I have Martin backpacker 1995 ,the strings on it now make it sound tinny would the extra light 80/20 strings make it not sound like a banjo
929697
Might actually have the opposite effect. Heavier strings would sound deeper, but those backpackers necks might not like the heavier gauge when you tighten them up. Maybe try changing just the thinnest strings (G-B-E) to heavier gauges?
929698
It could. You may want to try Draco D-1200 phosphor light gauge. I did a little research and this is what Martin company puts on them. Also if you like you can try going up a gauge. May hurt a little on the fingers but may have a good sound. Hope this helps. ;)
929699
I've being using extra lights for over 30 years. I think it makes the sound crisper and clearer but it's an individual choice and everyone's ear is different. All I can say is try it the worst case scenario is your out a few buck the best is that you found the sound you're looking for. Hope that helps! Please let me know MB at mjcv29a@aol.com
1156765
The default strings were okay but I changed to aquila and the tone was better. It sounded more mellow and full.
200523
Mine was almost perfect. The intonation was off by a pinch on the third string. It sounded good before the adjustment, and excellent after.
1818727
I have had the best luck with the Medium and Light Medium strings. I had a buzzing sound on my high strings and by mixing medium and light strings, was able to resolve my problem. For your situation, I would recommend the medium strings.
144064
I hope you hear from someone more of an authority on this matter than myself, but I believe that you might be right. I once owned a Martin 00-18 classical and the spacing might have been a bit wider, but then again, I feel that the nut might also have been a bit wider on the Martin. I certainly may be wrong. The Yamaha is a nice instrument and I look forward to playing with it more; the guitar is not my MAIN instrument. Keyboards are. Hope that someone else responds to your question. Good luck and best wishes!! William
1849081
I just bought one yesterday and it had D'Addario strings on it. I changed them to Fender Ultra Lights and it sounds great! Love it!
839277
If you tune it like a regular guitar, e.b. EADGBE, the strings end up being too floppy to play well. Tune to ADGCEA which is transposed "up a fourth" or like a guitar with capo on 5th fret.
2052870
I do not play, I got this as a gift for my nephew and I did buy him new strings, but I am not certain what kind they were, I will contact him and find out. It sounds great.
2257215
Congrats on getting a beautiful instrument. The mahogany top will contribute to a "warmer" sound when you find the right strings, but this often involves experimenting with different types of strings. For the most part phosphor-bronze strings are very "bright" sounding when they first go on but lose their "brightness" pretty quickly. Coated strings, like the Martin Lifespan, Elixers, etc., tend to be less "bright" at first but have a remarkably longer lifespan before sounding dull and dead than non-coated strings. Try a coated bronze (not phosphor-bronze) first to see how that sounds to you. Also keep in mind that the lighter the gauge, the less volume and punch the strings are going to have, no matter what kind of guitar you play. You might try non coated strings, also, if you dont mind changing them more often. Ive used a number of different strings on my Martin and tend toward preferring a "brighter" sound, and Im usually eager to try something new, so dont get impatient, and keep notes on which strings work best for you.
1267732
This is very subjective, and also varies from one instrument to another. In general, avoid light gauge strings if your after "warm low mellow". Try D'Adario "bluegrass" strings - they sound great on some guitars, particularly for pickers.
1720405
Yuppers it can. I made mine fretless and put on nylon strings. I got the sound I was lookin for. Good luck with yours. My email addy is "guulaans@gmail.com let me know how you made out.
796597
I ultimately bought this very banjo from a local shop rather than through Amazon. My guess would be that it's not perfectly in tune out of the box. Banjos being wood instruments fluctuate with temperature and frequently go out of tune even in the course of playing them. Watch a professional banjo player and watch them tune their instrument in the middle of a show when no one else has to. Otherwise there is nothing to put together.
293489
I would not characterize these strings as 'really bright'. They are not 'tinny' or metallic sounding. The highs are not over-powering, nor are the lows. These are the only strings that I have used that I feel really let the true 'wood' sing. I recommend a try. Cost is not much, and you will suffer the time in a string change. I have one guitar that I have used silk and steel, by Martin, on it since 1974. I won't use another type. I have a Martin, which is fairly new (6 mos) and have gone through 3 cycles of the recommend strings that came with it. The next change will be with the S&S; strings. I wanna hear how they react to the Indian Rosewood/Sitka combo of my Mrtin. I would not characterize these strings as 'really bright'. They are not 'tinny' or metallic sounding. The highs are not over-powering, nor are the lows. These are the only strings that I have used that I feel really let the true 'wood' sing. I recommend a try. Cost is not much, and you will suffer the time in a string change. I have one guitar that I have used silk and steel, by Martin, on it since 1974. I won't use another type. I have a Martin, which is fairly new (6 mos) and have gone through 3 cycles of the recommend strings that came with it. The next change will be with the S&S...; » Read More I would not characterize these strings as 'really bright'. They are not 'tinny' or metallic sounding. The highs are not over-powering, nor are the lows. These are the only strings that I have used that I feel really let the true 'wood' sing. I recommend a try. Cost is not much, and you will suffer the time in a string change. I have one guitar that I have used silk and steel, by Martin, on it since 1974. I won't use another type. I have a Martin, which is fairly new (6 mos) and have gone through 3 cycles of the recommend strings that came with it. The next change will be with the S&S; strings. I wanna hear how they react to the Indian Rosewood/Sitka combo of my Mrtin. « Show Less
191831
My banjo was set up almost perfectly from Amazon. All I did was adjust the bridge a bit back and forth +/- 1/2" to get close to intonation and then tweak it by moving the upper or lower part of the bridge so that after about 10 minutes it was perfectly intonated. BTW, it was packed very well from the factory/Amazon. I was very happy with my first decent banjo and probably could owned it for a lifetime, but as it is: so many banjos; so little time!
293491
They are not as bright as 80/20 Bronze strings, but they are bright. they have a softer sound and softer overtones. Hope this helps. The silk and steel are much easier on your fingers and are mellow sounding.
2000107
I personally use Martin SPs lights. I find them reasonably easy playing and I like the sound. Mediums would sound louder but are harder to play. Martin makes a silk and steel string that is supposed to be easier to play than standard strings. They also have a new string out they call flexible core that bends easier and is also supposed to be easier on the fingers. I've not used either kind so couldn't say from personal experience, but I think they'd be worth a try, especially if ease of playing is your goal and not maximum volume. I find the lights are a nice compromise.
1555197
Yes it is. I bought mine from Amazon, had it tuned & set up by a local guitar and banjo store, complete with Elixir banjo strings. It has a beautiful sound, I use it in church at least once a week.