What strings and differences twixt Lowden and Avalon

[griz]

Hey all, great to see this forum.

I have a Lowden O25C and wanted to know..
....

What strings do you folks recommend? What Gauge?

Also, What are the basic differences between Lowdens and Avalons?

Thanks

[stevemac]

The factory fitted strings are D'Addario EXP coated strings in the gauges:
1st: .012; 2nd: .016; 3rd: .024; 4th: .032; 5th: .042; 6th: .053. This is available as D'Addario EXP11-Light - all the info is here: http://www.daddariostrings.com/DADProdD ... Class=BBMA

You can also use mediums (0.13 - 0.56)

The differences in the Avalon range are many and varied. Over the years, the guitars produced in the Newtownards factory were subject to approved modifications originated by the luthiers now designing and building Avalon’s. For example, the bracing profiles were modified and a major improvement to neck stability was made by using a bi-flex truss rod rather than the unidirectional single flex rod. These modifications were transferred to the Legacy Series. When Avalon was birthed, the body shape dimensions were revamped and the cosmetic detailing was approached afresh to create a distinctive look. Perhaps the most significant design differences concern the neck width and bridge system; in response to players comments, the neck width was narrowed by 1mm and the action lowered a tad. The bridge system used in Avalon’s is pin bridge rather than the classical type through bridge. The pin bridge accentuates the rake angle of the string over the saddle, delivering more power and projection. Add to this the innovative "AXX" bracing style used on Avalon Gold and Silver range models which produces a bright, consistently balanced playing tone.
Steve Mac

[griz]

Very interesting Steve, thanks!!
BTW: I had my Lowden O25C custom built with the narrower neck and absolutely love it.

I'd still like to hear what others are using for strings.. I've tried Elixir Nanoweb in the same gauges you mentioned.. The coatings on nanowebs are allegedly thinner and therefore brighter. (I wonder if that's a crock?)

As for projection, I've always thought of Lowdens as pretty dang loud! IF pegs/bracing changes make Avalons even better, way to go!! Now I just have to win that lottery so I can expand my collection.

(I'll post a question later about mic-ing Avalons.)

[Cringer]

I have personally found the EXP's to be much better than the Nanowebs. It's just subtle differences in sound and feel. Sadly though I break so many strings on my guitar (not an avalon/lowden) that it's not financially viable to use them... so I'm back on plain D'Addario .12's. Well that is until I've saved enough for an Avalon.

[monkey587]

Add to this the innovative "AXX" bracing style used on Avalon Gold and Silver range models which produces a bright, consistently balanced playing tone.
Steve Mac

If AXX is an improvement, why is it not standard in the higher-end models, too?

[griz]

Sadly though I break so many strings on my guitar

Cringer, thanks.. maybe you should do as a pub owner once told Jimmy Buffett who also used to break strings..... "Just loosen them up some."
HARRR!

[stevemac]

If AXX is an improvement, why is it not standard in the higher-end models, too?[/quote]

Different bracing styles produce a different voice, so the Gold series is voiced differently from the higher-end series - not necessarily better or inferior, just different. Because the high-end guitars are all hand made, the voicing can be chosen to suit individual preference (if it was a custom build).

Steve

[Shaun]

Griz,check out Firewire strings from Canada,or Kerly strings from New Jersey.
Tommy Emmanuel says to use the strings that your gutar likes,not what you or anybody else likes.
This is good advice.If you try many different brands,you will find that some sound better and stay in tune and last better than others.
Shaun