Guitar Guys, Recommend me some new strings.

For the last year and a half I've been using Elixir Nanoweb mediums on this guitar. I had just gotten back into playing after a 30 year layoff so for all practical purposes I was starting over.

I've been playing rhythm up in the first position and working on "sing along type songs".

Now I want to play some blues, get some string bending going, etc.

I'm thinking some 10's or 11's uncoated. So, what are you using, what do you like.

There are just too many choices not to a least have a starting point.

I use Thomastik-Infeld strings.

They are good.

I used Earthwood mediums for years, but recently switched to Martin SP Phosphorus Bronze mediums. The Earthwoods sound great, but deteriorate very quickly. The Martin strings seem to last a lot longer and sound even better.

I tried the Elixors and at first I really liked how long they lasted, but I never did warm up to the sound. I still keep them on one guitar that I don't play all that much.

For anyone who is interested Guitar Center has Martin SP mediums on special for $25 per 10 pack.

I got some SP lights to try out, but I could not pass up the mediums at 2.50 per pack.

I've used the Martin SP's...no complaints.
But I always go back to Daddario EJ16's...They just work for me.

I like Martin SP strings.

When comparing them to the D'Addiarios that my Samicks came with the Martin strings brought out a deeper tone, and more crisp highs, and made them sound a lot more like a Martin. At least to my ears.

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I also bought some of the Martin's on sale, can't beat that deal. I did get a free set of D'Addario EXP's last week. My Martin needs new string, so I'm gonna try it on her. My Taylor only likes the Elixir's.

Also, very nice guitar you have there.

I Love me some Elixer Nanoweb's give my Dean Acoustic a great sound and outlast anyother strings i have used.

I just put some Martins on my beater ibanez vo and couldn't believe how much better it sounded, but ymmv.

You will need to bite the bullet and try a few different makes and type as well as gauge
to find what you and your AXE likes. Your Taylor came with Elixir strings and I think they sound
good on the Taylor. If you are after a little darker sound you can try a Phosphor Bronze string.
If you like bright you can go with 80/20 Bronze strings. I like D'Addario EJ16's on most of my flat tops
and EXP11's on a Concert body that I have. I tried Elixirs once on an Ovation that I had and I hated them,
Took them off and tossed em in the can after a week. Elixirs are good strings but they didn't work for me on
that guitar. Glad you are back playing again..

You may not like the EXP's on your martin if they are 80/20's unless it is an OM body.
They are good strings but they have some harsh harmonics on a few body types.
I use them on a concert body that I use for finger style and lead work and love them
on that guitar, they are very bright sounding and respond well to a light touch. YMMV

D'Adarrio.

I've been using Martin SPs on my acoustic for years. They last a long time, and sound great.

I can't imagine playing strings that are lighter than 12s on acoustic, however. It just sounds so damned plinky. Do what you want, but I just worked on my hand strength until I could bend 12s or 13s the same way most people bend 10s or 11s. It can be a lot of work, however.

same here - been using them for years on all of my acoustics and electrics

Keep in mind if you change string gauge it might require some setup change as well. Different tension on the neck can change the action.

For myself, I use mediums all the time. Part of what makes acoustic blues (IMO) is the difference in sound bending a heavy string versus the kind of bends you do on a strat or Les Paul. I can do 2 note bends on an electric guitar with 9.5s but at most a 1 note bend on an acoustic with 12s. You also lose some volume with the lighter gauge strings.

As to brand - Elixer is a bingo for me but everyone has different tastes.

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