Molly Ayala
When it comes to choosing the right strings for an acoustic-electric archtop guitar, there are several factors to consider, including playstyle, tone, and personal preference. The type of strings used can significantly impact the sound and feel of the instrument. For example, flatwound strings are often preferred by electric archtop players for their smooth feel and warm, mellow tone. However, they may not be ideal for acoustic archtops as they produce a more muted sound. On the other hand, roundwound strings, such as bronze or nickel-wound strings, are typically better suited for acoustic archtops as they provide a brighter and louder sound. Additionally, factors such as string gauge and string brand can also influence the playing experience and tone of the guitar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| String type | Round-woundFlat-woundHalf-round |
| String material | BronzeNickelSteelPhosphor |
| String thickness | 0.110.120.130.140.15 |
| String tension | HighMediumLow |
| String brand | D'AddarioElixirJohn PearceThomastikMartinNewtone |
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What You'll Learn
Flat wound strings are not recommended for acoustic archtops
Flat wound strings are not recommended for acoustic archtop guitars. This is because acoustic archtops rely on the top of the guitar for tone shaping more than sound projection. The round wrap wire design of the strings helps to accomplish the goal of clear sound projection without being amplified. Flat wound strings, on the other hand, produce a more muted and darker tone that is distinctively less bright. While flat wound strings are often used on electric archtops to achieve a darker and less bright sound, they will not work on acoustics as they will not be loud enough.
The archtop guitar needs strings that can be detected by a magnetic pickup. While flat wound strings are often found on archtops due to players seeking a darker and less bright sound, they are not suitable for acoustics as the goal of acoustic strings is to achieve clear sound projection. Bronze strings are typically used for acoustic archtops as they produce a brighter acoustic tone. The heavier the strings, the stronger the signal transferred through the guitar body. Archtop guitars typically use steel and nickel alloy strings, while acoustic sets use brass, bronze, phosphor, or nylon strings.
While flat wound strings may be preferred by some players for their darker and less bright sound, they are not ideal for acoustic archtops that require clear sound projection without amplification. The type of string used also depends on the guitar's top or soundboard, which is crucial for tone shaping. Flat wound strings may not provide sufficient load on the soundboard for optimum tone. It is worth noting that flat wound strings can make the guitar feel smoother, but they are not recommended for acoustic instruments due to their muted tone.
For acoustic archtop guitars, medium to heavy gauge strings are recommended for optimum tone. Strings with a gauge of .011 or lighter may not produce enough load on the soundboard, resulting in a suboptimal tone. Archtop guitars typically have heavier strings to create a stronger signal transfer through the guitar body. The E string is often used as a reference point for string gauge, with older archtop guitars accommodating high E strings of .014 or higher.
While flat wound strings may be preferred by some players on electric archtop guitars, they are not ideal for acoustic archtops due to their muted tone and insufficient volume. Acoustic archtop guitars require strings that can produce a clear and bright sound projection, which is typically achieved with bronze or nickel-wound strings.
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Nickel-wound strings are better for magnetic pickups
When it comes to acoustic-electric archtop guitars, the choice of strings can significantly impact the overall sound and performance. While various string types and materials are available, nickel-wound strings stand out as a preferred option for several reasons when using magnetic pickups.
Firstly, nickel-wound strings offer enhanced compatibility with magnetic pickups. Unlike bronze or brass-wound strings, which are commonly used in acoustic guitars, nickel-wound strings are magnetic. This magnetic property allows the pickups to detect and respond to the windings of the strings, resulting in a more balanced and fuller sound. With bronze or brass-wound strings, the windings are non-magnetic, causing the pickups to detect only the steel core, leading to an unbalanced output.
Another advantage of nickel-wound strings is their smooth picking and fretting characteristics. Guitarists often prefer the smoother feel of nickel strings, which also enhances resonance and improves the overall acoustic tone. Nickel-wound strings, such as the popular Ernie Ball Slinkies, are known for their resonance and have been favoured by renowned guitarists like John Petrucci and Kirk Hammett.
Additionally, nickel-wound strings provide versatility in sound. While they excel in producing a mellower tone, they can also be adjusted to achieve a brighter acoustic sound. This adaptability allows guitarists to explore different styles and genres without compromising the overall tone.
It is worth noting that some guitarists have expressed concerns about nickel-wound strings breaking more frequently. However, this may vary depending on playing style, string tension, and other factors. In conclusion, nickel-wound strings offer acoustic-electric archtop guitarists a range of benefits, including improved compatibility with magnetic pickups, smoother playability, enhanced resonance, and the ability to create versatile tones.
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Bronze strings are brighter acoustically
Bronze strings are indeed described as brighter acoustically. Phosphor bronze guitar strings have a darker, fuller tone than 80/20 bronze strings and add a bit of warmth. 80/20 bronze strings are described as bright and brilliant and are best paired with dreadnought-type acoustic guitars, including models by Martin, Taylor, and Gibson. Guitars with generally darker tonal qualities lend themselves well to these strings to produce a well-balanced tone.
