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Post by FlyonNylon on Jul 6, 2022 20:50:27 GMT -5
Started playing flatpicking acoustic more a few years ago, after mainly playing rock/blues electric, fingerstyle acoustic, and classical guitar. I used 9s on the strats so initially strung the acoustics with 12s until today when put medium 92-8 martin PBs on the D-18. Pretty happy with the results. The heavier strings are super fun to play. Lost a bit of finesse for a lot of volume and dynamic range. Might need to get some new picks to keep up. Played around with Wildwood Flower in the studio:  |
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Post by Ragtop on Jul 7, 2022 5:35:04 GMT -5
Great song. Classic. And you play it well. Every time I hear it played well, I realize that I need to work on certain parts of it.
And your guitar sounds great! You absolutely can't beat a good D-18.
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Post by Sharkie on Jul 7, 2022 6:09:26 GMT -5
^^Yep. Well done and it sounds great Fly. 👍
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Post by FlyonNylon on Jul 7, 2022 11:14:12 GMT -5
Thanks guys. I think the 13s are sticking around on the Martin at least, might keep 12s on my smaller acoustics.
I've had the D-18 about 4 years now and it's cured my GAS thus far.. every once in a while I'll go a week or so playing smaller guitars with 1 11/16" necks and think I might prefer them due to the comfort, then will spend a couple hours in the house alone playing loud on the Martin, nope definitely my favorite guitar and in some way seems like "guitar nirvana". You look at how beautiful the instrument is then play it really loud and it's hard to comprehend how such an amazing piece of wood and glue could even exist.
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Post by Ragtop on Jul 9, 2022 6:05:16 GMT -5
You just can't beat a good D-18.
I had a D-18SS, which was basically a D-18V in short scale. Mod V neck and a 1 3/4" nut. Outstanding guitar. But like a dummy I traded it locally for a nice little 0-18NY, which was rare and fun to play. But I didn't keep it very long.
I have a Guild D-40 Traditional on the way, which is said to be much like a D-18 but with a bit more high-end "sparkle." Hope that's true.
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Post by Harleyboy on Jul 10, 2022 19:38:53 GMT -5
When you get a chance, you might try the Elixir 13-56 strings. I am mostly a finger style player and these work well me, but when I do play with a pick they never disappoint.
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Post by FlyonNylon on Jul 10, 2022 19:57:21 GMT -5
I’ve run 80/20 Elixir 12s on my acoustics for about 5 years now. Then I accidentally ordered a three pack of Elixer 12 PBs instead of 80/20s and they sounded ok but felt a bit soft so jumped ship to try the 92/8 martin lifespans, a very similar string to the elixirs. Def may go back next string change. 👍
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Post by jefe46 on Jul 10, 2022 21:56:37 GMT -5
I do not play Mexican Made guitar strings.
13s Never.
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Post by FlyonNylon on Jul 11, 2022 0:19:13 GMT -5
Post up jefe, let’s hear you play something. Record an acoustic tune on your preferred strings and post it to the forum.
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Post by markfromhawaii on Jul 15, 2022 2:35:04 GMT -5
Sounds great. I'm a wuse. Even 11s bother these old fingers after playing a long set. I'm thinking of trying 10s on my Taylor.
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twangmeister
Wholenote
Posts: 349
Formerly Known As: Twangmeister
Age: 72 and fading fast.....
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Post by twangmeister on Jul 15, 2022 8:54:39 GMT -5
13s definitely make a powerful balanced tone. They were my go-to acoustic strings for years.
I've had to back off to 11 Silk and Steels on my acoustics due to osteoarthritis especially in my left hand.. That is what 63 years of playing has gotten me.
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Post by Lefty Rev on Jul 15, 2022 9:46:59 GMT -5
A good "in between" option is D-Addario's EJ-24 set; it combines a medium low E, high E and B with light A, D & G strings. This keeps the plain B and E from sounding "plinky" or thin, plus keeps some low end "whomp" on the E string, while going easy on your fingers on the other wound strings. This works well on both dreads and smaller guitars, plus it's a nice option for short scale (24 3/4") acoustics like a Gibson J-45. (BTW, John Pearse Strings also offers a set with these gauges if you like his brand.)
Because of the reduced tension of this "true medium" set, I'm even using heavier strings on the high E (.014) and B (.018) strings, for even more fullness and power (on some dreads and jumbos). If you do lots of bending, that's probably not a good idea, but if you want nice balance without "thin plain string tone" it's an option.
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Post by budg on Jul 19, 2022 8:02:37 GMT -5
My 2013 D18 has always had 13s on them. Love their tone and especially for flatpicking . I have a 50year old d35 that I use 12s on . Nice to have the variety .
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Post by LTB on Jul 21, 2022 22:13:14 GMT -5
Nice Job! Great sound
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Post by bluzcat on Jul 28, 2022 16:39:54 GMT -5
A good "in between" option is D-Addario's EJ-24 set; it combines a medium low E, high E and B with light A, D & G strings. This keeps the plain B and E from sounding "plinky" or thin, plus keeps some low end "whomp" on the E string, while going easy on your fingers on the other wound strings. This works well on both dreads and smaller guitars, plus it's a nice option for short scale (24 3/4") acoustics like a Gibson J-45. ( BTW, John Pearse Strings also offers a set with these gauges if you like his brand.) Because of the reduced tension of this "true medium" set, I'm even using heavier strings on the high E (.014) and B (.018) strings, for even more fullness and power ( on some dreads and jumbos). If you do lots of bending, that's probably not a good idea, but if you want nice balance without "thin plain string tone" it's an option. Just put a set of these on my 000-28 and Seagull SM6. So far I like them, particularly on the Seagull. I may lean 80/20 so if need be I can order a similar “custom” set from Curt Mangum. |
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