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Post by ineedtherapy (Stuart) on Oct 26, 2020 7:30:42 GMT -7
I’m sure this has been done before, but I see very few conversations about strings and picks amongst guitarists. Usually we talk amps, pedals, and guitars. But strings, picks, straps, etc., not so much.
Anywho.
This month marks my 20th year of playing so, in celebration, I’m going back to the drawing board with my approach to these more overlooked areas of my musician life.
First up: DR Tite Fit (10-46) strings and Dunlop Flow 1.0MM picks. I am very impressed. The strings play faster than I’m used to (they are round core strings and I usually use D’Addario hex core strings). The picks have a great grip and 1.0MM is heavy enough to get the attack I want, but light enough to not feel like I’m holding a book in my hands.
So what do you guys prefer in these areas?
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Post by pcns on Oct 26, 2020 12:11:09 GMT -7
I've been using Dunlop Tortex .73mm for 30+ years. I've bounced around a lot with strings but lately have been using Darco 10-46 sets. Sound good, decent string tension and they aren't real expensive. They last me a long time but my youngest son goes through strings like bubble gun, they rusty on him within 10 days, must be acidic sweat.
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Post by Russell B on Oct 26, 2020 13:26:40 GMT -7
I've been using D'Addario EXL110 and EXL115 for so long I really can't remember when I switched to them. I've been using Dunlop 511P150 Primetone 1.5mm picks for a couple of years now. I really love them. Before that, I used Dunlop Tortex .88mm. I still like them too.
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Oct 26, 2020 14:16:13 GMT -7
I’ve been using D’Addario EXL110 for a longtime. For the past 20 plus years I had quit using picks, but recently decided I should reacquaint myself with using a pick. V-Picks are pricey but I’m liking several of their designs.
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Post by Don A on Oct 26, 2020 14:41:57 GMT -7
D'Addario XL120 strings (0.009") and Fender Extra Heavy 358 picks (the little dime size ones). I put DR Pure Blues on my ES-225TD and H-535. I've tried fancier picks but didn't like them.
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Post by Paul (TRANE) on Oct 26, 2020 14:47:01 GMT -7
I started with Dunlop Tortex 0.73mm. Have moved to Dunlop Ultex 1.14mm. I do also like the D'andrea Heavy picks 0.96mm. For strings I use D'addario 10s EXL or EPN.
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Post by zpilot on Oct 26, 2020 15:58:39 GMT -7
I used Regular Slinkys and D'Addarios XL's for years, actually decades. I tried DR Pure Blues for a while and they were kind of cool. However, I am a recent total convert to D'Addario NYXL. Great tone and the most stable string I have ever played.
As far as picks go it is Fender 351 Medium. I've been using them for over 40 years. I'll occasionally try something else but I always come back.
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Post by ineedtherapy (Stuart) on Oct 26, 2020 18:50:34 GMT -7
D'Addario XL120 strings (0.009") and Fender Extra Heavy 358 picks (the little dime size ones). I put DR Pure Blues on my ES-225TD and H-535. I've tried fancier picks but didn't like them. How do you like the Pure Blues on your ES models? I have a set of Pure Blues 10-46. I might have to try them in my 335.
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Post by Don A on Oct 26, 2020 21:56:57 GMT -7
D'Addario XL120 strings (0.009") and Fender Extra Heavy 358 picks (the little dime size ones). I put DR Pure Blues on my ES-225TD and H-535. I've tried fancier picks but didn't like them. How do you like the Pure Blues on your ES models? I have a set of Pure Blues 10-46. I might have to try them in my 335.
They're a little smoother and fatter sounding and bend nice. I prefer to use D'Addario XLs on my fenders because they're twangier sounding. Be careful how you handle the wound strings with the DR Pure Blues- follow the instructions on cutting them or the winding can get loose and they won't intonate.
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Post by southmusic70 on Oct 27, 2020 5:17:18 GMT -7
I use 11-49 Ds on all of my guitars. EXL115w on Guild Bluesbird and Gibson CS336, EXL115 on Strat and Tele, flat wound 11-49 Ds on Heritage Golden Eagle archtop. This way, everything sort of feels the same under my hands.
I’ve used Fender medium jazz picks for years.
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Post by Seńor Verde on Oct 27, 2020 14:22:19 GMT -7
I've been using D'Addario EXL110 for many years. Originally I started using them because you could get them anywhere. Every few years I try some different string and keep going back to EXL110. They sound right to me, last a long time and feel great.
