Hey guys. Is it just me or recently, I was stuck with my practice and then I had this idea. I put my Strat away for a while and got my trusty cheapo acoustic guitar out of its case and tried a few set of strings I had never used before. It made me discover the tonal singularities of these strings, and I had a total blast noodling like a beginner with my guitar. I tried some Travis picking, some Robert Johnson stuff and thumb picks, that kind of varied stuff. For the strings I tried the D'Addario EXP, the Elixir polyweb, the John Pearse (?), even an old set of D'Addario for electric guitar, and I still have to try the GHS and the Gibson acoustic strings. It is not a strings shootout, it is just plain fun and discovery with stuff and styles. I have to say that about a month ago, we were lucky enough to have both Tommy Emmanuel in concert and Doyle Dykes for a Guild guitar clinic in the same week. That must have kickstarted my appetite for acoustic noodling. At times, I feel the urge to get the Strat out of its case, but I prefer to let this feeling grow for a while. I'll go now, because the weather outside is perfect and I want to try some open tuning with a slide before it gets too dark. See ya guys.
Claude.

Claude, everyone should own an acoustic guitar. I have a cheap $200 Yamaha FG700S that I like a lot. I use D'Addario EJ15-3D strings on it and it plays just fine. And your right about getting back to basics. Sticking to one style will put you in a rut when in comes to growth playing music.

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Gary

Good to hear - think you're into something - at least you are enjoying it
Just recommend that you try out some Martin Strings for the acoustic - thing they are 'singing' even better IMHO Have a nice time !

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A-man

Thanks guys, I'll add the Martin and the D'Addario EJ15-3D to my "to try" list. I've been using the D'addario EJ16 for years, so it's fun to try something else. My acoustic is an old Yamaha FG403S. I didn't want an expensive acoustic because I was a beginner back then. But I still enjoy playing it.

I've just put on a set of D'Addario EJ26's on my Gibson Dove and they are very nice. I've used John Pearse phosphor bronze (which I very much like) and even a set of Ernie Ball acoustic strings, but I can't remember whether I liked them or not .
It is good to switch between acoustic and electric as the playing style is different and the same song will be approached differently which is always a good thing IMHO.
The other thing that I've noticed when I play my acoustic guitar is that any miscues are not nearly so noticeable
btw....how did you like the Elixir polyweb strings...I've been thinking about buying a set, but not yet sure if I want to pay the extra$$$

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......it's a topsy-turvy world when noses run and feet smell...

Alex, I've found the elixir polyweb to be a huge overall improvement tone wise. Also they are less noisy when I move my fingers for chords changes. They feel a tad like flatwound strings because of the coating around the strings. A big no no about the price, around here $20.00, but hey, until you've tried them for yourself, you can't sleep at night. Maybe the cheap guitar/expensive strings is a no future combo, but still worth the try, at least once.

Claude,
Thanks for the info. I'm going to go to Long and McQuade soon and will buy a set. Have you tried any of the coated strings on your Strat?
I don't think that just because a guitar is inexpensive it can't have nice strings
cheers,
Alex

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......it's a topsy-turvy world when noses run and feet smell...

My experiences w the Elixirs have been limited to my acoustic(s) . I would say -there are nicer sounding strings (at least was - because it seems to me that Elixirs have gotten better..) - but as they in the beginning are giving you 95 % of your sought-after sound - they are still delivering it after a long time of use! During that time you usually would have changed your strings 2-3 times, and experienced all those sets have fallen from 100 to 50% in sound quality...
In fact - I bought a set of Nanowebs ( 10s ! ) for my oldest acoustic yesterday. Perhaps doing the changing job tonight.
Also my newest strat got nanowebs - in it was much better than expected
Well - thanks for now - gotta go to work

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A-man

I'm not done, experimenting with strings brands yet. But after the acoustic experiments, I might do the same with my Strat.

Thanks....good info as always.
Long ago, I used to put new strings on my acoustic guitar every Christmas. My electric (the Gretsch) sat sadly in its case in my basement with the same old strings and perhaps out of revenge (who knows?) the metal pieces slightly corroded.
Now that I'm retired, I have 2 electric guitars, an electric bass (tho' this really belongs to my son) plus my good old acoustic. Having kids meant that I don't always put new strings on my guitars every Christmas , but change them only when I think that they need it.
I've always wondered about those who have many guitars....must take a while to change all the strings???? Perhaps a new thread?????
Oh, and I saved the best for last....you've hit the hundred mark as well,,,,congratulations

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......it's a topsy-turvy world when noses run and feet smell...

Thnx for kind words , Alex - and now I've advanced from hobbyist to amateur
It may sound as I've got the house full of guitars- and I have to admit it may be a few
But I use them regularly- and try to remember wiping off the strings after use- that prolongs their lives. Also storing in cases- but that I am not too good at Most of them on wall hangers.
And here comes the Elixirs in- does not need so often changes And I guess the reason I think they sound better nowadays, is because I've bought Nanos instead of polys. Thinner coating.
So I am sure the next time I change strings on my beloved 12-str Furch , it has to be Elixir
I change strings if I can hear the sound is bad,and if there is trouble of staying tuned.
And - you're right- this should be a new thread Start it !
A Gretsch could be a possible next buy.....in the future

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A-man