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Thread: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

  1. #1

    Default Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    The technology for these strings, per their advert, looks good, they say they are louder and last longer, anyone have any experience with them for mandos?

  2. #2
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    Yep. I've used them from time to time. Mostly on mandolins that I don't use everyday because the coating lets me avoid changing strings very often.

    I actually like the strings a lot. The coating is hardly noticeable; much better than the EXP strings in my judgment. The sound is pretty much like J74s to my ear. A little brighter than the Silk & Bronze strings (not coated) that are usually my first choice.

    I use the Cleartone guitar strings all the time.
    Phil

    “Sharps/Flats” “Accidentals”

  3. #3

    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    Wow, that sounds like a cool string. I will try them. Any suggestion on what exact kind to get for the mando?

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    Mandolin Botherer Shelagh Moore's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    I have used them in the past but use flatwounds now. They are a good string... better than EXPs or Elixirs in my experience.

  5. #5
    Registered User almeriastrings's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    I had bad experiences with them. Not wound correctly, breaking for no apparent reason. I gave up after 3 sets.

    I also was not knocked out by their sound at all. Much prefer GHS or D'Addario.
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  6. #6
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    There you go.... different strokes.......
    Phil

    “Sharps/Flats” “Accidentals”

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    Slow your roll. greg_tsam's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    I've used them or at least I tried. When i unpacked them I noticed a D string was several shades darker than the others like it had been run through the mud or something. No big deal but when i put on the E strings I had one break. Opened up the 2nd pack and had another E string break. Very strange because I'[m usually very delicate when changing strings and even more when the first one broke.

    Customer service said they'd replace the individual strings if I would first send them the original packages and receipts. The lady wasn't too impressed with my original complaint of the broken strings nor with my request to send me an entire set. So I used the set and went back to EXP's.

    That trial cost me two sets of strings, I didn't see much difference in playing, the tarnished string was a little flat and customer service was too.
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  8. #8

    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    Well, I guess it's my turn to try them next... I feel adventuresome. I'm not chicken.

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    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    "....the tarnished string was a little flat and customer service was too."

    So tune it.
    Bart McNeil

  10. #10
    Slow your roll. greg_tsam's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    *Groan. lol Bart.
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  11. #11
    Registered User edandjudy3946's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    Tried 6 different strings on my 2013 Bulldog F and these Clearetones (11-40) have been on about 10 days. I paid $13 on Ebay. I pay about $ for 5.50 J74s and the Cleartones sound no better nor are they louder. They also felt no different than the Elixirs I tried. After about $75 worth of seeking the greener grass on the other side, I'm not fooling myself the uncoated J74s will be it. I always just heard " mando sounds great" - never" wow are they a new string you got on there ?" In the end - to each his own - not saying your experience will not vary.
    Last edited by edandjudy3946; Mar-11-2014 at 11:14am.
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    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    I'm in full agreement with what several members have posted above in terms of these strings being less than what they claim . Tarnished strings -yes. Breaking strings -yes . Barely noticeable sound difference -yes . Life expectancy in terms of tone - VERY disappointing in light of their cost and I am NOT hard on strings in terms of sweat or acidity whatsoever. I've been using the Gibson Bill Monroe set for a while now . The gauging was the initial attraction for me ( heavier G ) but I've been very impressed by their life and intonation qualities . They do cost a few dollars more than J74's ( which I also love and get tons of life from ) but probably only because of the Gibson name on the package . I wouldn't buy Cleartones while I had these less expensive and better -sounding options .

  13. #13

    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    me too-bought 3 sets

    IMHO all were c$#ap-simple and straightforward-

    mediocre sound not terribly crisp
    slick , yes

    and breakage on the a's in all sets-
    every set was broken after 2-3 days use
    (btw out of dozens of sets brands and gauges , the only strings that ever did this, EVER

    I let it go and didn't contact them

    but since this thread arose, I thought id let me feelings known

    never again and not worth the price-IMHO

  14. #14
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    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    I'm on my third set of ClearTones and love them. No breakage problems, the feel is very nice for me, and durability is just fine. Whether they are louder than other brands I can't really say and I'm not sure I really care. But they feel very smooth on my fingers and they are quiet playing I might add. I never been enthusiastic about J74's to begin with and have often searched for alternatives. So far Cleartones are my favorites.

  15. #15
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    I've never thought that ClearTones were head & shoulders above any other strings, but I'm surprised to hear of the bad experiences some of you have had.
    I think they sound fine, similar to J74s to my ear, but I never had any of the tarnish, breaking, or other problems mentioned above.

    I tend to alternate between Silk & Bronze and J74 or J75s, according to my mood.
    Phil

    “Sharps/Flats” “Accidentals”

  16. #16
    Registered User edandjudy3946's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone know about ClearTone Strings for mandos?

    I guess 52 years of callus building means I can't feel much difference between any strings - as far as feel only goes that is.
    Blessings from the Smoky Mountains

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