Are You Using The Wrong Strings? | Acoustic Guitar String Comparison
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- Опубліковано 3 лип 2020
- Chris McKee is here for a much-requested shootout, running down a handful of great options for acoustic strings. Listen closely to hear the tonal nuances that separate 80/20 and Phosphor Bronze, discuss the effect of heavier or lighter gauge on tension and volume, and ponder the difference in tone and vibration of roundwound or flatwound strings. There are a ton of options when it comes to acoustic guitar strings, and we're here to help you figure out what is best for you. Let us know in the comments what you use and what kind of strings you want to see in the electric guitar strings video!
10:47 - Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze, Light .12-.53
11:37 - D'Addario EJ11 80/20 Bronze, Light .12-.53
12:27 - D'Addario Nickel Bronze, Light .12-.53
13:16 - D'Addario Flat Tops Phosphor Bronze, Light .12.-53
14:05 - Martin Retro Acoustic Monel Nickel, Light .12-.54
14:55 - Martin Authentic Acoustic Phosphor Bronze, Medium .13-.56
15:45 - D'Addario Phosphor Bronze, Extra Light .10-.47
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#guitarstrings #guitarstringcomparison #stringcomparison #daddario #elixirstrings #martinstrings #nanoweb #flatwoundstrings
I'm using the wrong hands
As usual, a terrific job, Chris. My string of choice is Elixer. All of my guitars are strung with light nanos. Yes, they last 5 times longer under my hands but the other reason is that they reduce string squeak. That squeak is a pet peeve of mine. Fresh unwound strings just make so much noise it’s distracting.
Keep practicing you're doing great. The more you practice the more that opens up. Record copy everyday too.
Experiment, change them😅😅
Wanna trade?
I felt the same way when I first started but believe me it gets easier.
*Nice video! Really useful..*
10:47 - Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze, Light .12-.53
11:37 - D'Addario EJ11 80/20 Bronze, Light .12-.53
12:27 - D'Addario Nickel Bronze, Light .12-.53
13:16 - D'Addario Flat Tops Phosphor Bronze, Light .12.-53
14:05 - Martin Retro Acoustic Monel Nickel, Light .12-.54
14:55 - Martin Authentic Acoustic Phosphor Bronze, Medium .13-.56
15:45 - D'Addario Phosphor Bronze, Extra Light .10-.47
This guy is so-oo articulate and so-oo informative. Nobody analyzes the issues deeper or better. I watch pretty much all of the various guitar subject presenters on UA-cam and this guy, Chris McKee, IMHO, is the absolute, outright, undisputed KING of them all! Long may he reign supreme!
Thank you so much!
Yea the guys a legend 🇮🇪🇮🇪cheers from Ireland
He's the brain surgeon of guitardom.
I totally agree. This guy is an amazing presenter and awesome guitar player.
Agreed 👍
"What do I know? I'm just a UA-cam presenter."
I was like man, If there's someone who knows anything it's you!
Appreciate the content and effort. Definitely useful!
Happy to help!
I like that he found a song that showed all 6 strings across the neck and played the same riff for each set of strings. I can "apples to apples" compare. Thanks for this video.
This man really took the time to change out each strong type to show us the difference 🏆
Each strong type. Do you know king is kong in Danish?
10:47 Nanoweb Phospher Bronze (Elixr)
11:38 Polyweb 80/20 (Daddario)
12:27 Nickel Bronze (Daddario)
13:17 Flatops (Daddario)
14:05 Martin Retro
14:55 Martin Authentic
15:45 Phospher Bronze (Daddario) EXTL
Your welcome have a blessed 4th 😊🎇🎆🎆
Appreciated!
@@AlamoMusic of course Keep up the great vidz 👍
All we need is ...
Thank you!
Martin retros, thank you!!!
Just wanted to say I appreciate the time and effort that you and Alamo make to present these kinds of videos. I watch a lot of them (a how-to-record your acoustic last night for instance). Looking forward to doing business with you sometime soon. Thank you.
Glad you like them!
Brother, you are a blessing. Thanks so much for the information. I bought a Taylor 214 plus a year ago and your channel has been a great help.You are great at what you do! 👍
Chris I gotta say ur playing/rec/technique has improved soooo much since ur early vids. I appreciate these.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Thanks for doing this comparison! I like the crispy tones of Phospher Bronze (Daddario) Extra light. This video helped me a lot to decide my new strings and actually differentiate the strings in the market.
This is a great video. The timestamps in the description allows me to quickly switch for one string demo to another. Very cool.
I also learned that putting too much tension (heavier strings) might cause issues with body and/or neck. I've used Elixir 13/56 on my Taylor but I'm considering going to 12/53 after watching this video.
