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Thread: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

  1. #1

    Question D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Hello everyone!

    Kyle here from the fretted D'Addario product development and management team. I wanted to create a thread where everyone and anyone can ask any questions or leave any comments they might have about our mandolin strings or accessories.

    I'll do my best to answer everyone, but please be patient as I still also have to work today I'm looking forward to hearing from you all!

    -Kyle

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  3. #2
    Registered User Tom C's Avatar
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    I see you no longer credit older points for rewards program. Bummer. I have a shopping bag of them. Love your strings though.

  4. #3

    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Unfortunately, the system and software that processed the old points was permanently shut down in August of 2018 so our digital team could focus on developing and evolving our Player's Circle program, which offers a lot more options for gear, including strings and accessories now, as well as free shipping for players around the world.

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    Registered User Drew Egerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Just saw your post on the other thread to answer my question on the CM monel set, thanks!
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  6. #5

    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    I have a nothfield carved top octave which has a set of your strings on it. The gauges northfield use are unusual and you don’t sell them as sets or singles, just bulk. I got a few extra sets from northfield, but would be nice if we could get them right from you guys. I know a few other owners of these instruments with the same concern. Any plans to make this available, even just as singles at retail?

  7. #6

    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Quote Originally Posted by Ramparte View Post
    I have a nothfield carved top octave which has a set of your strings on it. The gauges northfield use are unusual and you don’t sell them as sets or singles, just bulk. I got a few extra sets from northfield, but would be nice if we could get them right from you guys. I know a few other owners of these instruments with the same concern. Any plans to make this available, even just as singles at retail?
    We don't have any immediate plans to release those specific gauges, but I can take note of it. I have heard of people buying our single phosphor bronze and plain steel guitar strings and taking the ball-end out with pliers - I know that's not the best solution but it's the most immediate. The loop will be a little smaller than what it you typically see on a mandolin string, but it can still work.

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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    I've been contemplating Monel strings for my Loar. Read many of the threads here on MC but your response on the other Monel thread this morning satisfied my questions about the string composition, history and sound. I want a richer sound than what I've been getting from EJ74s and others I've tried. It's time for a string change anyway so I'm headed over to get me a set and try them out. Thank you!
    "If your memories exceed your dreams, you have begun to die." - Anonymous

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    Registered User Cobalt's Avatar
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Quote Originally Posted by D'Addario Strings View Post
    We don't have any immediate plans to release those specific gauges, but I can take note of it. I have heard of people buying our single phosphor bronze and plain steel guitar strings and taking the ball-end out with pliers - I know that's not the best solution but it's the most immediate. The loop will be a little smaller than what it you typically see on a mandolin string, but it can still work.
    Recently I've broken a number of mandolin E strings, entirely my fault, I don't blame the strings. I found the most cost-effective way to replace those was to buy a 5-pack of guitar strings and remove the ball.

  11. #9
    Registered User Brian560's Avatar
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    I was I interested in trying Monel strings , but need them in a light gauge: .010 to .034

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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Quote Originally Posted by FredK View Post
    I've been contemplating Monel strings for my Loar. Read many of the threads here on MC but your response on the other Monel thread this morning satisfied my questions about the string composition, history and sound. I want a richer sound than what I've been getting from EJ74s and others I've tried. It's time for a string change anyway so I'm headed over to get me a set and try them out. Thank you!
    What date is your Loar-signed F-5?

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  14. #11

    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Quote Originally Posted by FredK View Post
    I've been contemplating Monel strings for my Loar. Read many of the threads here on MC but your response on the other Monel thread this morning satisfied my questions about the string composition, history and sound. I want a richer sound than what I've been getting from EJ74s and others I've tried. It's time for a string change anyway so I'm headed over to get me a set and try them out. Thank you!
    I can't imagine the monel strings making your mandolin sound any 'richer'. I suppose it's possible though.

    The last Loar I played was at Carter Vintage and that was several years ago. I thought it sounded pretty darn good with the J74s on it.
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    1st question
    After much experimentation my go to strings on all of my mandolins are EJ74. How, as a manufacturer, would you expect tone to change by switching to monels?
    2nd question
    One of my mandolas sounds best to me with John Pearse med. and my other dola sounds best to me with D'Addario med. Are monels available or in the works for dolas?
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Do you or do you plan to make a ball end version of your EJ80?

    Thanks!
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Quote Originally Posted by AlanN View Post
    What date is your Loar-signed F-5?
    Possibly "The Loar" mandolin?

  19. #15

    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Allowing for subjectivity, how would you compare Nickel Bronze to Monel?
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Kyle, I just purchased a Gibson F5 Custom what string do you recommend?

  21. #17
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Quote Originally Posted by AlanN View Post
    What date is your Loar-signed F-5?
    Definitely not a signed Loar. Sorry if I gave the wrong impression. I'm neither that good or that wealthy. It's simply The Loar 520VS from TMS. EJ74s sound good and are my go to strings if I don't have any others on hand. Strings have made big differences in the tone along with different picks. I'm very happy with my mandolin - it's a keeper - but I do want to upgrade. Until then, I keep experimenting with different strings. The Monels are very attractive to me right now. I'm looking forward to their arrival.
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    Registered User John Rosett's Avatar
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    No questions. I just wanted to say that I've been using your (non-coated) phosphor bronze strings for 35+ years, and I'm still very happy with them. Thanks for making such a good string!
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  23. #19
    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Dedicated J74 string user here. Question: Would you folks entertain offering an electric flat wound 12 string set? There are few choices out there. Thanks!
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    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Love your EJ73's on my Piccolo Mandolin, and your EJ62's on my Flat-Top mandolin. Moments ago I ordered 3 sets of each from Strings and Beyond. No question, just a comment that I think it's really cool that you have opened a thread inviting questions. That kind of open dialog speaks volumes. Thanks very much. I'll keep using your strings on these instruments. I'm a happy customer.
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    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    I use your strings on all of my instruments and am really liking the monels on my Giruoard F-5.

    Is Fan Tao still heading the violin family string research and development dept? I met him a few times a VSA events a number of years ago and he was a very interesting and nice guy to converse with.
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  26. #22
    Mandolin user MontanaMatt's Avatar
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Why is the only wound A string in the whole market on only one set of your strings(float tops) Any you don't offer singles?
    Have you considered silk cored strings like GHS offers(to temper brightness)?

    Those not asking questions are doing this wrong...no?
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  27. #23

    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Quote Originally Posted by FredK View Post
    I'm very happy with my mandolin - it's a keeper - but I do want to upgrade
    Yep. That defines almost all of us
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  29. #24
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    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Quote Originally Posted by Brian560 View Post
    I was I interested in trying Monel strings , but need them in a light gauge: .010 to .034
    Yes, and we need an extra-light set too, for vintage bowlbacks. (perhaps .0095 - 013 - 021 - 030) There's nothing like that on the market (other than the GHS A240, but they're phosphor bronze, not the best choice for this purpose). Part of the problem with most modern strings is that they cut through th old, thin frets quickly.

    Any chance we can get some high-quality, lower-tension strings for vintage instruments?
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  30. #25

    Default Re: D'Addario Strings - Ask Us Anything

    Hello,
    I enjoy your strings on my mandocello, but I rarely use your ‘cello set because the C strings, at 74, are just too thick for me. I’ve been left to cutting out the ball of the 70’s.

    Your loop end strings skip everything from 62-78.

    Is there any chance you could make the individual loop-end strings up through 70 or even 74?

    Thanks!
    Peter

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