Phosphor bronze strings, on the other hand, have a darker, mellower, or more natural tone. They pair well with brighter-sounding acoustic guitars such as models manufactured by Taylor, Ibanez, Alvarez, and Takamine. The added phosphorus gives a bit more tonal softness compared to other string types, and the pick attack is generally less pronounced than in their brighter counterparts.
The choice between 80/20 bronze and phosphor bronze strings is ultimately a matter of personal preference, as all guitarists have their own opinions on what sounds good to them. Some guitarists prefer the bright and brilliant acoustic tone of 80/20 bronze strings, while others might favour the darker and warmer tone of phosphor bronze strings.
For example, one guitarist with a Taylor guitar found that phosphor bronze strings made the guitar sound too busy when chorded, while 80/20 bronze strings helped to even out the sound and get some note separation. Another guitarist with a 1940 Epiphone Zenith found that phosphor bronze strings like the EJ-17s gave a nice bright tone, while nickel wraps provided a different sound experience.
Additionally, some guitarists prefer flat wound strings for their electric archtops, while others prefer not to use them for acoustic archtops as they may not provide enough volume.
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Archtops respond best to medium to heavy gauge strings
Archtop guitars are a type of hollow-body guitar characterised by an arched top and back. They are often used for jazz and other genres that benefit from the instrument's warm, resonant sound. The strings used on an archtop guitar are an important factor in achieving the desired tone and playability.
For acoustic archtop guitars, bronze or phosphor-bronze strings in the gauge range of ..012 to .013 are often recommended. These strings provide a bright and responsive sound that complements the warm tone of the archtop guitar. For example, D'Addario phosphor bronze strings are a popular choice for acoustic archtop players.
For electric archtop guitars, heavier strings such as ..013 or ..014 gauge can be used. Nickel-based alloys such as nickel-wound strings are a common choice for electric archtops as they respond well to magnetic pickups. Flat-wound nickel strings can also be used on electric archtops, providing a smoother feel and a slightly warmer tone.
It's worth noting that the type of strings used on an archtop guitar is not just about the gauge and alloy but also the individual player's preferences and the specific guitar's design. Some archtop guitars may have a "'dead" top, meaning they require heavier strings to increase the energy transfer and improve the tone. Ultimately, the choice of strings depends on the desired sound and playing style of the musician.
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80/20 bronze strings are popular for acoustic archtops
80/20 bronze strings are a popular choice for acoustic archtop guitars. They produce a bright, crisp, and bass-heavy tone that many guitarists love. The 80 and 20 in the name represent the ratio of copper and zinc in the wrap wire, respectively, with the former being chosen for its bright and brilliant nature. The strings were developed in the 1930s by John D'Addario Sr. and guitar maker John D'Angelico and have been a favourite among guitar players worldwide ever since.
The 80/20 bronze strings are known for their remarkable depth, rich harmonics, and broader depth of sound. They are often preferred for dreadnought-type acoustic guitars, including models by Martin, Taylor, and Gibson, as they complement the darker tonal qualities of these guitars to produce a well-balanced tone. However, some players have noted that these strings can sound overly "fizzy" on certain guitars and that finger noise can be an issue.
While 80/20 bronze strings are widely used, there are alternative options available, such as phosphor bronze strings. Phosphor bronze strings were introduced in 1974 by D'Addario to address the issue of quick ageing in 80/20 strings. They produce a darker, fuller, and warmer tone compared to 80/20 strings and are less prone to corrosion. However, some guitarists prefer the brighter sound of 80/20 bronze strings, especially for achieving the vintage acoustic guitar tone heard on many records from the 1960s and 1970s.
Ultimately, the choice of strings comes down to personal preference, and players may experiment with different options to find the sound that suits their acoustic archtop guitar best. Some popular brands offering 80/20 bronze strings include D'Addario, Elixir, and Stringjoy.
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Frequently asked questions
The type of strings used for an acoustic electric archtop depends on the desired sound and feel. Bronze strings are commonly used for acoustic archtops as they produce a brighter acoustic tone. Nickel-wound strings are better suited for electric archtops as they respond well to magnetic pickups. Phosphor bronze strings are also a popular choice for acoustic archtops, with some users preferring flat wound strings for a smoother feel.
Medium to heavy gauge strings, typically in the range of .012 to .014, are recommended for acoustic electric archtops. Lighter strings such as .011 or below may not produce sufficient load on the soundboard for optimum tone.
Popular brands of strings for acoustic electric archtops include D'Addario, Martin, Thomastik, and Newtone. D'Addario offers a range of string options such as EJ-16, EJ-17, and EJ-22, while Martin's phosphor bronze strings are well-liked by many users. Thomastik Plectrum strings are known for their high quality, and Newtone Archtop Double Wrap strings are another good choice.
Flatwound strings are generally not recommended for acoustic archtops as they produce a more muted tone. However, some users prefer the smoother feel of flatwound strings and choose to use them on their acoustic electric archtops. Flatwound strings are more commonly associated with electric archtops, where they are favoured for their sound and feel.
Adjusting the action involves finding the right compromise between playing comfort and reducing string buzz. The higher the action, the harder the strings can be struck without buzzing. Experimentation is often required to find the optimal setup. It is recommended to consult a professional if you are unsure about adjusting the action or if your guitar requires a specific setup.