Thanks
Just wanted to say I enjoy watching your videos regularly thank you for them!
Outstanding, comprehensive and beautifully mic'd video. Great job controlling all the variables to achieve max consistency in the evaluations 😊
Great vid Chris & team! Can tell it was a lot of work - have watched several "strings videos" but this one is now bookmarked for reference... Thanks for enriching the San Antonio music community; always enjoy visiting your stores!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks!
Thanks a lot! I finally can figure out what is the impact of the strings. More subtle than I expected.
Super work, as usual.
Being a beginner & knowing nothing about guitars. I learned so much from ur videos. U r not just a man of knowledge u r also a teacher
So nice of you
You should check out Rick Beato channel he has a lot of info on guitars too and brings others in. I am a beginner also and have learned a lot from that channel. They also did a video on strings for acoustic and electric.
What strings did you end up going with ?
Such an incredible help this channel has been in my guitar journey.
What effort it took changing all these strings! Thanks Chris. After playing multiple times and contrasting the strings I found it difficult to distinguish one set from another; nevertheless the Elixr was true to the Taylor tone that one expects whereas the Martin’s seem less bright (and more to my taste) but the differences were subtle. Now presuming Chris’ playing and string pressure was consistent throughout, I decided to hear whether the squeak factor varied. The flattops had noticeable less squeaking and they did seem slightly more mellow. Will definitely give them a try. Thanks much for the interesting video.
Thank you for having such eloquent comparison videos. Definitely a Step Above everything else out there
Thanks for this one Chris, as a long time electric player but new acoustic player these videos with your knowledge and experience are answering every question that I have. Great move using the same guitar too.
Glad to help!
So much great info packed into this video. i’m just taking up acoustic guitar again after many years away from it and your info has been very helpful in helping me to make some informed choices on strings to try. I live in SA, so I may come down for a visit! Thanks so much!
"What do I know? I'm just a UA-cam presenter."
Love it! You present a theory, but you let it be known that it is just your theory and should not be taken as authoritative. I appreciate the honesty.
Thanks!
@@AlamoMusic Hi, as a beginner I have changed strings a lot of time but still I feel bit hard to press the strings 😀, which one is friendly for the fingers . Thank You 🙏
This is a great video I really appreciate the time you guys took to give us ABC comparison they are more helpful than anything else
Thank you so much for doing this. I’m sure it was a hassle to shoot, but it was incredibly helpful especially for beginners like me. You’re awesome!
You are very welcome!
Fantastic Sir !!! Thank you for taking the time to do this for all of us :
my ranking:
1-Monel
2-Flat top
3-Phosphor Bronze
4-80/20
I was surprised on the 13s
the 10s sounded decent in comparison and i would guess way easier on the fingers -
cheers!
Thank you Chris
I always enjoy your videos and passing on your knowledge is appreciated. ✌❤😃
Great video, motivated me to change the strings on my Taylor myself back to what Taylor recommends for the BBT, the Elixir Nanoweb 12/53. Now that beautiful bright sound is back. Thanks Alamo!
Thank you Chris for going to such lengths to give us the comparisons, very much appreciated. One factor you didn't mention is the 'squeak factor' which can become overpowering for the listener, spoiling the listening experience, and some uncoated strings can sound great but 'squeak noisy' at the same time, even with excellent player skills.For this reason I ended up using coated strings tho' I must try the D'Addario Flat Tops Phosphor Bronze at some time.
But what counts most in the end is the player, and I really enjoyed your playing as I listened over to compare the different strings...👍
Thanks Chris. Very insightful. Great demo. Appreciate you efforts. Solved my problem (s)
Really good overview and demo. You really know your strings. Very helpful and that was a nice little tune you used for the demonstrations as well. Thanks for doing this.
My pleasure!
I have been a guitar player for 50 yrs and have found the best guitar str., ever aregentina strings , if they were good enough for django there shure good enough for me ,,,,,,,, please give them a try 10 / 45 best ever sean mcghee glasgow scotland
Thank you dude. This is well presented and veey useful. I subbed you and liked. Cheers for the hard work put into making this video
Hey Chris, thank you. I was hoping you would cover this as String variety has saved me when falling out of love or just bored with my J200. Martin Marquis 80/20 11 are perfect for me this month. Have loved EJ16, and Martin Tommy Emmanuel 12s. on it to. You are spot on different strings change our whole relationship with the instrument.
