Stupid string question

[JohnW63]

Some time back, after reading through one of the many string threads, I popped for some sets I've never tried. Some Thomastik-Infeld Spectrum 12-54s. I also grabbed some Elixirs 80/20 Bronze Polyweb 12-53 and Phosphor bronze Nonoweb 13-53s. It's been rather a long time since that thread and darned if I can recall what guitar I was getting them for. I've read different reviews on the T-I Spectrums. Some say good on smaller guitars and not so great on a dread. I normally lean toward lighter strings so the 13s are going to be different. At any rate, here is the stupid part. Given my three Guild accoustics, D-55, F47R and CO-1, what strings would you put on which guitar ?

 

[geoguy]

If one of those guitars feels a bit harder to play, the TI strings should feel softer under your fretting fingers.

I'm not a fan of Elixir strings, and have no suggestions re: which of those guitars to try 'em on. I once bought a D-55 for a favorable price because the seller hated that guitar's tone & string tension (the strings felt hard, & the guitar's tone sounded choked by the string tension). It was strung with Elixir mediums (can't recall what type). Fortunately for me, he never tried changing the strings, before deciding to sell the guitar. After I replaced the Elixir set with D'A phosphor bronze lights, that D-55's tone and playability were right once again.

 

[cibby54]

I never used Elixir strings did not like them. That all changed after I got an FG5. Now I use them on all of my guitars. I was a Martin string guy that is until they changed string sets and dropped some.

 

[GAD]

All my acoustics have Elixers, though I think the Polyweb coating is too thick - I like the Nanoweb.

it’s also been my experience that a lot of people don’t seem to like them because they sound fresh for a long time. Many people seem to prefer the sound of old strings which is baffling to me but then I know people who don’t know how to change the strings and bring the guitar to guitar center for them to do it once a year.

 

[cupric]

I've been using DR Dragon Skin coated strings. 12-54. So far I like them.

 

[fronobulax]

Many people seem to prefer the sound of old strings which is baffling to me

Clearly you need to spend more time around bass players (Can't blame them with prices starting at about $20 a set and there are some on the market over $90).

 

[JohnW63]

Thanks guys.

 

[Antney]

Nanoweb lights on my d50 for the last 10 years. As I always say “they sound 2 weeks old for 9 months”. I always say that.

 

[ezstrummer]

Ive had the coating peel off of coated Elixer strings. I am trying them again on my 12 string.

 

[GAD]

Ive had the coating peel off of coated Elixer strings. I am trying them again on my 12 string.

Only time I’ve seen that is with Polywebs.

 

[Westerly Wood]

All my acoustics have Elixers, though I think the Polyweb coating is too thick - I like the Nanoweb.

it’s also been my experience that a lot of people don’t seem to like them because they sound fresh for a long time. Many people seem to prefer the sound of old strings which is baffling to me but then I know people who don’t know how to change the strings and bring the guitar to guitar center for them to do it once a year.

i dont like the nanos as they feel too stiff. polys are way mellower and easier to play IMHO. polys sound best on the Br.

but yeah, they are not for everyone. and i dont like the shedding of the coating. it just looks diseased. this is the main reason why i do not use elixirs.

btw, while i have never tried the martin lifespan strings, i hear they are great coated strings.