silk and steels in a pinch

CalebFSU

hey guys got a quick string question. I pretty much use argies on my dell arte exclusively, but I am in a pinch and need to change my strings and don't have time to order a set. What commercially available strings do you guys use in a pinch. I know silk and steels are popular but do you guys just use Martin silk and steels or do you guys prefer something else??

Jim Kaznosky

D'addarios are passable in a pinch, but I've convinced my local shop to stock Argies. D'addarios fall off real quick. I'd say they are good for a gig.

CalebFSU

Yeah I am going to stick to argies, but what Daddarios are you using?? I don't think any of my local stores carries the Gypsy Jazz strings they make.

Jim Kaznosky

I've used the GJ strings twice and I think I bought a pack somewhere in Manhattan. I don't recall where, though. I also have used regular old D'addario acoustic strings if a string breaks on a gig. It will do the trick in a tough spot.

BluesBop Harry

I regularly use Martin Marquis silk and steels on my Dupont and I love them!
I have to change them twice as often as Argies but they cost half as much so...
I got the tip from a post by Bob Holo (Thanks!) and I know Wawau Adler likes them too.
They don't last too long but sound great, darker tone, and keep their tuning from new... but when the low E goes dead it really goes. They come with a 11.5 high E which I really like and the wound strings feel slinkier than Argentine 11s.
Gallis Vo27 are great also.
If they are available where you live give them a try, you might be pleasantly surprised.

CalebFSU

Cool man thanks. I just ran out of argies not too long ago. I stocked up when I worked in music stores and could order them from suppliers. I am out now though. I do happen to have a pair of Martin Silk and Steels, that I will but on to get me by till I get back in town and then I will order some. Thanks Enrique.

Bob Holo

BluesBop Harry wrote:

I regularly use Martin Marquis silk and steels ... ... ... great, darker tone, and keep their tuning from new... but when the low E goes dead it really goes...

True that... when the low E goes dead on those Martin MS&S it just says "plop"... not even really a musical note at that point... more like thumping a watermelon.

pinkgary

Have you tried Bosset strings Blues Bop Harry, they're really good on my Dupont, for a darker, filling-out-the-mids (Busato) kind of tone.

I was recommended them on the hotclub forum, when i was moaning about the shrillness of my Dupont, as well as the (lack of) quality control of Argies & i haven't bought a set of Argentines since. It made my MD100 a lot more balanced in tone.

They're great.

Not only are they cheaper than Argentines, they last twice as long, & never just unravel for no apparent reason.

Bob Holo

I love the Bossets... tried two pair - both great. But I thought they were $$$ ?

BluesBop Harry

Bob Holo wrote:

when the low E goes dead on those Martin MS&S it just says "plop"... not even really a musical note at that point... more like thumping a watermelon.

Haha...well put.
Maybe it's just me but it seems that just right before a set goes dead the tone is the greatest. Often I'm playing and think "Wow my guitar sounds the best it ever has" and the next day I get the "watermelon thump"...

@Pink gary: Thanks for the tip. I haven't tried those but I'm intrigued now... I'll get a set or two on my next order

pinkgary

Bob Holo wrote:

I love the Bossets... tried two pair - both great. But I thought they were $$$ ?

Maybe they are stateside, you can't seem to get them in england, i order them straight from france, from here:

http://www.woodbrass.com/en/philippe-bo ... 53946.html

where they are quite often on offer, and even when they're not they're still cheaper than Argies from the shop (though i would generally get Argies straight from Rob Aylward)