D'Addario "Pro Arte" (EJ46)

These are perhaps the most consistent of all manufacturers, and all of their varieties of strings have extremely reliable intonation. These strings are favored by a large percentage of the luthiers we work with probably because of their consistency and their transparency. These strings are, in positive sense, colorless; they allow the tonal characteristics of the guitar and the player show through without any overt biases. Therefore, these strings rarely clash with an instrument or a player. The tension differences are more prominent in the D`Addarios than in some of the other brands. The J46`s are their middle tension, the J44`s the highest tension, and the J45`s the lightest. The J46`s are the quintessential workhorse string with no overt biases.

Basses: These basses are fairly quick to settle into tune and are consistently in tune. They project well and have a better than average lifespan. They can be played fairly hard without breaking up the sound, and have the capability of an excellent dynamic range.

Trebles: The trebles speak very well and quickly and they have excellent projection. The three trebles exhibit much variety with the 3rd string, as is often the case, much mellower than the upper two. Their intonation is tremendously consistent and they have a long life.