For picks, I have used several, but the past 15 years or so I was using Dunlop Tortex 1.14 mm in Jazz size, but recently tried the same pick in a 1.0 mm and like it better.
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Post by The Bad Poodle Experience on Oct 27, 2020 16:11:38 GMT -7
i have been at it for 41 years and i was a black nylon 1mm Dunlop user from high school on but i started flirting with 1.5mm-2mm picks about 10 years ago. i found them good for single note playing but anything over 1mm feels too clunky for strumming. Now, I usually carry at least one each of Dunlop's Gator picks in .71mm, .96mm and 1.14mm and i will use whichever i pull out of my pocket first. lol At home, I keep a bowl full of all sorts of picks and I will sometimes go back to the Dunlop nylons, either 1mm or .88mm for acoustic stuff.
strings. Am I supposed to change them? all electrics get .10-.46, preferably Nickel. Not too partial to any brand.
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Post by helmi on Oct 27, 2020 16:20:31 GMT -7
Been using Dunlop copper picks (long discontinued) for over 25 yrs. just switched to SIT universal strings. (a mismatched set)
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Oct 28, 2020 5:43:39 GMT -7
I've been using D'Addario XL120 strings 0.009 on all my guitars for decades. Lately I've tried some Fender 250 .008 strings on my Strats, and they sound and feel great. For picks I've been using Dunlop or Snarling Dogs Brain .73mm. I played Fender mediums for a long time but I like the snappier nylons better.
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Post by loucardguitar (Johnathan) on Nov 1, 2020 19:39:51 GMT -7
I’m sure this has been done before, but I see very few conversations about strings and picks amongst guitarists. Usually we talk amps, pedals, and guitars. But strings, picks, straps, etc., not so much. Anywho. This month marks my 20th year of playing so, in celebration, I’m going back to the drawing board with my approach to these more overlooked areas of my musician life. First up: DR Tite Fit (10-46) strings and Dunlop Flow 1.0MM picks. I am very impressed. The strings play faster than I’m used to (they are round core strings and I usually use D’Addario hex core strings). The picks have a great grip and 1.0MM is heavy enough to get the attack I want, but light enough to not feel like I’m holding a book in my hands. So what do you guys prefer in these areas? I'm right there with ya, Stuart. This has been a bit of a year of change for me. As far as picks, I had used Tortex .88's (the green ones) forever. I tried Gravity picks (2 mm thickness). I now use the Razer Standard and Tripp Standard shapes, depending on my mood. I absolutely love them. Basically where it came from was the picks that you get with JHS pedals. I kinda liked them. So I figured I would give Gravity a shot. As far as strings go, I had also used the D'Addario EXL strings. Originally the 120's then eventually moved to the 110's. I just recently ordered some StringJoy strings. Starting out with the Signature Balanced set (9.5 - 46) on my tele. Really liking them. It's more of a feel thing. Definitely play smoother. I will also be trying the 10 - 48 set on my Les Paul. So, I may be making the switch there. Definitely doesn't hurt to try new stuff though, if you have something that you have liked forever, you can always go back if you want.
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Post by ineedtherapy (Stuart) on Nov 2, 2020 5:20:14 GMT -7
loucardguitar (Johnathan) I have tried two sets of DR round core strings since posting this and I think round core must be where it’s at for me. They are just so much more comfortable. I am glad I decided to splurge the extra $1 to get them lol.
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Post by blueser7 on Nov 2, 2020 11:17:42 GMT -7
I used the Tortex .73 for years until the last year or so, tried several different materials and thickness. I tried the gravity 1 mm picks and really like them, but the one I tried is really expensive so I use it when I play gigs (hopefully again someday) and I moved to the 1mm Tortex for practice. I also was a long time D'Addario user and still have them on my Les Paul, but I am really liking the string joys (10's) I started using the last year or two. To me they have better tone and feel.
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Post by loucardguitar (Johnathan) on Nov 2, 2020 16:09:00 GMT -7
I used the Tortex .73 for years until the last year or so, tried several different materials and thickness. I tried the gravity 1 mm picks and really like them, but the one I tried is really expensive so I use it when I play gigs (hopefully again someday) and I moved to the 1mm Tortex for practice. I also was a long time D'Addario user and still have them on my Les Paul, but I am really liking the string joys (10's) I started using the last year or two. To me they have better tone and feel. Yeah, the Gravity picks I'm using are like 6 bucks a piece. However with them being 2 mm, and I believe the material as well, they still hold up. And I normally have a pretty heavy right hand. Don't see any real wear on them. I have a 3 mm one that I got in their variety pack, that I think would be excellent with an acoustic. However I don't really have a decent acoustic right now. As far as the String joy's, I totally get the better feel. I would say it has something to do with the balanced tension. I also see a better tone as well.
