[jacksimmons]

Don't know much about this so leaving it to the wisdom of the forum. I have a Takamine G Series acoustic and it is long overdue for some new strings, but I'm unsure what the best ones are for what I am looking for. I am after a really bright, jangly acoustic guitar sound. Any preferences and/or recommendations?

[cowparsleyman]

Hi Jack

I've tried allsorts over the years, here's my choices. (I asked Ralph McTell what strings he uses and recommended these, they are English made, and very very good)

As with most things it's a matter of taste, but they ring like a bell.

Newtone heritage, they are super agile 12-51
https://www.newtonestrings.com/shop/heritage-series-acoustic-6-string/

A few famous players actually use these Ralph McTell for one.

If you do go for these, do not cut them until you have put them on and tuned up the guitar, otherwise they'll unravel!

Hope this helps

cpm

[Martinswede]

Hello Jack!

I use Elixir. They don't have that super bright metallic sound of conventional new strings but since they last really long I find it's a fair deal. If you don't change strings with an equal interval or want your guitar ready to rock after being kept a month in a case it might be a good option. Multiple brands have coated/long life strings.

Martin

[Skub]

Depending on your physical make up,choice of strings will vary.

Those who sweat a lot on stage seem to prefer the bit of extra life Elixir gives. If you don't have an acidic sweat problem,it matters less.

I use Martin strings for acoustic and D'Addario XL Nickel wound for electric. Rotosound R30SL for 12 string electric and D'Addario XL nickel wound for Nashville.

Any info you gain on this thread will be nothing more than anecdotal. Try a few and see what suits you. Strings are dirt cheap.

[Boydie]

I favour DR Sunbeams for acoustics

They have a round core (instead of a hex core) so play more like electric guitar strings but still give a great acoustic sound

[tone]

I think it's also worth pointing out that choice of strings is just one small part of getting the sound you want. Your choice of pick/ fingernail growth & condition, how you attack each note/ chord and how you amplify/ record are all far more important in getting that sound than choice of strings.

For the record though I use d'addario nickel wound acoustic guage 13 - 56. They carry on performing well for me even after plenty of use.

[jacksimmons]

Amazing! Thanks guys for all your responses. This is pretty much solely for recording purposes so don't have to worry too much about live problems. I will check out everyone's suggestions and probably choose a few alternatives and try them out.

[cowparsleyman]

I think it's also worth pointing out that choice of strings is just one small part of getting the sound you want. Your choice of pick/ fingernail growth & condition, how you attack each note/ chord and how you amplify/ record are all far more important in getting that sound than choice of strings.

For the record though I use d'addario nickel wound acoustic guage 13 - 56. They carry on performing well for me even after plenty of use.

Tone is spot on here...I use fine wet & dry to keep the nails really smooth, still get lots of strange looks.

I have to agree it's the combination of strings, nails, accuracy of playing, what guitar you have, mic setup, what sort of song it is. Also the pick thickness really makes a difference too, I use a thin one for strumming and a thicker one for solos/jazz.

Hope this helps Jack.

cpm