What type of strings for a Jack Johnson sound?

[simonv]

Hi all,

What strings would you recommend for an acoustic guitar sound similar to Jack Johnson ?

Thanks

[m. chan]

depending on what type of acoustic guitar you have, I would use vintage martin or gibson acoustic strings. Even gold ones if you need a brighter sound. I really think his tone is all in his hands though as I've seen him play several "garage sale" type acoustics that are all run-down, yet his tone still prevails. Experiment also as strings are so cheap you could just try a new pair every week for a couple months. You could also check who he sponsors.

[mixerguy]

Originally Posted by simonv

Hi all,

What strings would you recommend for an acoustic guitar sound similar to Jack Johnson ?

Thanks

It is easy, really.... simply call up Jack Johnson and have him come over to play.




i'm only 1/2 joking.



it is in the fingers.

[simonv]

Thanks, even though it's a bit typical gearslutz :) "All in the fingers"...
I know it, you know it.. we all know it.

Now, what I should have said is this:
Have you ever been in a recording situation where you've tried multiple types of strings in order to optimize the recording sound of an acoustic guitar played in a way similar to Jack Johnson, and if so, what strings were the best for you that one time?

I'd love to go out and buy 200$ worth of strings and try them all out during studio time to figure out which one will do the trick, but it is not an option. Therefore, I am open to a few suggestions that might narrow it down to 2-3 brands.

thanks

[peeder]

12 gauge D'addario is pretty much industry standard and I don't really remember his tone deviating much from that. The pick (or fingernails or whatever) in use is going to have a major effect too. Fender Celluloid or Tortex probably.

Then yeah the guitar and the technique of course. There are people who pick hard enough to make a Martin seem bright and others delicate enough to make a Taylor seem dull.

And finally the recording and mixing chains.

[elambo]

The type of guitar will make much more of a difference. And yes, unfortunately for your expectations, it IS in the fingers. A very small percentage of the tone is the brand of strings. Play around with your picking style - different picks, closer to the bridge, further, lighter pressure against the strings, heavier, etc.

[enroper]

Watch some of his videos closely, he finger picks a lot, and does some cool slappy things with his other fingers to keep in beat with song. It truly is in the fingers.

I've been listening to the guy for years. You look at his songs on paper, and you're like "eh?". But then you hear him play it, and....wow. that brah has da kine soul.

[A LaMere]

Dude... this is one of THOSE questions to me...

The sound IS in the fingers and guitar... that IS your answer.

My advice is to buy at least one set from each major brand Martin, D'addario, Gibson, etc and then try each out and figure out which one you like the best. After being on an acoustic guitar 3 weeks, the strings will change... so I'd suggest that every time you re-string the guitar you re-string using a different brand until you find the kind that you like the best..

It will take some time, yes. It will cost some dough, yes.
That's music-making in general though... It costs some time and money.