And Chris know this, you’ve rapidly become my favourite youtube reviwer. It’s your personal opinion and I respect that. Great to hear someone express one and not just someone noodling for 10 minutes. No B.S. and straight up. it’s just like having a buddy over to share his experience. Perfect. Thank you again I’m sure it took hous of work to make this episode. Have a great weekend.
Thank you! We really appreciate it when people can see the work we put into a video!
Thank you for an incredibly informative video, loved hearing the differences. After hearing the flattopsi've just got to try them.
I have compared strings similar to these, and I have to say that the differences are far more pronounced and obvious when you're actually playing (as opposed to listening to a recording on youtube). The long introduction is fascinating. If you skipped it, go back and listen, there's important information there.
Yeah, I heard clear differences when he switched bettween gauges, but no so much with the matirials, perhaps the slightly brighter tone of nickel but I might has been biased by the information given in the intro.
To me, .13 had more volume, specially on the bass, it also sounded punchier and fuller/rounder. But I kinda prefered the warmth of the 12s on this (lesser tension sometimes provides warmer tone, I guess it depends on the guitar). The 10s sounded "thiner". Also, I don't like how 10s feel on the fingers, 11s feel good on full lenght guitars, but 10s feel weird to me for acoustics.
I love love this so much. The explanation was so precise and not opinion based. I DO wish there were some strumming examples for those who play mainly rhythm that wanted to compare rhythm tones.
Thank you thank you! I can't image the pain of changing all those strings, you took one for the team
The Martin retro set sounded amazing to my ears. I was curious about light strings cause considerred changing for more comfort but they sounded weak compared to the others. Thank you for the video,real helpfull.
Just put a set of these, custom light .11, on my Taylor. Loving the sound so far.
Chris, you're a guy who really covers everything one needs to know. Thank you.
A really great video! I always learn from you! Thanks! Awaiting my Alamo hoodie. Wanted to buy one to say thanks for your great videos!
Any time!!!
This was probably the best string breakdown I have found. Outstanding idea and job! Thanks for doing it! Those Martin Monels sound amazing on my DSS-17.
No problem! Thanks for watching!
Thanks a million for this! Those flatwounds were an eyeopener! I would never have tried them myself, and I liked them a lot.
I watch your videos all the time! If i'm ever in the San Antonio area i will definitely look to come by the shop. But this videos playing was amazing, so melodic, Great Work!
Super cool video, Chris. Thank you very much for the useful information!
My pleasure!
Thanks so much for giving us an idea about the string that we want to put it on ..very informative vlog video ...very much impressed
Thank you! This is the most useful video in the history of videos!
Really informative. Well done! Thanks
great UA-cam post. You answered all my questions about strings and their sizes and makeup. i have experience that buzz from light strings All so true. GREAT job and Thank You so much.
Thanks for an exceptional demo.
Chris, great video. My 71-year-old ears could tell the difference between some sets of strings, but not others. The first set of Elixirs immediately sounded like you playing a Taylor guitar, as in so many videos that I have watched.I think I would know that (beautiful) sound blindfolded. I enjoyed hearing your opinion, but being “open“ to what may work for others and on different guitars/tone woods. Thanks!
Your comments are always appreciated Barry!
I’m saving up to order a new acoustic guitar, I’m trying to learn as much as I can before I get it. Thanks for the video this was actually really helpful
Great video! Thank you for all the hard work and advice.
My pleasure!
Thanks for the string review. I appreciate it.
Many thanks. Brilliant presentation.
great review, really helpful and an interesting comparison 🙂
That was amazing! Thank you for putting that together. I now have no doubt that I am using the right strings. I have a Taylor 814CE and a Taylor K26 KOA CE. I really like the Elixir Nanoweb Phosper-Bronze 12-53's.
Glad it was helpful!
I just ❤❤❤ this channel , and the info that Chris provides...
Above all however, is his ability to play these various acoustics...
Well done Chris...
Well Done 🤠🤘
Wow, thank you!
Really wonderful string comparison and an explanation of your understanding of the factors at play!
This is very helpful to folks that need a bit of a preview of the different sounds and feels of the materials before dumping some cash into the experiment. To be honest, this video convinced me to buy a set of flat tops - I'd been thinking about wanting to just see how they sound for awhile, but without any easy side-by-side comparison I just hadn't been willing to risk it if I could put those same dollars to either another set of the same old strings or a "safer" experiment.
I've been playing around with different materials and, more by accident, gauge lately to find what pairs best with my red cedar topped concert body Breedlove. By accident found out how much gauge mattered when I bought a set of medium gauge strings. They were excellent strings but I was definitely hearing more of the strings than the guitar in many cases or the tones muddied out a bit because of it. The body size and manufacturer's intent was definitely for regular light, 12-53, strings.
