Any John Pearse String fans out there?

[Chiogtr4x]

Background: I have a Martin D-1 (almost 20 years old now) that is actually kind of finicky (I think it is 50% guitar and 50% me) when it comes to strings in terms of tone produced (EQ or brightness/warmth), intonation, longevity, and comfort (fretting, bending, and string tension). Just trying to say not all strings sound great on this guitar, or make me happy in terms of how they feel.

I have used D'Addarios for many years (I only use phosphor bronze, med gauge), and 3-4 years ago switched to Elixir as I felt they had superior tone, intonation, longevity and less string squeak. I still stand by this.

BUT, last week I thought I would try (it's been a while) the John Pearse PB's and though these strings are not as bright as the Elixirs, they have a little less tension, made the guitar relax a bit and now I am getting a great warm natural tone( the Elixirs, by comparison were more percussive, maybe a little artificial) -with lots of natural sustain. I know these strings won't last as long, but I am enjoying a more traditional Martin tone coming out of the guitar. Need to do a few gigs with these strings!

[zombywoof]

Yup, I use JP nickel round wound strings. The round wounds will generally exert less tension on the neck than the more traditional strings wound on a hex core.

[jazztele]

I've been using the JP Nickel wound acoustic strings on my Kay archtop for a few weeks now. Excellent strings. I'm a fan.

[BillNeaves]

Originally Posted by zombywoof

Yup, I use JP nickel round wound strings. The round wounds will generally exert less tension on the neck than the more traditional strings wound on a hex core.

Yes, in terms of string tension, from most to least, it's phosphor, brass or 80/20, then nickel. In terms of core, hex core has more tension than round. For acoustic, I use the nickel plated steel, round core, Daquisto tony rice strings. Less tension, full tone, medium guage but with a .057 E which I love. I stocked up on them before they went out of business! :)

[BillNeaves]

I tried the John Pearse pure nickel medium guage. Very good string.... Even less tension than the tony rice set. I would have to dial in a little more relief into my neck if I was going to use them more.

[aunchaki]

I'm not really a string connoisseur. I buy different brands and seldom stick with any particular ones. I have a set of JP strings on my Takamine 12-string. They're OK, but didn't stand out so much that I'm going to use them--and only them--forever.

[pizzaloser]

I have John Pearse strings on a cheap, crappy acoustic that was given to me. I like their sound over the Ernie Ball Earthwoods I had on it. They seemed to loose their "shimmer" pretty quickly, though. I still dig them well enough. I recently bought a Taylor Big Baby, which came with Elixirs. I'm not sure if the sound coming out of it is more from the guitar or the strings, but I really like it. :shrugs:

[weiner71]

I use them on my weissenborn, they are pretty good

[Chiogtr4x]

The Pearse strings are not a particularly bright string and my D-1 is kind of midrangey anyhow (it does not have the huge bass and shimmering highs, which is fine for me, I like the focus or balance of my guitar, works for many styles), so I do miss some of the brightness and "clang" from the Eilxirs. But there is still a quality of tone and sustan here, even if it is little muted that I'm enjoying- plus they are so comfy to play.

Have not yet heard the guitar plugged in yet with these strings (Martin/Fishman Gold + Pickup/preamp) Soon!

[Teleglide]

I love them on my Taylor!

[Jakedog]

I used to use them exclusively. I love them to pieces. I haven't used them in several years now. They just got too expensive. I have to change strings every gig, which is usually 2-3 times a week for acoustic gigs.

When they were competetively priced I used them, because yeah, they sound incredible. But the prices kept getting higher. When I can get D'Addario PB's for $3 less per set, I just can't justify buying JP's. Not on a working guitarist's paycheck.

They are really good strings though. I wish I could still use them.

I don't know how anybody can use Elixirs or other coated strings. Yuck.

[Chiogtr4x]

^^ IMO, Eliixirs are NOT all equal!

I don't care for their Polywebs or their Bright Bronze or 80/20 strings (or anyone's, I like PB's), but I did find the Nanoweb PB's to just be a completely different string, that has a lot good qualities, or at least ones I look for- and they really do last. But admittedly, they do have a coating that does sonically and I think in terms of feel create a distance between me and my guitar. Frustrating as they are "almost there..."

So, the Pearse strings do have this warmth, and feel that seem to re-connect me!

[jonnyfez]

We've bumped into each other before as owners of D-1s.

John Pearse phosphor-bronze has been my string of choice for about ten years now. Their character perfectly suits this guitar and they seem to last longer than most other non-coated strings. Unfortunately, they aren't as easy to find around here with so many of the music stores closing.

I'll use D'addarios when I can't find JP - but absolutely loathe Martin strings. Gah. My experience with coated strings hasn't been the best either. The coating tends to unravel and hang off the string. This was awhile back - maybe they're better now but I'm happy with the JPs.

[Chiogtr4x]

^^
It could be that my D-1 is need of pro work here, but I used to use D'Addario (medium gauge, phosphor bronze) for many years...I got the guitar refretted (as I just played the heck out of it for years) and since then, the D'Adds, seemed buzzy, the B- string if tuned to pitch will NOT intonate (the D note on the 3rd fret rings noticeably sharp!), and the wound strings made a lot of noise, so I stopped using them and went to the Elixirs 4-5 years ago

Switching to Elixirs, fixed the above headaches, including the intonation of that B though not perfect, is MUCH better. The same is true with the Pearse strings but of course they won't last like the Elixirs, but love their sound and playabliity. Martin strings,have always felt too damn stiff for me-go figure! Just seem hard to play and bend, and I play in a few different styles, all over the fingerboard and need to bend comfortably.

edit: Elixir Nanowebs (PB's) don't do that coating unravel, as they don't have that buildup/thickness like the Polywebs

[corliss1]

Yup yup! I use the 600L series (phosphor bronze lights) on my 000-28H.

[TMoxness]

I too used D'Addarios for many years.

I tried JP on my acoustic and love them. Mainly I notice much better intonation, and they last longer.

I just bought some JPs for my tele, but I haven't yet tried them.

[brookdalebill]

Thanks for reminding me!
I like his phosphor bronze Mediums.
I met Mr. Pearce a long time ago.
I sold him a triple neck Ricky console steel.
Beautiful quilted maple thing.
Cool, big guy.
RIP.

[JG806]

JP Phosphor Bronze is all I use on my acoustics. FWIW I tried a set of JP 80/20's on my Taylor and hated them. Only lasted a couple of day before I had to change back to the phosphors.

[Chiogtr4x]

Originally Posted by TMoxness

I too used D'Addarios for many years.

I tried JP on my acoustic and love them. Mainly I notice much better intonation, and they last longer.

I just bought some JPs for my tele, but I haven't yet tried them.

I did not know there were Pearse electric strings- I guess I just never thought about it !

[gitold]

Love them on my Flatirons Mandolin. Guitar, Meh.