Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher. YOu discuss the material but you don’t reference the gauge. Wound strings make a squeaky sound when you drag your finger over its length. Having said all of this, let’s dispel a few myths: Banjo strings are all made by the same company. The nickel bronze at the same gauge as the phosphor bronze feels lighter and they bend more as well. The nickel bronze at the same gauge as the phosphor bronze feels lighter and they bend more as well. A string that is completely uniform in diameter over its length makes a clear, very well defined tone. I like their more humble sound, and I sure don’t miss that pumped-up treble (a quality perfectly described in the forum thread by Bear as “a weird zing that rides shotgun on the wound strings”). Typical medium gauges are something like .011, .012, .015, .023, .011. Phosphor bronze strings are almost as bright but have a “cooler” tone that is not as warm as brass. They feel sleek to the fingers, and they impart a great feeling of mass. I’ve got a Yamaha APX500III with under saddle piezo pickup/ system 66 preamp, with an oval shaped sound hole to emphasize the low-mid/ low end. D'Addario EJ69 5-String Banjo Strings, Phosphor Bronze Wound, Loop End, 9-20 Light Made in the USA £5.29 £4.41 RRP £6.20 £5.17 | Save: £0.91 £0.76 Typical medium gauges are something like .011, .012, .015, .023, .011. ... D’Addario Nickel J61 5-String Banjo Strings (Medium) Light gauge strings:   Known for pronounced brightness and bass and soft mid-range response. Can anyone give me a clue? to warm or cool the tone color. The Long Story. Less brightness. Obviously, this is nothing like a comprehensive comparison — I just picked two string types at opposite ends of the tonal spectrum. Thanks Roger. Strings can be made of different materials such as nickel plated steel, stainless steel, nylon, phosphor bronze (used only as the winding on wound strings). I played two short on the same guitar, first with coated phosphor-bronze strings, and then with uncoated nickel-wrapped ones. Having met quite a few world famous banjoists has shown me first hand that there is a huge variety of styles and ALL of them are beautiful in their own way. For the past 15 years I have used D'Addario EJ-16 light gauge Phosphor Bronze on my J-45 Standard. On banjos the winding is almost always roundwound. "I genuinely love the Nickel Bronze strings! Media Media. This is caused by your fingers “rippling” over the ribs of string windings. It is true that consistent wire diameter is a matter of quality manufacturing. 5 string banjos generally just have one wound string (the 4th string) as oppose to 6 string banjos usually have 3 wound strings. The world of 4-string banjos has been enjoying a revival thanks to their featured role in bands like Mumford and Sons and The Dropkick Murphys. At the base of it all, it comes down to personal preference. Stainless steel is an alternative to nickel because it’s resistant to corrosion and it produces a balanced tone. I think the same could be said for plectrum and tenor players too. D’Addario sells them @ about 12 bucks. Currently, they are on a Martin D35(1970), a Gibson J-50(1965), and a recently purchased Regal resonator (year unknown). I’ve loved it every since Steve performed it at my high school back in the late Triassic many years ago. COMPLETELY FALSE! This is sought after by all players whether they are conscious of it or not. The day I bought it, I restrung it with treble strings to record my recent Nashville high-strung demo, then popped on a set of the phosphor-bronze strings I’ve been using for years on the Lowden. Phosphor strings are the most popular ever since D’Addario first released them in 1974. Gauges: 9, 10, 13, 20, 9 Banjo - Nickel - Light - 5-String Set These nickel wound banjo strings are warm, punchy, and perfect with pickups for a full, balanced sound. Bronze strings are really what's considered the "normal" acoustic sound. This diameter uniformity is just as important in a plain steel string as it is in a wound string. Hence, these strings are more corrosion resistant compared to the 80/20 bronze strings and seem to last longer. This is the rebroadcast of the 8th episode of our series Deering Tech Live. P.S. I’m not a fan of heavy gauge strings on small bodied guitars. They have a glistening, “modern” sound that I don’t especially love on this old, well-loved guitar. GHS PHOSPHOR BRONZE 5-STRING Banjo Strings Medium 11-13-16-26-10 GHS Banjo Strings are among the most played in the world. String makers use wire from different manufacturers. It’s been recorded by Ian & Sylvia, Townes Van Zandt, Nanci Griffith, John Denver, and many other artists, but I like Steve’s version best. Use Code: DEAL15 - FREE U.S. They seem to over power the sound spectrum and make everything seem all mixed up. This is the rebroadcast of the 5th episode of our series Deering Tech Live. D'Addario Mandolin and Banjo Single Strings - D'Addario plain steel guitar strings are