Do Strings Really Make A Difference?

[@maltesetony9030]

This guy's videos are just brilliant.

[@119dozen55sweet]

Kimsey custom gauge set: 13 17 25 32 42 56. Made up of a set of Elixir Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings with NANOWEB Coating, HD Light guage (.013-.053) AND a single .056 that is swapped out for the .053 low E-string.

[@snuffyballparks6501]

I have a 2008 Martin D-28 Marquis. I've used Elixer 13/56 Phosphor Broze Nanoweb strings for years. They last a very long time and sound great to my armature ear. They feel smooth and are easy on the fingers. Look out for counterfeit versions.

[@stuco]

D'addario and john pearse phosphor bronze lights are my favorites. I used to try all kinds of different strings but kinda just settled on the D'addarios now. I've used the darcos too, great value. I saw Santa Cruz came out with strings because they weren't satisfied with what was on the market, thought that was interesting. I doubt I could tell much difference from a quality set.

[@stevec.1802]

D’ Addario PB EJ-24 13-17-24-32-42-56 You choose the set of strings you like. Your milage may vary. Great presentation. 🎧

[@AllenShadd]

Nice review. I’m in agreement with most of what you said. About the side postion markers on your neck; my Ken Miller has a wood binding and the position markers would get lost in the glare from the lights. So I used a black sharpie and “fixed” it, lol. Ken saw that when he did a refret and changed the dots to a different material that stood out, so no more black sharpie needed.

[@Bryankimsey]

LOL... I'm glad I'm not the only one!!!

[@billc.3146]

I've been playing for many years and tried many brands of strings over the years. The standard in my early years were the D'Merle/D'Angelico. I believe they were an 80/20 style, and would go dead after the first 30 minutes. The D'Addario phosphor bronze strings became the new standard when they were introduced, c. 1974. A touch warmer, but the tone held longer. I tried other brands, but always came back to D'Addario. One thing that was important was their availability in places that didn't carry my favorite voice-of-God golden strings made with unobtainium. An important factor when out on the road. The purchase of a new Taylor guitar in 2002 introduced me to Elixirs. I just couldn't bond with them, and going back to D'Addario made a huge improvement in tone. I also discovered that the Elixirs were much higher tension. I think that's harder on the guitar. So these days I use either D'Addario or Martin strings. I still have a drawer full of EJ and EXP sets, and SP and Lifetime Martins. Most dreads get 13-56 medium PB strings. I like to use coated strings on guitars that im only using intermittently. I have an Ibanez Artwood that I keep light gauge strings on, and I use EJ-19s on my two DC AURAs. I have a couple of dreads that I'm experimenting on with Lifetime 80/20 sets. But even though coated, they don't hold that bright tone. Like you said Brian, in your opening, D'Addario strings are the standard, and for me, the Martin's are very, very close. I haven't seen anything here that would make me change. I appreciate their consistency. One string I would like to try are the Santa Clara Parabolic Tension sets. Great post, excellent reviews. Thanks, Brian!

[@steinitzb]

thanks for the string change kimsey, I've really like the sound of nanoweb pb lights 12 - 53 on my guitar, but always thought I could improve the bottom strings, will have to try your setup now after watching 👍

[@dankygnome5083]

Elixir have always been my favorite.

[@ronuyeyama4020]

This is a great review of strings! Keep the coming

[@montanaokie]

Bryan, I just realized you're back! It looks like you have lost weight! I love this video.

[@Bryankimsey]

I've been riding my MTB a lot! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2O7e52MrsabrLM

[@jimmycollette9209]

I like the hd elixir but my local guitar dealer only carries the lights. I have to order the hd lights. So in case of emergency I use the lights. I play at church plugged so lights are fine but also play at my local song farmers event where it's acoustically only so I like the hd lights for the volume I get on the treble end.

[@jamesdepalma6341]

I have been trying the 12-56 XS for a few weeks now but that said, I may be won over by the Elixir 12-56. I tried a set of the Elixir Nano on the D28MD I used to have and they sure feel nice...I could see why once you start using them it's tough to wanna use anything else. Seemed like the Elixir took a few days to settle in and sound the way that they will for long term though. Almost like they were darker the first day then they woke up a few days later and sounded great. Anyhow, in the video, I like the tone of the Elixir followed by the String Joy and last was the XS LOL!!! Funny I think this while I'm currently playing the XS strings. But that is my take. Again very good video and thanks for taking the time to shoot and post this data!

[@DaveDiprose]

I like the 12-56 (Elixir 16077) as the G string at a 24 is much easier than a 26.