After that adventure it has been the fun of working through some sets of phosphor bronze and aluminum bronze strings. My ear says that the phosphor bronze is pairing best with the cedar top for what I want to hear from my playing, it's warm, round, but maintains enough clarity to hear each string clearly. The aluminum bronze are just a tiny bit too bright for my taste, they're still clear articulate strings that I love and have on my guitar right at this moment, they just miss what I want to hear. But those are the two materials I've covered between a couple different companies.
Really looking forward to continuing to broadly try different styles and manufacturers of strings as my current backlog wears out.
Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for your demonstration I found it very informative. I did like the Martins the best again thanks!
I really needed to hear this , I'm new at this and your information is always helpful. God bless from michigan...
Brilliant video and comparison....Thank you for the effort with this. Educating the people for free... love it.
SA all the way
Much appreciated!
Great needed details on strings!
Very informative video! Thank you!
Well that was INCREDIBLY HELPFUL! Thank you.
Glad to hear!
Thanks Chris great video. I was surprised by the nickel strings, very nice and warm. Also the the flat tops sounded good to me and you got less squeak when sliding around.
As a technical point, 80/20 strings are brass, even though they are sometimes labeled “80/20 bronze.” They are made from an alloy that is 80% copper and 20% zinc, which makes them brass and accounts for their bright tone and their tendecy to corrode rather quickly if uncoated. Phosphor bronze strings are true bronze, and are made from an alloy that is about 92% copper and 8% tin with a trace amount of phosporous, which helps fight corrosion. I like them both and sometimes go back and forth between them on the same guitar, just for a change. I have to say though that phosphor bronze are the ones I tend to use the most because of their warmth. But I should also say that 80/20s on a smaller maple body guitar, is one of my favorites combinations. Its like playing a bell. Strings that use nickel, either as a coating (D’Addario) or in an alloy (Martin), are somehow more neutral to my ear so that you seem to hear more of the wood and less of the strings, if that makes any sense. They are not to my taste, but maybe that’s because 50 years of playing phosphor bronze or 80/20s has made everything else sound not quite right to me. I understand that some people (oh, you know, like Tony Rice) love them, so you should at least try them. Flat wound strings sound super warm to me, but I have only used them on my electrics to mellow them out. Never tried them on an acoustic. Never knew anyone who did . Might have to give ‘em a shot!
very helpful comment.
Wow, what a great analysis. Thank you. What do you think of the Martin custom MA130 silk and steel 11.5-47’s? Can you please tell me how they compare to these other ones if you are familiar with them? I just put them on a Washburn acoustic yesterday. Thank you!
@@Doowopsid Silk and steel will produce a very warm and layed back tone that will lack the punch of strings that are all metal (for better or worse). It's a sound better suited to thoughtful fingerpicking than full tilt bluegrass flat picking. They will also play a bit softer to the touch, so they are great if you have sore fingers or are trying to master bar chords. My concern is that silk and steel strings in 11.5-47 may not put enough energy into the top of your guitar, particularly if it’s a large body guitar, to make it sound its best. I once put steel 12-53s on my Martin D-28, and I thought it sounded dead. The strings you have are lighter than that, plus they are slilk and steel, which futher diminishes their ability to get the top moving. But again, this is purely a matter of personal preference and there is no right or wrong. What sounds thin to me may sound delicate and perfect to you. My advice would be to buy several packages of strings in different types and guages (get uncoated strings for this test-- they are cheaper than coated strings) and see what you like. Once you figure that out you can decide on things like which brand to buy and whether you prefer coated or uncoated strings.
Hey! Awesome info. I was just wondering what would you put in a smaller body mahogany guitar(size of a GS mini)?
@@SamC_ With a guitar like that, I would probably start with 12-53s. The GS Mini has a short scale (the distance from the bridge to the nut), which means that the strings will have less tension than they would have on a standard scale guitar. I have played guitar for 54 years and have petty good calluses so sore fingers are not an issue for me, and I don’t care for strings that feel floppy. I might even like 13s on that guitar. Phosphor bronze is normally my preference, and my go to brand is Elixir Nanoweb, mostly because I have a lot of guitars and don’t want to spend my life changing strings. I find that uncoated strings only last a few weeks before they start to go dead, but I can get three months or more out of a set of coated strings. Uncoated strings sound a bit better, but the difference is not all that great, and I’m lazy. In any case, this is entirely a matter of personal preference, so experiment and see what you like.
Great video! I recently got a Taylor guitar, but didn't like the lack highs from the Elixer strings. This really helped narrow down my choices.