acclaimed worldwide for their superb, long-lasting tone. While the core of the string is solid steel, the windings might be brass, phosphor bronze, or nickel, etc. But there are many other professionals who don’t care what brand they use as long as they have the gauges they want. It seems to amplify string noise, flubbed notes, and all other playing imperfections. • John Pearse Mandolin Phosphor Bronze Medium, 011 - 040 • Deering Banjo Tenor Strings,010 -030, St-T • Elixir Banjo Medium Polyweb Coating • D'Addario Tenor Guitar 80/20 Bronze,010 -032, Ej66 • Thomastik-Infeld Mandolin Strings • Elixir Acoustic Guitar 80/20 Bronze Light Tops/Medium Bottom • Deering Banjo Julia Belle Banjo Strings String gauges, like brands, must ultimately be determined by YOU, as an individual. Let’s look at a few basics about strings, and then some of the myths about string brands. Personally, I prefer brass-wound strings, and have been using them on my acoustics since 1972. D'Addario Mandolin and Banjo Strings are trusted by legends like David Grisman, Ricky Skaggs, Ronnie McCoury, Doyle Lawson, Rhonda Vincent, Mike Marshall, Adam Steffey, and more, for their natural acoustic tone and reliable performance. There are wire makers who have a reputation for making wire that is the most consistent and many professionals prefer strings made with this wire. Loops are a special shape to fit a variety of tailpieces. D'Addario Banjo Strings. They are made from the highest quality plain steel, stainless steel, nickel plated steel and phosphor bronze and available in a wide variety of gauges. Having spent a little over 45 years in music performance, teaching, retailing, and manufacturing, I’ve heard almost every kind of prejudice, rationalization, excuse, and opinion out there. I was wondering what the Bronze Strings sound like on a 5 string Banjo w / resonator. The Highlander goes into an AER Compact 60, the De Armond into a Fender Blues Junior. Plain strings are music wire with a loop on one end to secure the string. Nickel is a little harder than brass or bronze and therefore lasts a little longer under the attack of finger picks or flat picks. The brass and bronze alloys vary in copper and tin content and some have other elements like phosphorous, etc. The De Armond will only respond to nickel wound strings, which I don’t particularly like, having been used to D’Addario 12-53 phosphor bronze. YOUR choice. The Nickel Bronze sets are wound with a nickel plated phosphor bronze wrap wire. We’ll specifically discuss everything about bronze strings, particularly, phosphor bronze vs. 80/20 bronze. But it’s not an easy guitar to play. You can’t “hear” the note. The Nickel Bronze sets are wound with a nickel plated phosphor bronze wrap wire. : Thanks to Steve Gillette for composing “Darcy Farrow,” the pretty song I played in the first two demo clips. DJP0920. D'Addario EJ69 Banjo Strings, 5-String, Light, Phosphor Bronze, 9-20 3 39 $ 3.39 D'Addario EJ69B Banjo Strings, 5-String, Ball End, Light, Phosphor Bronze, 9-20 They are clear and powerful, but without as many overtones as 80/20 or Phosphor Bronze. This 5-string set of loop end phosphor bronze banjo strings are extra long (42" winding) to fit any banjo. GHS Banjo Strings are among the most played in the world. Like him, they can be cruel and inflexible. They are of the highest quality and are used by us on all our banjos. https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/what-makes-a-good-banjo-string Nickel wound fourth strings are probably the most commonly used by five string banjoists. Never really did anything retro ever but I have used random strings that showed up to try out.Seems like all strings have good and bad points to them and you just have to pick your poison.Have been using Cleartones for a couple years now but for the most part used D’Addarios because they are cheap.And yeah , all strings are made at the same 3 or 4 plants.I will be going down to the weird studio soon so I will check out some different strings there. I’ve got a bunch of nickel electric strings here — I’m probably going to do a stainless steel vs. nickel comparison post soon. Some have .010 instead of .011, .022 instead of .023 etc. I've been reading a lot of positive reviews of both the Martin Retro Monels & D'Addario Nickel Bronze--especially on spruce top/mahogany back & sides guitars--like the J-45. Banjo string brands are EXACTLY like pies…. Couldn’t be happier. D'Addario Nickel Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings. String choice is just that….. Loops are a special shape to fit a variety of tailpieces. Typical light gauge banjo strings can have diameters like .009, .011, .013, 020wound, .009. 