[@redlinemando]

I've tried nearly every string on the market & I've found that different strings suite different guitars. Some guitars respond better with light gauge phosphor strings. Some respond better to 80/20 mediums. There are so many factors that have to be considered & even then, it's all relative to the individual. Next comes longevity & for the most part, that boils down to how the strings react to individual body chemistry. I tried the Elixir HD lights & I liked them once they were broken in a bit. Elixir has my vote when it comes to playability, reduced pick wear & less string noise. I would definitely use them as a traveling, road musician. BUT.......they "bite wind" when it comes to affordability!!!!!!! I have 2 personal string preferences these days. The John Pearce Phosphor Bronze Bluegrass gauge & the Martin Phosphor Bronze FX medium gauge. Depending on the guitar, one of these 2 sets will usually do it for me. Although, the FX mediums would feel more balanced using a 12 & 16 for their 1st & 2nd strings. In the string demo, I mostly hear subtle differences except for the D'Addario XS. They seem brighter on the initial attack, but they're still mellow which is the same characteristics I like in the Martin FX strings. The Stringjoy strings were the next ones to perk my ears a bit because they seemed to have a little more punch to em. I'm going to try the sets you mentioned. Balanced tension makes a LOT of sense for a more open & responsive guitar. I'm like you. I usually don't change my strings until I feel fret grooves or they are REALLY bad strings. 😆

[@Bryankimsey]

What Would Jimmy Martin Do???

[@redlinemando]

@@Bryankimsey 🤣 Exactly!!!! 🤣 You know someone's wearing that T-shirt!!!!

[@LegsON]

I hated Elixir in the past, but right now I REALLY like their sound. Also, I have 6 guitars at the moment abd don't play them tgat much. Elixirs last a lifetime. Finally, they're very slick. No funger squeaking and no unnecessary friction. Wanna slide or bend? EASY. These strings don't grab my fingertips saying "you're not going anywhere!!!"

[@Bryankimsey]

There ya go!!

[@uvp5000]

I was pleasantly surprised by the Stringjoy Foxwoods. They sounded punchy which I liked. I liked the Elixirs the least. I have a set of Elixirs on one of my acoustics. I tend to lean toward D'Addario strings. I'm still figuring things out as I try different strings.

[@susanroycroft89]

Very interesting comparison, Iv'e used Elixirs many times, then back to Ph.Br.& the conclusion Iv'e come to after many years is,I love the brightest sounding strings simply because that's the sound that'❤ll cut through, I do agree with you that the Elixer's have consistant longevity, & lastly, listening to the comparison, the 1st 3 sets,Very similar sound while the Elixir set( just slightly) not quite so bright, many thanks, I'm ole Don from Hamilton NZ on my Wife's tablet-SUSAN, all the best and keep it up 😊😊😊

[@Bryankimsey]

Well, like I said in the beginning... I make the _guitar_ bright and then I can use whatever string I want. If I wanted "more brightness" specifically, I probably wouldn't use the Elixir... I'd go with the XS but is it THAT much difference? Are people gonna suddenly say "Dang!!! Because of those bright jangly strings, all of a sudden I can hear you!"? I've never see that happen. How much difference would a different pick give you? More or less than the string?

[@guestguide2544]

I found on many dreadnought's that sound thin with EJ-16's sound good with Martin MA540S 12-54 Acoustic Marquis PB. They have the red silk thread at the ball end which gives a fatter tone. I also found some strings made by the Black Diamond (with different brand name) when they were in Florida that give a fatter tone with the light PB strings. I have a couple of acoustics built in 2011 that have the original EJ-16's. Piano strings are the same technology and might remain on a piano its whole life.

[@guitartec]

So subjective and regional too. Bluegrass pickers love the power of 13s down south. Up here in New England, you put 13-56 on a 28 and the seasonal shrink & swell cycle with the extra tension usually causes serious top deflection. EJ16s are all my shop uses.

[@Bryankimsey]

I'm in New Mexico. I receive and ship guitars all over the US. But I do specialize in flatpickers or people who understand that I specialize in flatpickers. I think you missed the whole point of the hybrid gauge I personally like. You got hung up on the 13-56 part and missed the part that the middle strings ARE light gauge. The REAL point of the video though was that strings don't change the fundamental sound of the guitar.

[@guitartec]

@@Bryankimsey No, I meant down south like Nashville, they love the standard 13-56s EJ17 (I just had vaca there). I do get your hybrid gauges and understand very well it's just flavoring. So, New Mexico... home of the JLD Bridge Doctor. We see the Doctor a lot up here. 🎸: D

[@royasandoval]

Nice comparison. I had not used Elixir's a lot of years. Three years ago I bought a set of medium nano webs. The sound and the life and the playability sold me. On another note. My wife is telling me..."hearing aids please". However, not quite that politely. Any recommendations for something that is good while playing?

[@Bryankimsey]

It's not the aid, it's the audiologist. Find an audie who understands music. Take your guitar in. Start with less amplification than they tell you- a good audie will _suggest_ this. Figure on 5 trips back for adjustments. I suppose I should do a video.

