say that it's mainly been a cost thing, and neither brass nor tinned cores yield any differences in string performance.

 

[Boomstick]

This thread has been helpful, as I'm going through strings on my D-55 right now. I also got a recording setup. I might record me playing the same thing with a bunch of different strings. I'm also trying to find alternatives to the DR Veritas on my F-50. I think those are the best, but the John Pearse mediums on it are very good.

D'Addario XT mediums so far are a winner.

DR Sunbeam lights were also really good, but a whole different ballpark. With XT mediums, it's more of a bluegrass guitar, with Sunbeams there's more mids and fewer highs and lows and it's more of a folk guitar and much more responsive with fingerpicking.

I put on the Martin Retro Tony Rice set today, I really don't like them, the midrange is way too scooped and there's also not a lot of highs either. I might leave them on long enough to record myself playing something tomorrow, then try Sunbeam Mediums and record the same thing.

@dwasifar what was it you didn't like about the GHS Americanas? It sounded like they were too dark? I just watched a string shootout from The Acoustic Shoppe and the Americanas sounded good and were John's favorite in tone as well, so I'm kind of interested to try them.

At this point, I'm primarily looking for mediums for what it's worth.

 

[dwasifar]

@dwasifar what was it you didn't like about the GHS Americanas? It sounded like they were too dark? I just watched a string shootout from The Acoustic Shoppe and the Americanas sounded good and were John's favorite in tone as well, so I'm kind of interested to try them.

At this point, I'm primarily looking for mediums for what it's worth.

I felt they were too muted-sounding on this guitar. The regular GHS PBs had more sparkle. The Americana weren't bad, just not my favorite.

When you say mediums, I assume you mean 13s. The guitar I'm testing on was built with 12s and that's what I've been testing. So my experiences may not be completely relevant for you. I tried 13s with the first D-55 and decided 12s were better. The 13s sort of choked up the dynamics; they were certainly louder, but 12s revealed more nuance. I don't mind playing 13s; I use them on my Taylor, but not on the D-55.

 

[Boomstick]

I felt they were too muted-sounding on this guitar. The regular GHS PBs had more sparkle. The Americana weren't bad, just not my favorite.

When you say mediums, I assume you mean 13s. The guitar I'm testing on was built with 12s and that's what I've been testing. So my experiences may not be completely relevant for you. I tried 13s with the first D-55 and decided 12s were better. The 13s sort of choked up the dynamics; they were certainly louder, but 12s revealed more nuance. I don't mind playing 13s; I use them on my Taylor, but not on the D-55.

If the highs are a little muted, they might be a good candidate on my F-50 to be honest, as long as they have decent mids. 3 sets on Amazon are $26, which isn't a bad price if I like them.

I do prefer brighter strings with rosewood though, so that totally makes sense, but running mediums (13s) I get a little more highs and lows just from string gauge already too.

I totally understand what your sentiments with 13s too. On most guitars, the D-55 included, you really have to match your string gauge to your playing styles. I definitely have to hit 13s a bit harder to sound good on the D-55, but my G-37 and F-50 work well for lighter playing too, and the F-50 is a rare guitar where 13s are equally responsive as 12s.

 

[Boomstick]

One other thing that got my attention is the true medium set. If the high E was a 12, the strings would be roughly even tension.

 

[dwasifar]

Regarding the Stringjoy set, they've been on 11 days, and they still sound pretty great. I can't bring myself to take them off just yet.

 

[dwasifar]

Well, this will slow down the testing for a few days:

 

[JohnW63]

Looks like you pinched it in something.

 

[dwasifar]

Looks like you pinched it in something.

Yeah. I was unjamming my wife's mixer and nipped my finger with the wire cutter part of a pair of needle nose pliers.

 

[JohnW63]

Ow. I am careful cleaning the kitchen knives now, because I have cut my self twice in the past. Pliers are added to the list.

 

[dwasifar]

I took off the Stringjoy and put on a set of D'Addario EJ-16, and they immediately made me miss the Stringjoy set. Comparatively, they're rackety and jangly. I have to keep reminding myself that D'Addario are always that way when fresh, and give them a couple of days.

 

[Boomstick]

Regarding the Stringjoy set, they've been on 11 days, and they still sound pretty great. I can't bring myself to take them off just yet.

Is this the StringJoy Naturals, Brights or Foxwood set?

The Foxwoods have real dead lows but make it up with great sounding midrange, although it might ruin some guitars.

 

[dwasifar]

Is this the StringJoy Naturals, Brights or Foxwood set?

The Foxwoods have real dead lows but make it up with great sounding midrange, although it might ruin some guitars.

The Naturals.

 

[Boomstick]

So I put DR Sunbeam mediums on my D-55 and I don’t think I’m going to try much else.

I like the D’Addario XTs better for playing bluegrassy stuff with a pick, will likely use some for a recording here and there but the Sunbeams have a lot more midrange and are great with my fingers too.