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Post by dixiechicken on Nov 3, 2020 3:15:57 GMT -7
DC here!
1)
Generelly speaking I haven't cared very much about the brand of strings I use for my steelstring guitars. ( electric & accoustic)
For years I've been using GHS Boomers 10-46 - but this spring vid Covid and nothing much to. ( but practice and gassing - lols )
I have started to use the Elixir strings 10-46 green pack nano coated. I blame Juha Roukangas for this Check out his website - a fabulous luthier from Finland - famous for his use of thermo-treated wood of arctic birch & spanish Cedar in his guitars.
They put the Elixir strings on all their guitars - he claims and this is almost i direct quote: "Elixir strings are not quite as bright as uncoated strings but retain their tone much much longer"
Elixir strings are expensive though - almost three times the price of a set of GHS Boomers. We'll see if this seems worth it.
Juha has a series of podcast/videos Q&A:s about guitars maintenence and
differences between luthier versus mass production guitars and other stuff. He's also the vice president of the European Guitarbuilders Association.
Check out this one on - How to string up your "Les Paul the correct way" I will try this the next time I change the strings on my Les Paul ( its for the stardard Kluson Grover stringposts non-locking )
2) I use Agate picks as thin as Mike Stone can make them that means roughly 1,3-1,4 mm thick. Standard Teardrop shape & I almost all the time play with the "edge" of the rounded back side. Have benn using these for years & years.
Cheers: Dixiechicken!
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Post by gbowman on Nov 3, 2020 8:55:54 GMT -7
I flip between little jazz picks and regular "Fender" size picks. So these days I'm on the regular size side of the fence. I generally go to a gig with a V-Pick Lite Traditional (brightest and chirpiest of the bunch); a Dunlop 2.0mm; and a D'Andrea Pro Plec 1.5 mm (most jazzy sounding with a really nice feel on the strings).
String-wise, I change strings a lot, so I have returned to my roots with good ol' (inexpensive) Ernie Ball Slinkys. 10s on my 24.75 length guitars and 9.5s on my Strat.
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Post by doctorice on Nov 3, 2020 9:56:23 GMT -7
I'm generally using D'Addario strings, 9s, 10s or 11s, depending on the guitar. I do like the NYXLs. Ernie Ball Cobalt 10s on my LP out of habit and because I have a stash.
I converted to Dunlop Jazz III picks years ago for my electric guitar playing and see no reason to switch.
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Post by Russell B on Nov 3, 2020 10:46:28 GMT -7
All of this string talk has prompted me to try something new. I'm going to try the D'Addaro NYXLs to see how well they hold up. I seem to be brutal on strings.
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Post by zpilot on Nov 3, 2020 13:26:08 GMT -7
All of this string talk has prompted me to try something new. I'm going to try the D'Addaro NYXLs to see how well they hold up. I seem to be brutal on strings. By "brutal" on strings do you mean that you are one of the unfortunates whose chemistry eats them?
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Post by Russell B on Nov 3, 2020 14:28:51 GMT -7
All of this string talk has prompted me to try something new. I'm going to try the D'Addaro NYXLs to see how well they hold up. I seem to be brutal on strings. By "brutal" on strings do you mean that you are one of the unfortunates whose chemistry eats them? No. I bend them too much, so they wear out quicker.
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Post by zpilot on Nov 3, 2020 23:54:59 GMT -7
By "brutal" on strings do you mean that you are one of the unfortunates whose chemistry eats them? No. I bend them too much, so they wear out quicker. Well then you are going to love NYXL's. I do a lot of faux steel bending and blues based licks and they last longer than any string I have ever used. I have not noticed much of a tone difference after 20+ hours and the intonation is still true. I'm only thinking about changing them before my next gig because I know work hardening makes a string brittle.
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Post by Russell B on Nov 4, 2020 4:15:03 GMT -7
No. I bend them too much, so they wear out quicker. Well then you are going to love NYXL's. I do a lot of faux steel bending and blues based licks and they last longer than any string I have ever used. I have not noticed much of a tone difference after 20+ hours and the intonation is still true. I'm only thinking about changing them before my next gig because I know work hardening makes a string brittle. Good! I look forward to giving them a try!
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