5-string sets have plain steel strings with the fourth wound string either of nickel, phosphor bronze or stainless steel. They are clear and powerful, but without as many overtones as 80/20 or Phosphor Bronze. Brass wound strings are bright with warmth. D’Addario NB1253 @ your gauge. I’m lucky enough to own many electric guitars, but I’ve played one steel-string acoustic almost exclusively for many years — a small-bodied Lowden with a tone that a very famous manufacturer of acoustic pickups once described as “like a f%^$ing cannon!” Its sizzling-bright treble and modest low-end make it a great recording instrument. You should be aware that there are far more string brands than there are string manufacturers. It has a smooth feel and it produces a bright tone with strong projection. Nickel are not as bright as brass and maybe a little warmer than phosphor bronze. GHS Banjo Strings are among the most played in the world. PHOSPHOR BRONZE BANJO STRINGS 09-20 | 5-STRING. The late Earl Scruggs played on light gauge for many years and then moved to heavier strings in his later years. Not many string makers actually manufacturer their own wire. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 5-string sets have plain steel strings with the fourth wound string either of nickel, phosphor bronze or stainless steel. Choose nickel for a traditional sound, phosphor bronze for warmer tone and stainless steel for more brightness and projection. I used Phosphor Bronze strings on my 6 string acoustic guitar for years and liked the sound. I am curious if anyone has tried D'Addario's all-new nickel-plated phosphor bronze acoustic strings? Some “brands” of strings are made by string manufacturers and sold under names that have nothing to do with actually manufacturing  strings or wire. I did a search and nothing came up. (Engineers often boost highs and roll off lows when processing acoustic guitar, but this model is practically “pre-EQ’ed.”). Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more. In this week's episode,  something a little different. A complete range of mandolin-family strings is available, as well as various string lines for dulcimer, ukulele, tenor guitar, country fiddle, cuatro, oud, and bouzouki. Personally, I prefer brass-wound strings, and have been using them on my acoustics since 1972. Some tenor and plectrum string sets have two plain strings and two wound strings. String gauge refers to the diameter of the strings. Clareen Banjos strings are made exclusively for us in Germany. These are some of the things to consider when buying your banjos strings. (Some people actually collect things like oddball strings). The heavier low strings sharpened up the low mid’s and low resonance. Trust your ears and buy the brand that gives you the tone color you like. For added value GHS provides extra large loops for easy installation and a 42" winding to fit nearly all banjos. Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher. There are a ton of questions and misconceptions that come up when people are debating pure nickel vs nickel wound guitar strings, so we wanted to set the record straight by answering some common questions, and comparing the features of both here.. What does Pure Nickel or Nickel Wound even mean? Wound strings are wrapped with a variety of metals: brass, bronze, nickel, nickel plated steel, stainless steel, etc. Even though the gauges are comparable, they seem lighter — there seems to be less tension, and it’s much easier to bend them. Stainless Steel: Balanced tone and projection with smooth feel and corrosion resistance. These strings are great for music genres that requir… The alloy of the wire in a plain steel string can affect the “color” of the sound or the basic tone of the string. Completely Subjective and irrelevant to you! Phosphor Bronze strings tend to have a warmer rich tone and are often recommend to be paired with a brighter sounding guitar, such as Taylor, Ibanez, Takamine and Alvarez. Find a Teacher. Clareen Banjos strings are made exclusively for us in Germany. Curt Mangan makes high end USA made guitar strings with the best quality nickelwound, pure nickel, stainless steel, phosphor bronze, and 80/20 bronze wire… Take 15% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER! Use Code: DEAL15 - FREE U.S. The Long Story. Description. I currently have Steel strings on, maybe Nickel wound, I am not sure. D'Addario Nickel Wound Loop End 5 String Banjo Strings EJ60+ Light Plus 9.5-20 - D'Addario Nickel Wound Loop End 5 String Banjo Strings D'Addario's best selling 5-string banjo sets, offers light playing tension for comfortable playing feel and brilliant tone. I think the same could be said for plectrum and tenor players too. I wanna hear the comparison… where are they? Below is a review of the top banjos strings of the 21st century. The only way to determine what the “best” tone is, is to try different brands of strings. Nothing to do about it – Bronze sounds better. I’m still searching. The thin core keeps the string flexible and the tension on the string low, but increases the low frequency response of the string and that’s why the wound strings are always used for bass (lower pitched) strings. Each string brand is a recipe of alloys, diameters and winding techniques. Most of the larger facilities actually make string