New (to me) L32

[CelticJam]

I just took possession of an L32. What an incredible guitar! Thank you so much for developing such an amazing instrument. I've played a lot of different guitars over the years, the usual suspects (in the US anyway), Martin, Taylor, Larrivee, etc. and some not so usual Morgan, Mossman, Lowden and some hand-mades but nothing has hit the mark with me like this L32. Fit, finish and tone are all there in spades.

I bought it used and the serial number is L-772. I was wondering when it was made.

Also I've been using a microfibre cloth, similar to the ones used to clean a computer screen, to wipe it down when I am done playing. Will this type of cloth cause any damage to the finish, or is there a better type to use. By the way the finish is by far my favorite of any guitar I have had the pleasure to play.

And finally, the ever present string question. What are your favorite strings for your L32? Any suggestions for gauge and manufacturer would be greatly appreciated. I think I could probably string it up with bailing wire and it would still sound fantastic.

Thanks,
Kevin

[Loki]

Both the owners and regular players of L32s that I know have both pretty much settled on D'Addarios PB EJ16 or in circumstances where extended wear may be needed Elixir 12 - 53 PB Nanowebs.

The curiousity will long continue however. I personally am waiting to try Elixir 12-53 Bronze Nanowebs, my first break in a long time from Phosphour Bronze strings.

As ever your mileage may vary.

[Dattan]

Newtone Heritage is worth trying too. Somewhat lighter tension, and very comfortable to play. When I went from D'addario to Newtone, the action actually felt a bit lower than before. (Which might have saved me a tweak or two on the tross rod in the end.)

If you want to know more about Newtone, I am sure you can ask John, the greypicker. If I recall right, he uses them too, and knows a lot about them.

D'addario PB EJ16 and Elixir Nanowebs are both excellent choices, though - I second that. Personally I prefer the D'addario sound before Elixir, right after the change of strings at least. I have to admit, though, that it feels nice to play the Elixir guitar a month later, when it still sounds as new...

[CelticJam]

Thanks for the advice. I usually play EJ17's, the lighter ones ought to bend real easy.

[JB]

Hi Kevin, congrats on your new guitar, it dates from April 05.

JB

[CelticJam]

I put on some PB EJ16's last Sunday and after two days of getting the brassy sound out, the guitar sounds wonderful.

I also put on a John Pearse armrest I had lying around and I can say this guitar will now follow me to the grave, which hopefully will be in a very long time.

Do Newtone strings require as much time to settle in as the EJ16's?

Thanks,
Kevin

[Brewster]

I find they can sound a bit bright for the first hour or two of play but they do warm up very nicely and last a reasonable amount of time considering they're not coated.