What are the best guitar strings for an Ovation?

Question

Just got a new Ovation Tangent and will be playing a lot of live shows with it plugged in. Any suggestions for the best sounding strings?

Answer 1

I've been playing for over 7 years now, and I've tried several hundred different stings on about 30 different guitars. The same strings work out best for EVERY guitar I have played around with.

ELIXIR guitar strings are hands-down the best strings for any acoustic guitar. Their tone, resonance, and wonderful coating make these strings sing like no others. Don't let their price-tag fool you; they'll last you a couple of shows at least, and the sound they provide is worth the extra couple of dollars.

Most guitar shops will even cut you a deal if you buy several packs at a time, and if you are out playing shows regularly, buy up 10 packs and you'll be set for a few months of great sounding live performances.

I've tried other coated strings, and I have to say that no one really compares. Martin has some that are certainly better than a standard phosphor-bronze, or even gold-nickel, but they just don't stand up to ELIXIRS.

Play around with gauges. I use the 'Custom Lights', because my guitar already has a lower tone, so I need to pull the high-end stuff up a bit. Really it depends on your guitars natural tone. Most of the Ovations I've played with work well with 'Medium' or 'Medium-Light' gauge, although my buddy uses heavy gauge strings to get a really low and gritty sound out of his. Of course, he plays heavy metal alot so it fits him.

If you don't really want to spend the money on ELIXIRS, or have tried them and just don't find that they work, give DEAN MARKLEY strings a try. I've had good luck with their 'VintageBronze' and 'Alchemy GoldBronze'. For a non-coated string they pack quite a punch, and they keep their tone better than most.

If you're ever in Berkeley, CA stop by any of the music shops and ask for their local-made strings. I can't remember the brand name (I only used them twice) but the guy who makes them does an excellent job, and though a little more expensive they're quite a good string. Of course, you can only find them in the Bay Area, mostly in Berkeley, but you never know.

Answer 2

Ovation Tangent Guitar

Answer 3

Stick with name brands like D'Addario, etc. Also, try using one gauge heavier when you don't have a gig coming up. The heavier the gauge of the string, the "beefier" the tone, but you can't go too heavy or they get hard to play. Be sure to keep a watch on the truss rod adjustment if you change gauges, and when the weather changes (about every 3 months) to see if you might need adjustments. Your best bet is to try a variety of strings, find out which ones you like the best, and then buy them in bulk - they are cheaper that way. I found that I like Ovations with electronics best through regular tube guitar amps and NOT through acoustic guitar amps - maybe they are "EQ'd" that way on purpose.

Answer 4

Phoshper Bronze!! No doubt the best playing and sounding string for acoustics I've found yet.Plugged in or not...there are a few companies out there that make them,so depending on what gauge you prefer...check them out at guitarcenter.com...this site not only sells them but has user reviews also!! Active musician for 20+ years, they are the ONLY strings for my acoustic. Try them out,you won't be sorry.

Answer 5

if your celeb is a classical (nylon string) variety, you may purely placed nylon strings on it. If that's a steel-string variety, fee has little to do with sound (until you pass out of your thank you to purchase no-call strings from the best purchase bin). i like easy gauge phosphor bronze strings like the D'Addario EJ-sixteen. or you may desire to attempt the 80/20 bronze version in case you have chose a brighter tone. in case you have chose to spend additional funds, coated strings like Elixers or the D'Addario EXP sequence are meant to stay clean longer.