for other companies under other names.). As you probably know, aside from the standard 5-string banjos beloved by bluegrass players, banjos come in several other configurations. There are many variations like using .010 instead of .009 or .0095. The wire for banjo strings is the same wire used in acoustic guitars, mandolins, pianos, dulcimers ,electric guitars, pedal steel guitars, violins, etc. Being an old-timer, I use Regular Slinkys on my electrics, because they still sound good to me. I was wondering what the Bronze Strings sound like on a 5 string Banjo w / resonator. For added value GHS provides extra large loops for easy instalation and a 42" winding to fit nearly all banjos. Anyone that TELLS you what you should use might be well intentioned but is working from their own preference… not yours. As with all D’Addario strings, these banjo sets are made at their facility in New York. D'Addario banjo strings are trusted by legends like Ralph Stanley, Rob McCoury, Ron Block, Alison Brown, and more, for their authentic tone and reliable performance. I use Martin Medium gauge Lifespans. Gauges: 9, 10, 13, 20, 9 Banjo - Nickel - Light - 5-String Set These nickel wound banjo strings are warm, punchy, and perfect with pickups for a full, balanced sound. Clareen Tenor Banjo strings will give you a great tone on all makes of tenor banjo. All steel strings are the same and brand makes no difference. If the string wraps are pulled tighter, or not pulled as tight, this has a profound effect on the strings sound character. My main acoustic right not is a Martin OMC with cherry back/sides and a sitka top. Plus a smoother feel. They are single strands of wire of varying diameters and are smooth to the touch. For added value GHS provides extra large loops for easy installation and a 42" winding to fit nearly all banjos. Since I don’t know what gauge you are using, I’d hesitate in telling you to up the pressure on that very old neck but you might have better luck with a hybrid gauge where the low E, A and D are slightly larger in size while retaining the same gauge G,B and High E gauges. So I ordered some alternatives and made a few test recordings to demonstrate how dramatic the differences are. Our bluegrass set is offered with a phosphor bronze-wound 4 th string for extra brilliance and sustain. There are a ton of questions and misconceptions that come up when people are debating pure nickel vs nickel wound guitar strings, so we wanted to set the record straight by answering some common questions, and comparing the features of both here.. What does Pure Nickel or Nickel Wound even mean? “This is a ‘tough love’ guitar,” muttered one singer/songwriter friend. One of the most popular alloys used in banjo strings is nickel-plated steel. they are all wonderful and different. PHOSPHOR BRONZE BANJO STRINGS 09-20 | 5-STRING. UPDATE: I’ve updated the audio examples to include 80/20 bronze strings, as detailed in this newer post. Meanwhile, the nickel-wrapped strings are sweeter and quieter. I used Phosphor Bronze strings on my 6 string acoustic guitar for years and liked the sound. Curt Mangan makes high end USA made guitar strings with the best quality nickelwound, pure nickel, stainless steel, phosphor bronze, and 80/20 bronze wire… Take 15% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER! Here are the characteristics of the most popular alloys used in banjo strings: Nickel-plated Steel: Bright tone with strong projection and smooth feel. COMPLETELY FALSE! It came with phosphor bronze 1253’s which were ok; but anyway, I switched to the D’Addario’s and moved to NB1256’s since the nickel takes away just a bit of volume/ bite, unplugged. The heavier low strings sharpened up the low mid’s and low resonance. This 5-string set of loop end phosphor bronze banjo strings are extra long (42" winding) to fit any banjo. With stainless steel or phosphor bronze winding, GHS banjo strings will accommodate all playing styles. Phosphor Bronze Overview. But man. Phosphor Bronze strings tend to have a warmer rich tone and are often recommend to be paired with a brighter sounding guitar, such as Taylor, Ibanez, Takamine and Alvarez. They are bright, to be sure, but I can’t see ever switching back to phosphor-bronze. Nickel wound fourth strings are probably the most commonly used by five string banjoists. (It wasn’t a conscious decision to noodle around a lot more on the nickel performance — the strings made me do it!) Email Newsletter. The Phosphor Bronze set offers a full, warm and complex tone. Meanwhile, I’d be most appreciative if anyone who’s navigated these waters can share what they’ve learned. String gauges, like brands, must ultimately be determined by YOU, as an individual. This is the rebroadcast of the 7th episode of our series Deering Tech Live. Who pluck the strings harder. I've been reading a lot of positive reviews of both the Martin Retro Monels & D'Addario Nickel Bronze--especially on spruce top/mahogany back & sides guitars--like the J-45. "D'Addario's