Does Anyone Like D'Addario Gypsy strings?

Willie · April 13

@Joonas I use the Elixier strings for my Suzuki acoustic archtop and am very pleased about the sound. I had the idea to string my Altamira M 01 with Elixiers too, but hesitated until I read your post. I will try a set this week and report about the results.

Edit: The gypsy jazz sound quite surely will disappear, but maybe a loud blues lead guitar tone will take over. So I wish at least.

JSanta · April 13

https://djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/comment/125073#Comment_125073

I think the answer is it depends? I've seen people put more traditional acoustic strings on these style of guitars and they haven't exploded under the additional tension, but I'd compare string tension (using the Selmac scale length) to make a decision on whether or not you should do it.

I've spoken to Jerome Duffell about this, and he builds his guitars to sound/play best with the lighter Argie set; and while I don't think the guitar he built from me would fracture under the tension, I think it's a consideration point for sure.

Great thread about tension a few years back: https://www.djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/5940/string-tensions/p1

paulmcevoy75 · April 13

Yeah I've thought about an equivalent set of steel strings but to get the tension I think they would have to be light? These guitars at baseline are just strong enough for the Argentines so putting heavier strings on is bad news.

I love how these guitars perform with light strings, they feel heavier and meatier than an archtop would with the same gauges (I think)?

flaco · April 13

Argies are where it’s at. I’m currently running a set of 10s with the skinny e string swapped out for an 11, and that’s my favorite. I don’t feel any need to go hunting for anything different, and in my case the Argentines last a pretty long time. It’s strange because I can kill a set of uncoated phosphor bronze strings in 30 seconds!

voutoreenie · April 13

It’s strange because I can kill a set of uncoated phosphor bronze strings in 30 seconds!

Same and apparently it has something to do w/individual sweat chemistry? Or at least that's what I've always heard...could be totally off base tho (probably am lol)

paulmcevoy75 · 8:51AM

https://www.djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/comment/125078#Comment_125078

When I worked fixing upright basses in NYC there was a guy who could only use plastic tape wrapped strings because he could destroy strings in like a day. And bass strings are expensive.

I have a friend who can only play elixers or other coated strings because he will eat through everything else in short order.

JSanta · 12:01PM

It's kinda funny (maybe only to me), that I had the corrosion issue with Argies several years back when I first attempted to learn this style. The smell on my hand was enough that it was absolutely a contributing factor on why I stopped trying (other real life reasons too). Haven't used other strings, and have no issues with the Argies now.

I completely agree that body chemistry can play a big role in whether or not some players jive with certain string types. I'm so glad I don't have that issue with Argies now.