Really good video, thanks for going to the effort to put this out. I use Elixir 23/53 Nanoweb on most of my guitars for most of the reasons you mention, but use 11/52 on a couple and I've got 10/47 on my main guitar as it allows older fingers to bend easier.
There is a massive difference in volume but plugged in they stand up well.
An excellent point re using the strings that was on the guitar when you bought it as thats the sound you fell in love with.
Thanks again for the effort.
Thank you for watching!
It really does just come down to what texture and sound you are trying to create. Great video
Couldn't agree more!
Bro.... I know that was a lot of work but we appreciate it!
Thanks for the in depth conversation as well
Great video
Thanks for the info man!
Great demo; really appreciated the effort. Good speakers are a must for this exercise. I would also have liked to hear the comparisons with a pick since there's a huge difference between fingers and pick. I'm still relatively new at this but I definitely plan to try strings that aren't D'addarios. I've learned on them but find new strings to be very chirpy to the point of sounding like a harpsichord. Thanks again.
This vid is so timely ... Thank you for all the time you invested in it. I have a Taylor 224e deluxe and loved the strings it came with. But no one could tell me what strings were on it so I tried the medium gauge elixr nanoweb. Nope, not happy with them and seemed to deaden quite quickly. I heard Madison Cunningham say she liked d'addario flat tops so I am trying them next. They sounded great here on your vid. I was surprised at the XL gauge - I liked them as well.
I bought a Taylor 214ce from Zzsounds two months ago. Definitely came with either Elixer or DiAddario version of coated strings. It maybe that the strings were good and worn in when you got it. When you put new strings on the sound hasn't "mellowed" yet. Or I could be completely wrong. Just a thought
Thank you very much!! So glad we could help you out!
Thank you - this was incredibly helpful. :)
Thanks - appreciated this vid. Must have taken some time to do. Very helpful.
We appreciate the support! It makes it all worth it!
So enjoyed your playing.
Thank you for your service
So helpful! Thank you!!
Great video and very informative
Glad you liked it!
Relevant, and enjoyable. Thanks !
Dude you're a freaking genius. Awesome video
Nice job, Chris. Very helpful. Recently became a fan of the Monel Retro Extra Lights on my Yamaha FGX3. Your observation about mahogany and the Retros is appreciated. I agree and think I’ve found “my strings.” Better sound and resonance on the low and high ends vs the silk and steels I’ve experimented with. The silks sound muddy on the low end and oddly twangy on the other, especially when fingerpicking. The monels give a more balanced response, and although I like the extra lights generally, I can still feel the Monels on my finger tips, which helps me fret the strings. They work well for me, whether I’m strumming, flatpicking or fingerpicking. Versatile strings, for me, across all styles. And it sort of does add a bit of that 1940s sound that you hear on old recordings of the blues greats. At $8.99 per set, good value too
Thank you brother CM answered all my questions. Thanks for sharing. Great video and go SPURS go 👊🏽
Another great video! Thanks Chris.
My pleasure!
Great Information! No one ever gets to hear all those types of strings, new, on the same guitar, and playing the same music. Was eye opening! Think I'll try a set of D'Addario Nickel Bronze lights. Thanks again!
Glad it was helpful!
To my ears, the Martin Retros really do it for me. I never knew these existed until now. Liked. Subscribed. Thanks 🙏
great video, very informative
Loved this video. Just checking in to get more knowledge about strings for my Martin. I loved that song you played. I would love to know the name of it or even see a video teaching it. I thought it sounded so nice.
I'm coming to this late, but thanks all the same. Still useful information. It helps me understand why I prefer certain brands and types of strings. Not surprising that it makes such a difference in the sound.
Don’t envy you for having to change all those strings.
Great video and very informative. Thanks!
OHHHH! FINALLY A STRING VID! I love Elixir Phosphor Bronze 12-56 on(light-medium) on my Parlor Larrivee p-09 12 fret and now I need to get strings for my Taylor 322ce 12 freter. Perfect Timing
Thanks for watching!!!
Very helpful! Thank you
Great vid!
Great post, Chris. Having received my 0M acoustic today, and knowing the spruce needs to limber up with some playing time, I'm not happy with the harmonic balance of the factory strings, especially #3 which thumps like a dead weight. So I look forward to your tone comparison. I will focus on #3. And if I have to buy a set for that one string, so be it.
A lot of time went into making this video - thank you for doign this.
very good idea tips bro thank you so much👍
D'Addario Extra Lights sounded very nice and bright... Thank you!
Great video and nice to know your near by in South Texas
Great video. Much appreciated.
Very welcome
Awesome video! Thanks alot 🤘🤘🤘