Q re-Strings (brands)

Glyn Bone · From: Halifax.Nova Scotia. Canada * R.I.P.

Just a straight question for my knowledgeable peers here.
Currently I am using Jagwires on my Carter SD-10.

I would like to hear from you who have used `other` brands as to how you find them in regards to "brightness" or "mellowness"

IE..Jags v GHS or SIT or whatever other brands you have tried.

Just me seeking to find the `toneal qualities` that I like....I do tend to prefer a less "piercing" tone on the high notes.

Thanks in Advance Smile

PS this is NOT intended to start a war over brands Muttering

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Glyndwr

Carter SD10 4x5 with Wallace TrueTone ( 18K ohms)
Peavey NV 112
Hilton Vol.Ped.
Brad Sarno 'Freeloader'
Boss/Roland SE-20 Space Echo
BJS `Hughey` bar
BJS 1" bar
Zookie thumbpicks
Dunlop and JN finger picks

Gary Cosden · From: Florida, USA

I would recommend that you try any good brand (the ones you mentioned are all good - I personally like both SIT and Jagwire) in Nickel for a mellower tone. The plain strings are the same but the wound strings are mellower. As far as the high notes on the plain strings if you want a less "piercing" tone I really think that is going to come down to EQ and not string brand. Your guitar uses a wound 6th string so be sure you get a set with that in mind unless you want to go changing things around underneath. (Sorry - I thought for some reason your post said "Carter Starter". I must not be drinking enough - so cancel the wound 6th string comments)

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

FWIW, I don't find any tonal differences among the major brands. SIT, GHS, Geo.L's, et al.

The differences I hear are relative to the alloy of the string windings. Whether nickel or stainless steel wrapped.

I have always found stainless windings to be brighter than nickel.

Glyn Bone · From: Halifax.Nova Scotia. Canada * R.I.P.

Thank you gary and Jerry Smile

So I guess that to `tame` the high note `thin-ness or Piercingness ` I should look to amp settings ?
I am currently using an 18K ohm TT pickup which I like, I have also tried an XR-16.

I guess my next question should be :-

Does the scale length of the string make any difference? by that I mean between a 24" scale length a 24 1/4" or a 25" ( cant recall seeing a 24 1/2" ) and who makes such lengths ?
I know accurate bar placement is paramount , that goes without saying Smile

Again,thank you for your responses.
_________________
Glyndwr

Carter SD10 4x5 with Wallace TrueTone ( 18K ohms)
Peavey NV 112
Hilton Vol.Ped.
Brad Sarno 'Freeloader'
Boss/Roland SE-20 Space Echo
BJS `Hughey` bar
BJS 1" bar
Zookie thumbpicks
Dunlop and JN finger picks

Gary Cosden · From: Florida, USA

I have a Sierra with a 25" scale and I also use a TT pickup which has a very bright sound. I find I like to use stainless steel wrap strings even though they are brighter (remember its only the wound strings that are brighter) since the low notes, being brighter, don't need as much treble to give good separation. I can use less treble overall and get a better balanced tone. In theory longer scale lengths, since there is greater string tension, give a somewhat brighter tone. Think Fender Stratocaster (longer scale) vs. Gibson Les Paul (shorter scale).

Michael Haselman · From: St. Paul

Just one comment from me. Since I started using Jagwires (bought from b0b) a couple years ago, they sound great, (I use Sara Jory's)and, more importantly: I RARELY IF EVER BREAK STRINGS!!
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Mullen RP D10, Peavey NV112, Hilton volume. Hound Dog reso. Piles of other stuff.

Ron Randall · From: Dallas, Texas, USA

For my ears...
Jagwire Nickel and...

GHS Pure Nickel Rollerwounds. A little more mellow. But just tweak the preamp.

Also, both available on the Forum.

my 2c
Ron

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Good point made by Ron. There are a variety of winding types as well as alloys.

GHS also offers roundwound nickel plated sets along with semi-flat pure nickel. Dunno how the nickel plate and pure nickel alloys compare....I would suspect the semi-flats have a bit milder tone but also less string noise. I know that's the case with my big archtop.

Lee Baucum · From: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier

I've been using Jagwires for quite some time and love them. I was using the nickel wound strings but switched over to stainless. I like the stainless better.

Recently, I purchased a couple of sets of "The Steel Mill Silent Wound Series" strings from Frenchy. (CLICK HERE ) The windings on the wound strings are compressed a bit making them semi-flat. The stainless wound strings are not quite as bright sounding as regular stainless strings; however, they are brighter than regular nickel wound strings. I really like them. I've had a set on my guitar since January 25 and they still sound very good. Thank you Jody Sanders for talking me into trying a set.

Lee, from South Texas

Jody Sanders · From: Magnolia,Texas, R.I.P.

Hi Lee, Glad you like Frenchy's strings. They are good as the best, better than the rest. Jody.

Jim Strawser · From: Montana, USA

I am a lap steeler BUT i switched to Di"adarrio Chrome Flats with SIT on the top 3 strings, seems Jagwire's were always out of stock when i tried to look at them, just a suggestion IMHO!!
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"Steel players are like fine wine, we get better with age"

William Fraser · From: New York, USA

I have tried many ,but the short twist on Jagwire is a major improvement on the tops of the fingers , allowing for the string to lie flat at the top , less scars or burrs , or woogies . I have tried the nickel & find the stainless sound preferable . You can't beat the assortment of guages & material. I liked the tone of D. Markley strings for E9 .I LOVE D'addario half wounds on my 6 string guitars ,but stopped using them on steel ,after putting one under a Magnifieng Glass following breakage on that string more than "occasionally".I used to break a lot more 11's & 17's & figured I wasn't practicing enough if I didn't . I carry spares & use them less , The Forum is the best all around deal & being able to buy additional strings or substituteing a size, only makes the deal sweeter . Bill
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Billy Lee ,Pro-II,, Session 400,Session 500 , Supro , National, SpeedDemons,& too many Archtops & Stratotones.Lots of vintage parts for Kay ! etc.

Lonnie Zsigray · From: Saint Louis,Mich., USA

I have found that between engagements and practice I am putting around 14 hours/week on a set of strings and have found the Jagwire strings to hold up the best.I use the stainless Doug Jernigan E9th set or the Danny Hullihen set.Always keep an extra 3rd just in case but so far haven't needed it.When you find something that works you stick with it.
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If I hear it,I'm gonna try to steel it

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