Newtone Newbie

[thunderbird]

Just got my first set of Michael Messer strings (Phosphor Bronze 15's). WOW! I've been playing stringed instruments for 20yrs and never before has a change of strings made such a difference. They are so full bodied and rich sounding. I don't know if anyone else agree's, but I'm finding that they respond to a lighter, more sensitive touch. It's like I'm not having to try as hard somehow. And my cheap single cone doesn't sound as "quacky" now, seems like theres more complex undertones.

Smashin'!!

And they are manufactured where I grew up and went to school!

[robn]

Thanks for the reminder - I've just put in a new order to see me through Xmas ;D

Robn

[Michael Messer]

Thanks Thunderbird! I love Newtone Strings too. I have used them on every guitar on every gig and recording session since 1991. I am very honoured to have my name on such a good product, they are superb strings and nothing I have tried compares.

Shine On,
Michael.

[thunderbird]

Hi Michael. I have a couple of questions. Firstly, I've noticed over the years that strings generally fall into two categories; those that go 'off the boil' gradually from the day you begin using them, and those that get better as they settle in and then gradually fade. Which camp (assuming you agree) would you say the newtones fall into?

Secondly, after how many gigs/hours do you put new strings on?

[growler]

just to add a few lines in praise of Newtones.... they are absolutely superb.... terrfic value...... they just go on and on, never really losing their tone. I have had the existing set of Newtones on my reso since about last March - April, it has been played regularly and hard, I have spare sets available ....... they still sound fine so why change em. Also try the Newtone
'Electrics' ......... damn good as well regards Growler

[Michael Messer]

Hi Thunderbird,

I know what you mean about some strings losing their tone very quick and others not so quick. Really the person to talk about this should be Malcolm Newton 'Mr Newtone', but in his absence I will have a go. Most factory produced modern strings are wound so fast that they get very hot and during that process lose their brightness and some tone qualities. Slower winding does not get the string hot and therefore avoids this problem. Also, mass-produced string have a hexagonal core to help with the fast winding (stops the winding slipping), but it also stops the string from self-cleaning when you play it. On Newtones, because of the round core, when you play the string it has some give and movement in the winding and the dirt does not stay in the string. Along with the fact that Newtone use the best materials available, this is why they last so long.

Regarding your second question - how long do I keep string on my guitars and how many gigs do they last? Everyone varies on this, some people change strings every gig and others every month. I change them every 2 or 3 gigs, but if I am not touring or recording with a particular instrument, the strings can stay on for months. The reason I change them regularly for performances is not because the sound goes, but because I am worried about breaking a string on stage. I haven't broken a string on stage for years and I don't intend to start! Some players change strings for every gig - personally I find this a little extreme, although it is good for business :-) - Occasionally when a venue is particularly hot'n'sweaty, or it is a very hot summer's day, I wreck a set in one gig, but that is due to the strings getting wet. At home for personal use, I reckon new strings about once a month should be enough.

This is an interesting subject - can we hear from more forum members about strings and how often they change them and why?

Thanks!
Shine On,
Michael.

[robn]

I use Newtone Phosphor Bronze 15-56 on my wood bodied single cone and 16-59 on my square neck (plus 12-52s on my dreadnaught!). The tone is just great ;D

Stating a definitive life for the strings is a little more difficult as I have found it depends on usage. My single cone is the one I play most (virtually daily). It is regularly played and always put to bed in standard tuning. But I can also guarantee that every time I pick it up to play I will retune it at some stage to open G, open D, open A or open E then back to standard at the end of the session! I’m surprised how well the strings hold up given this total abuse. I change them about once every three weeks or so (possibly longer) and there is always a noticeable difference in the sound and feel of a new set – but I can’t say the strings I take off have ever reached a point of being really “bad”. Also I quite often will sit outdoors to play, sometimes on the seafront – I’m sure that this is having a detrimental effect on the strings (although it has a counterbalancing positive effect on my soul ). A good indicator that they have reached the point of no return is when the G string snaps at the tuning post when tuning up to open A – the steel core has just become too brittle from all that retuning! I’m sure that if I kept my guitar in just one tuning the strings would stay bright and supple for far longer (as is the case for my square neck and dreadnaught).

I have tried loads of different brands of strings – but Newtones have that killer tone.

[thunderbird]

Man! Am I diggin these strings! Better get some for the electrics and acoustic.

("Yes dear, I know I can only play one ***** guitar at a time!")