[@SaltShack]

Being a D’Adario fan boy and needing coated strings to keep them from going dead in cases I use XS but I’m going to give Elixir’s another look. Thanks

[@CharlieBryant]

Another fanboy here. I used EJ16s for decades, but now it’s been XS 12-53 for the last couple few years. Love ‘em.

[@a.m.phaneuf6164]

I like Earthwood 11’s-53’s on my 12-string Gibson j-45.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

I use to use earthwood strings back in the 70's They'd last a couple days then go dead ' saw them on sale ' buy 10 sets get 2 free so I thought I'd give them another try. Same thing.

[@Bryankimsey]

I remember those! I used "Nashville Straights" for awhile. Then I found GHS TM335 and it was all over until Elixir Nano's came along

[@fenderlead1]

My Taylor loves nickel bronze. My Martin loves 8020s. I don’t understand these guys who spend sometimes thousands of dollars on a guitar but won’t spend another $50 to buy four sets of strings (like 8020s, nickel bronze, phosphor bronze etc.) to see which ones the guitar Actually prefers.

[@Bryankimsey]

Yeah.... I know!!! Oughta buy a bunch of strings and toss 'em on YOUR guitar with YOUR pick/fingers and YOUR playing and YOUR ears and find out. They're just strings. I liked to pop back and forth betwen 80/20 and nickel bronze on my former Collings D2H and I'd just enjoy the difference for awhile.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Have used EJ17's on all My Martin's, Collings, Gibson's, and Taylor's for the last 40 years. Always sound the best. I'd say John Pearse strings would be second in my opinion.

[@Bryankimsey]

Yeah but did any of these strings _radically_ change this guitar or did they just flavor it? My fingers stick really bad to John Pearse strings.

[@sc12100]

I liked XS but they dull’d out after about a month. To my ears, nothing beats the elixirs. Longest lasting tone on the market imo.

[@jasondonovan-oo3dx]

Ive played Elixers 10-47 for years on my D16e that i gig with. They last forever and with a few EQ adjustments I get plenty of Bass response ( acoustic duo). After playing the elixers playing " regular " strings was tuff. Recently got a new D18 with the size 13s -2.0 Martins on them( which I love also)- im wondering what other strings are comparable to the 2.0 lifespans as in sound and feel

[@3cardmonty602]

I didn’t like the feel or tone of the XS strings. I prefer Elixirs because of the tone and the longevity. The Stringjoy’s do sound pretty good. I may have to try them.

[@119dozen55sweet]

I've got three Collings in the house at the moment and was just noodling about strings for each. I have a 96 C10 Deluxe that is pretty string agnostic, a 97 custom by Bill OM2H that changes with different strings, and my brother's SJ Maple that I'm not that familiar with. The SJ needs strings, and I'll order sets for the others as well. I'll try the Nanoweb phospers on the small bodies, but I'm not sure what to put on the maple jumbo yet. Timely video, thanks.

[@Bryankimsey]

I'd totally be trying nickel silver [edit: nickel _bronze_] on at least one of those.

[@billdedrick1914]

Nickel silver? Do you mean Nickel bronze?

[@Bryankimsey]

No... nickel silver. I just take extra frets and use them as strings. I'm just tough like that. :)

[@119dozen55sweet]

@@Bryankimsey I will try the nickle bronze on the OM2H and the C10 Deluxe, and the Kimsey Elixirs on the maple jumbo and get back with you. Thanks.

[@billbettencourt7053]

Have you ever compared the elixir phosphor bronze with the elixir 80/20s, and what is your opinion and preference between the two types?

[@Bryankimsey]

About the same as 80/20 and PB's of any brand. I like PB's for whatever reason. 80/20's sound kind of dull to me, but that's ME on MY guitars. :)

[@jimsliverootsculturemusic]

Acoustic guitar string noise - squeaking as fingers run up and down - can kill a good performance. I've been looking into flat-wounds but haven't settled on anything yet. I like those Nanowebs for the quietness but have you done anything with flat-wounds?

[@Bryankimsey]

On electric guitar and electric bass, yes. On acoustic guitar, no.... I don't like the feel. Nickel silver are very quiet strings for my fingers, though.

[@cugir321]

DAddario has a true medium also.....in the EJ series....I have some sitting on my table right now....accidently bought them. I like reg mediums. I buy the 12 packs of rogue singles at musicians friend. Just replace the .013 and .017...every month....the elixir wounds last forever and it freshens up the set....12 strings cost about 2.50. It's not your imagination....the Elixir's are about 5lbs more tension on a medium set...then the Daddario XS and other types.

[@Bryankimsey]

EJ24... I thought I mentioned them?