banjo sets are available in light and medium gauges, with a nickel-plated wound 4 th string. I’m not going to mention the brand names, because both are respected brands, and to be honest, the differences I detect have everything to do with their composition, and little do with who fabricated them. Warranty Information. The wound string is usually made of phosphor bronze and it produces a warmer tone. I've never string up an acoustic with heavy-enough electric strings, so who knows how it'd sound, but as for the two major types of bronze strings, 80/20 bronze is probably the more "normal" acoustic sound, whereas phosphor bronze is a bit twangier in the bass and brighter. So which do I like better? Phosphor Bronze vs 80/20 Bronze. Loopend construction for universal fit. The same is true for wound strings. I received a set from D'Addario, but my strings are still good, so I haven't changed them yet. Email Newsletter. Phosphor Bronze vs 80/20 Bronze. For example: Jens Kruger plays on string sets that would be considered in the medium category. Some lights have .014 third strings etc. Or did you “go retro” at some point? hi JOE! Compared to the coated strings, they have a softer, less “metallic” feel on the fingers. From capos to tuners, cables to picks, we have every conceivable tool you need to find the sound you’re looking for. The wound string is made from a core of plain steel, and then wrapped with wire. Likewise, some brands are actually made by companies that have string winding and wire making machines. This will slightly boost the lower frequency notes while retaining clarity in your higher register notes. The alloy of the wire in a plain steel string can affect the “color” of the sound or the basic tone of the string. They also do NB1256 – light high, medium low. D'Addario Nickel Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings. D'Addario Banjo Strings. I recently switched back to the Nickel Bronze … SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $30! Some say that the nickel are more vintage sounding, but my personal choice is always phosphor bronze as … From capos to tuners, cables to picks, we have every conceivable tool you need to find the sound you’re looking for. I currently have Steel strings on, maybe Nickel wound, I am not sure. Thanks There are wire makers who have a reputation for making wire that is the most consistent and many professionals prefer strings made with this wire. For added value GHS provides extra large loops for easy instalation and a 42" winding to fit nearly all banjos. Works best for players who play with a hard attack. D’Addario sells them @ about 12 bucks. Clareen Tenor Banjo strings will give you a great tone on all makes of tenor banjo. The focus is on electric guitar strings, but it’s a fascinating story about the rise and fall of nickel strings. It is also true that alloy choice, winding design, and gauge selection are all a matter of taste. Wound strings are wrapped with a variety of metals: brass, bronze, nickel, nickel plated steel, stainless steel, etc. And I realized in a flash that a lot of the qualities I’d attributed to the Lowden were, in fact, a result of the modern, coated phosphor bronze string I’d been using. Heavy gauge Strings:   Not common. These are just samples of some “generalized” string diameters to give you a sense of what a “light” gauge string is vs a “medium” gauge. They cannot be played hard without distorting or over-driving the string. The looser feel can be more expressive. When someone tells you that brand X is the best and only the best players use his brand, just remember that he might as well tell you that pecan pie is the only pie eaten by the most discerning professionals! The “wire” for instruments is called music wire. For example: Jens Kruger plays on string sets that would be considered in the medium category. Wound strings make a squeaky sound when you drag your finger over its length. D'Addario Nickel Wound Loop End 5 String Banjo Strings EJ60+ Light Plus 9.5-20 - D'Addario Nickel Wound Loop End 5 String Banjo Strings D'Addario's best selling 5-string banjo sets, offers light playing tension for comfortable playing feel and brilliant tone. Like Talos the Giant from Jason & the Argonauts, most modern acoustic strings are made from bronze. This is the rebroadcast of the 6th episode of our series Deering Tech Live. They are bright, to be sure, but I can’t see ever switching back to phosphor-bronze. D'Addario Mandolin and Banjo Single Strings - D'Addario plain steel guitar strings are acclaimed worldwide for their superb, long-lasting tone. Choose nickel for a traditional sound, phosphor bronze for warmer tone and stainless steel for more brightness and projection.
