Factory-fitted strings?

[blitheringeejit]

Hi - newbie here, just joined the tribe with an L25. So far so lovely...

But I wanted to buy some spare strings which match the factory-fitted (and presumably Avalon-recommended) ones. The bumf which came with the guitar says they're 12-53 D'Addario phosphor bronze - does that mean the "EJ" type, or coated EXP, or some other variant?

Also interested in any other opinions about strings - Newtone versus Martin, Nanowebs versus Polywebs, 80-20 versus whatever-the-other-sort-is ...

I look forward to a free and frank exchange of views.

[JB]

Welcome to the forums eejit

We fit the EXP16 as standard, the EJ16's are the same thing but without the coating.

[morgs]

I changed the fitted strings a couple of weeks ago (I'd played them out!)

I hadn't really enjoyed the feel of the supplied coated strings, so I decided to try the Newtone masterclass strings out (a few people had said good things about them)

A couple of weeks on, and they still sound pretty good (they were very lively out of the packet!) but I'm struggling to keep them in tune.

I use double dropped D and DADGAD quite a bit, and they don't seem as good at adjusting as the D'addarios did.

I might try the uncoated EJ16's next as the D'Addarios seemed to handle everything I threw at them.

[singlereed]

I think avalon are wise to fit the exps as D'addario are quality strings and these keep bright for ages, meaning someone who tries a guitar will hear it in a favourable light. How many times have we tried guitars in shops and been unable to make a judgement as the strings are knackered?! Personally, I use newtone heritage as I find them easier to play and they last ages. There is something slightly odd for me with coated strings that I don't like. The Heritage are even tension, so some of them have a lower tension than you may be used to. Well worth a go.

[morgs]

Do you use the 12-51?

I may give them a go. Tuning ok?

[Ross A]

Make sure you don't cut the ends off the newtones until you are tuned up.

[singlereed]

I'm using the thickest Heritage set - I think it does start with a 12.

[blitheringeejit]

long may you strum!

I think I already did!

Thanks Jim and everyone for comments - so far I've had no problem retuning the EXPs and they don't feel too plasticky, but I'll definitely try some uncoated strings eventually.

And I don't have a problem with reasonably heavy strings, at least not yet. (I play the bass quite a lot, which helps.) But arthritis runs in the family so it's likely to hit me eventually.

Quick followup - with the EXP16s, the action on my L25 is very low, with a little nearly-buzzing on a couple of capo'd strings. It's not actually a buzz, just a quick rasp when the string is plucked really hard, so it's not a problem.

But I was wondering - if I upped the guage to 13s, would that lift the action a little? And would there be any other adverse effects on the guitar of using heavier strings?

[JB]

Moving to 13's will lift the action ever so slightly, you may not even feel it but you will drive more energy in the soundboard

[blitheringeejit]

drive more energy in the soundboard

Would that be the acoustic equivalent of turning the volume up to 11?

[JB]

drive more energy in the soundboard

Would that be the acoustic equivalent of turning the volume up to 11?

exactly ... i like that

[mutley2209]

aye all the way up to 11 and don't touch the strat in the corner it's only for looking at, no wait don;t even look at it gotta love a spinal tap reference

[onemanband]

Hi - newbie here, just joined the tribe with an L25. So far so lovely...Also interested in any other opinions about strings - Newtone versus Martin, Nanowebs versus Polywebs, 80-20 versus whatever-the-other-sort-is ...

I look forward to a free and frank exchange of views.

Hi, welcome to Avalon and the forum.

I've been there and back many times regarding strings and have always come back to D'Addario 80/20 bronze EXP's.
I found DR rare quite good too with a nice loose feel, but not as long lasting as the EXP's (they don't do a 12 string coated set). Everly's are endorsed by Tommy Emmanual but they felt really tight, didn't like them at all. Elixer; far too "bright" for my taste.
I've heard that the new Newtone Heritage range are good, they have a round core in the wound strings that evidently makes for a lower and more even tension across the set. Unfortunatly, they don't produce a twelve string set yet, but do have plans to; I shall try them as soon as they do.

Cheers...........Brian

[mutley2209]

aye i use D'addario strings now, just put some fresh one's on the other day and made a vid cos i was bored

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHAO4sPSFHY