[@cugir321]

@@Bryankimsey Test the Luxe strings.....do they last as long as elixirs...titanium or nickle ones....there are a mess of good sounding strings but nothing compares to elixirs for lifespan! I just buy the 13 and 17's in 12 packs from musicians friend....2.50 a 12 pack.....replace the E and B string and they're back in business....I change them ever couple weeks.

[@JohnShumate-el4iu]

Do you sell these custom sets?

[@Bryankimsey]

No. Pretty sure Stringjoy will put custom sets together. Otherwise people like this sell singles: www.stringsandbeyond.com/elixir.html

[@jasper_north]

T M 335 uses 24 instead of 25 I thought???

[@Bryankimsey]

TINY difference. .001" That could be from the core, it could be from the winding and _that_ would make a difference.

[@martinburke-x4i]

i think the string joy strings sounded better and you played better on them to.

[@Bryankimsey]

Yeah, but did the guitar's character change?

[@martinburke-x4i]

no i dont think so, but you played better on them! i'm gonna try them & hey your really good at what you do thanks for sharing with all of us.@@Bryankimsey

[@lrtrager]

How do you get a custom set of strings?

[@Bryankimsey]

You buy from someone like strings and beyond and either buy singles or buy a set that's close and substitute. Pretty sure Stringjoy will put custom sets together. www.stringsandbeyond.com/elixir.html

[@lrtrager]

@@Bryankimsey Thank you, Brian! You nailed it with this D-35.

[@7171jay]

Why wouldn't you simply have the customer provide the strings that they want on the guitar when they bring the instrument in to you??? Would you really cut a nut for 13-56 when your customer is going to eventually put 11-47 strings on?

[@Bryankimsey]

I don't because I'm not a general guitar repair person. I specialize in guitars for flatpickers and even more specifically, correcting 70s Martins for flatpickers. In 25 years I have never once installed anything less than light gauge strings, except on 12-string or mandolins. Plus, you really don't want the nut slot to match the string.....you want it larger so the sides don't bind. Therefore, you could totally drop 11-49 or whatever into 13-56 but if you cut it for the former you'll never fit the latter into it if you later decide to try. If the customer does supply strings, that's what I use for the final stringing. I'd say at least 3/4 don't. Also keep in mind this video just barely scratches the surface. There's another box of EJ16s down there. Don't go assuming things about omissions when you really don't know anything about what I actually do. I'm a specialist and 90 percent of my jobs are shipped in by people looking for my specialty. And FINALLY the POINT of the video was that small changes in strings don't radically change the guitar. It still sounds the same, just with different flavors. Far more important to me is the FEEL of the strings.

[@7171jay]

@NMHighPlains First video I have seen of your's so I didn't realize you were quite so specific in your repair work. In forty years of playing guitar I have always provided the strings I want on a guitar (acoustic or electric) to the person doing the setup/repair so I can't imagine why others wouldn't and then complain about the strings that you chose to install. Even if you think all strings sound the same (I would argue they don't) the feel of coated vs non coated is a big enough difference that putting one or the other on a guitar without discussing which the owner of the guitar prefers seems a bit silly. In the repair of a guitar communication of exactly what the customer wants is pretty critical stuff so if one can't even get strings sorted out I hate to think of the kind of problems you may have to deal with.

[@Bryankimsey]

1) People _don't_ complain!!!! What I said was they asked what kind of strings I used- like I used the greatest string since the invention of strings- and what I used were the cheapest Darco strings I could find. I found that amusing. PLUS.... guess what?... they learned something that they wouldn't have learned if I'd just stuck their favorite string on the guitar, which they didn't request anyway. People come to me because they trust what I do and what I recommend. 2) I also don't use coated strings on customer's guitars. I use them on my PERSONAL guitars. I used them for the purpose of this video because that's what I had- AND I compared them to non-coated EJ17's right from the start. I thought I was _crystal clear_ about that. 3) I never said they sound the SAME. I said they will not transform a non-scalloped rear X D-28 into a scalloped forward X D-18, to use an exaggeration. On the Martin forum, people are looking for more bass or more treble or more whatever and strings _alone_ are not going to get you there. 4) You know nothing about me and you have no idea how many e-mails my customers and I exchange regarding their guitars and yet you sure assume a lot about what I do. May I suggest that you just Google "bryan kimsey guitar" before getting too critical?

[@kipngng8219]

Pourquoi faire un test sur des cordes et parler au lieu de jouer pour nous faire entendre la différence. Ce que vous racontez on peut le lire dans des commentaires.

[@Bryankimsey]

1) I sound like Joe Walsh and people like to hear my voice. I would hate to rob them of that opportunity. 2) My videos are unscripted. I'm just talking to my listeners. Writing all this in the comments would take a lot more work. 3) You're welcome to make your own videos however you want. I'm going to make mine. If you don't like mine, don't watch them.