• Registered: 2008-03-14
  • Posts: 60

Topic: Mixing strings?

Hi Everyone.

A few months ago, while buying and changing my first set of strings on my acoustic guitar, I learned that not all strings sound the same. I bought some D'Addario 80/20 and replaced the whole set, only to be unhappy with the sound. 

So I replaced these with Elixir (nanoweb coating) and liked the sound.  However, it's time to change my strings again (I'm going by sound and not by time... as well as the fact that my B, G and D strings have lost their coating (?) around the 3rd fret area).

So, my question is, having bought 2 sets of D'Addarios the first time around, I still have a whole set. What would happen if I replaced the B, G and D strings with the new d'Addarios, and left the other Elixirs?  Is this a really bad idea? Should I just give away my D'Addarios and stick to a full set of Elixirs?

Thanks for any advice on this, All.

anastasia

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  • From: West Monroe, La. 71292
  • Registered: 2007-11-28
  • Posts: 1,303

Re: Mixing strings?

I don't believe it would matter as long as you like what you hear. What type of guitar do you play? Electric or acoustic? I play mostly acoustic and I like the extra lights phrosus bronze strings - D'ardarrio's. I get a good sound, strings last for a decent period of time and the cost is right.

Nela

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  • Registered: 2008-03-14
  • Posts: 60

Re: Mixing strings?

Hi Nela.

I play acoustic guitar, and the D'Addarios that I have are extra light 80/20 bronze (brass).

By the way, I was pleasantly surprised at the price when I picked them up, but like I said, didn't like the sound.  The Elixirs, however, which I did like the sound, are three times the price, but I figured it's worth the price if I like the sound coming out of my guitar.

I just figured I'm either going to use them, or give them away... no sense in keeping them if I have no intention of using them.

  • NELA
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  • From: West Monroe, La. 71292
  • Registered: 2007-11-28
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Re: Mixing strings?

I have not tried the DAddario 80/20 but I do like the phrosus bronze. I get a better sound from the 9 / 42's than I get from the 11 / 52's and they are much easier on the fingers.

Nela

NELA's Website

  • Registered: 2007-04-25
  • Posts: 551

Re: Mixing strings?

I've mixed strings before, on my 6-string acoustic and 12-string electric, and you need a really good ear to tell a difference unless the strings are different gauges.  By the way, it's all personal preference, but if you ever want to try something different I highly reccomend the Martin Eric Clapton Signature phosphor bronze strings.  Mine are light gauge.  I used to use Martin Marquis 80/20 extra lights, but these Claptons hardly ever go out of tune and have awesome tone to them.  They are about half the price of Elixirs, although I've never tried Elixirs, so maybe I'm missing out.

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