People saying Dadarrio are better, I'll never understand that. Dadarrio are average, decent strings. But always metallic and thin. Nothing wrong with that but not my cup of tea, especially in 12s. Maybe their 13s.
GHS are not only rich, yet clear, but sustain wonderfully. They have just enough overtones, but aren't out of control. And are definitely the loudest PBS I've used. Besides their Americanas. And both the perfect overtones, and volume are because they use a slightly larger core wire. But not so large that it's makes them just fudemental. Make no mistake, these are phosphor. But just high quality. They also last. I also noticed that they're wrapped nice and tight if you looks close.
Now yes, a thinner core wire will make a string brighter. But that doesn't make these dark. I will never understand anyone calling these dark, and especially not dead. They're literally alive. Very loud and resonant. But yes, core wire to wrap ratio is important, or you're just getting a string thats avg, but like anything anyone else can make. Like a Dadarrio.
GHS nailed the core wire to wrap ratio and clearly uses high quality wire for both the cord and wrap.
These are the best strings I've used on my 000-28 1937 custom authentic Martin. They keep it clear with a ton of bass, and are loud as mediums but ring out like lights. These are actually the one string that after only one stretch, they're tuned to pitch, and won't go out of tune with another stretch.
If I want something slightly more string sounding, and less percussive with slightly more overtones, I use the Martin Authentics. Another great string, but doesn't last as long. But still great.
For my Martin D Mahogany 09, which is a d18 golden era with a high altitude swiss Spruce Top and bracing instead of Adirondack, I like mediums, and ghs Americana, which are the 80/20s of phosphor strings basically. Martin authentic phosphor, or John Pearse 80/20s.
I do consider these the standard though when testing any new guitar. Regardless of the size. And they blow Dadarrios away. As do the new Martin authentics. GHS imo is the best string company out there. You wanna hear dead? Try those SIT royal bronze. Talk about too thick of a core wire. I could feel and hear it immediately. And no volume which was odd.
And if you want a dark but good string, Earnie Ball is the way to go. That's dark. Or the best darker string, Newtone Double Wounds.
GHS are the string masters imo. Which is why they make like 300 different models. My favorite strings are now GHS regular Phosphor bronze and Americana phosphor, Martin Authentics regular and 2.0, and Newtone Masterclass. Anyway, that's my take. Enjoy
- Volume
- Sustain
- Break in time
- Deep bass, but Clear
- Stay in tune
- Rich
- Above Avg lifespan for regular uncoated strings
- None, unless you're looking for a super bright jangly string, or a super dark one.
- Great sound, nice packaging, fast delivery, decent price.
- None.
GHS acoustic phosphor bronze, but I won't use them again!