Monday, December 16, 2024

Pulling some strings...

 

You used your influence to get ahead?  No, but thanks for asking.  But, "get ahead" of what?  And what influence

A couple of my guitars were a bit past due to have strings replaced.  "Which ones?" you ask.  Not sure it matters, but the X10 and X20 (both Emeralds).  They get a good percent of my playing time.  I am trying a lighter gauge string this time around, hoping it will be easier on these old fingers.


That one above is my X20 (luro preto veneer).  When I change strings, the guitars get a thorough cleaning, including some extra sprucing up around the frets.  But, I don't worry about that - nothing to fret about.  Yuk, yuk - guitar humor.

For those keeping track, I went with Elixir Polyweb strings this time (I usually use Nanowebs).  What's that - nobody asked?  The Polywebs are supposed to be a bit smoother.  At first play, they feel good.  And sound good.

That aloha quilt is something I use to pad the guitar while working on it.  Love my adjustable height desk - I like to work on a guitar while standing, and that desk lets me put the height at a comfortable level.  Then put it lower to sit at the desk.  A fun luxury after decades of making do.


 


2 comments:

Earl49 said...

i use Polyweb on those rare occasions when I am recording, as it cuts down on finger squeak. Mostly I use Nanoweb. However, my X20 is wearing D'Addario XS strings now. They have been on there since mid-July and still sound great, and see 4-8 hours of play reach week. There is a little surface corrosion where I fingerpick, but the tuning stability and sound character are holding up well. Plus they feel just a bit slinkier than Elixir.

As a long time Elixir fan it took a minor leap of faith to try something else, but it seems to be working out. I may mix and match going forward, but there are plenty of Elixir strings in the box waiting their turn.

Captain Jim and the Blonde said...

Hi Earl - I experiment with strings now and then, but I always seem to come back to the Elixirs. Amazon had a better price on Polywebs than Nanowebs when we ordered last week - it's usually the other way around. I know Emerald ships with the D'Addario XS strings and I have tried them again on occasion.