. Phosphor Bronze: Used on wound 4th strings, it produces a warmer tone. If I recall, your Martin is a 00 mahogany body. I highly recommend em no matter what gauge you prefer. The technique of winding the strings definitely affects the sound of wound strings. The late Doug Dillard played on light strings. Strings at stewmac.com, your #1 source for luthier tools and supplies, guitar parts, and instrument hardware. I’m not so sure if the material of string makes as much difference as the gauge of string. Learn how your comment data is processed. (Discussing string brands is often a dubious proposition. • John Pearse Mandolin Phosphor Bronze Medium, 011 - 040 • Deering Banjo Tenor Strings,010 -030, St-T • Elixir Banjo Medium Polyweb Coating • D'Addario Tenor Guitar 80/20 Bronze,010 -032, Ej66 • Thomastik-Infeld Mandolin Strings • Elixir Acoustic Guitar 80/20 Bronze Light Tops/Medium Bottom • Deering Banjo Julia Belle Banjo Strings The wound string is made from a core of plain steel, and then wrapped with wire. I’m going to keep experimenting with various alternatives, and I’ll keep you posted. This name does have industrial meaning because it denotes the alloy, temper, hardness, resilience, and tensile strength of the wire, as compared to electrical wire, copper wire, etc. Strings and accessories at stewmac.com, your #1 source for luthier tools and supplies, guitar parts, and instrument hardware. They are of the highest quality and are used by us on all our banjos. At the base of it all, it comes down to personal preference. With stainless steel or phosphor bronze winding, GHS banjo strings will accommodate all playing styles. Pretty much always used bronze on acoustics, nickel on electrics.Friend used to use these weird copper strings wasn’t much difference really.Finding new strings is a pita and expensive. you just can’t whack those low notes they way you can with bronze-based strings — they just sort of crap out when played aggressively. In the meantime: Here is a great Guitar Player article by my pal Barry Cleveland. GHS Lock Twist helps keep you in tune. Currently, they are on a Martin D35 (1970), a Gibson J-50 (1965), and a recently purchased Regal resonator (year unknown). I have been using these strings for 30yrs at this time(16/06/16) with great effect. Even if I proved it using sophisticated electronic measuring equipment, it only proves what’s important to me! Warranty Information. I have a Highlander IP1 under saddle system for the amplified acoustic sound. DR Zebra strings – https://www.drstrings.com/#!zebra/c1dry. GHS Lock Twist helps keep you in tune. Nickel are not as bright as brass and maybe a little warmer than phosphor bronze. As with all D’Addario strings, these banjo sets are made at their facility in New York. With stainless steel or phosphor bronze winding, GHS banjo strings will accommodate all playing styles. It is hard to tune strings that have too much variation in diameter…. They are made of an alloy of 92% copper with 8% tin and some traces of phosphorus (around 0.2%). The most important quality of a string is consistent diameter over the length of the string. While I could present you with a brand of string that uses a particular kind of wire and certain style of wound strings and tell you why they are the best, it is still my own taste telling you what I like. "D'Addario's banjo sets are available in light and medium gauges, with a nickel-plated wound 4 th string. Phosphor Bronze—popular with 4th strings banjos, and produces a warmer tone. My original designs were two gauges...light & heavy - 15/56 and 16/59) Both types of strings are popular with players and both sound great. Phosphor bronze strings are almost as bright but have a “cooler” tone that is not as warm as brass. Being an old-timer who is very much set in his ways, I use Regular Slinkys on my electrics, because they still sound good to me. Needed by some players who play very hard and who need to be heard without amplification. So when I bought a second steel-string recently, I wanted something warmer, softer, and more flattering, and I found it in a pretty old small-bodied Martin. "I genuinely love the Nickel Bronze strings! The problem was, my sweet, soft antique suddenly sounded a hell of a lot like the Lowden, with blistering treble and cruel string noise. Both terms are referring to the wrap wire of the wound strings in the set. Much like the Martin Retro strings, D’Addario say that these let the true tone of your acoustic guitar shine through, rather than your natural tone being dominated by the sound of the strings themselves. D'Addario EJ69 5-String Banjo Strings, Phosphor Bronze Wound, Loop End, 9-20 Light Made in the USA £5.29 £4.41 RRP £6.20 £5.17 | Save: £0.91 £0.76 Our bluegrass set is offered with a phosphor bronze-wound 4 th string for extra brilliance and sustain. Medium Gauge strings:  Known for strong mid range and clean bass. Despite my bitching, it’s easy to understand why they’re so popular! Couldn’t be happier. String gauge refers to the diameter of the strings. Man, sweet playing. Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more. Loopocalypse Day 17 (of 17): “Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space.”, Loopocalypse Day 14 (of 17): “Space Shrine”, Loopocalypse Day 13 (of 17): “In Like Flint”.