Re: The Quest for Better Tone - What Strings Do You Play??
If you have a computer with access to the internet (as obviously you do) then you can try any string imaginable. As most experienced players do at some point, I have tried many, many different types of strings to find what I like. I settled on flatwound strings about fifteen years ago and used Thomastik heavy for most of that time. I tried some others during that time and some were difficult to get, but I always came back to Thomastik. That was until last year when I put on a set of D'Addario FW74 flatwouhnd strings. I put that first set on last August and I am still using the same set. I love them.
How long the strings last depends on several factors. The material of the strings themselves, how often and how strongly you play, the acidity level of your skin the mandolin you're putting them on and I guess, to a certain degree, your environment. Most strings are inexpensive and it's worth it to try several different kinds. Phosphor bronze, bright bronze, silk and bronze, silk and steel, stainless steel, nickel, flatwound and flat-tops, which are partially flat. Give them each some time to break in to truly evaluate them. Maybe even make a recording of each after they have broken in to refer to later. Decide what sounds best to you. It's great to get others opinions, but it is up to you to decide what works best. Don't just use something just because someone else does.
I, personally, have always disliked the bright, metallic tone of roundwound bronze strings. Many years ago I heard flatwound strings used for the first time and I immediately loved the dry tone and quick decay they produced. When I heard them being played, I felt as though I was more able to hear the wood of the mandolin instead of being distracted by the sound of the strings. They have worked well on all of the mandolins I have used them on but none better than the Breedlove I currently use. It's a perfect match for the tone I like.
Larry Hunsberger
2013 J Bovier A5 Special w/ToneGard
D'Addario FW-74 flatwound strings
1909 Weymann&Sons bowlback
1919 Weymann&Sons mandolute
Ibanez PF5
1993 Oriente HO-20 hybrid double bass
3/4 guitar converted to octave mandolin
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