I have a varnish OM1A that I have been stringing with D'Addario EJ16s phosphore bronze lights. Does anyone have any thoughts on what string I might use to warm up the trebles a bit. I like the EJ16s; however, out of the box they sound a little harsh for a while. I like to avoid the "play in" period if I could. All suggestions appreciated.

Have you tried running a .017 & .013 on the plain strings?

No, can you explain how that might help. I run true mediums on an OM that I regularly keep in DADGAD but the larger guages don't seem to be inherently warmer.

Honored members of this forum have recommended using John Pearse Phospher Bronze Lights instead of D'Addario in an attempt alleviate the problem you mention on adi/hog Collings guitars. I have been following their advice on my OM1A Varnish and am not sure it makes much difference. The Pearse strings are very nice, however, and I've been using them exclusively on this guitar.

You could try searching Pearse strings on the forum and possibly find the thread. I remember it being quite informative on this very subject.

Have you tried the D'Addario coated strings (EXPs)? To my ear, they actually have LESS brightness than the plain ol' EJ strings when they're new, and they get 'thuddier' faster.

I sorta stumbled on this dichotomy while going back and forth between EXPs and/or Elixirs and the EJ17s. May be a happy accident that could help.

Begging the question of how it is a varnish OM1A seems less than warm in any register: there are some who think 80/20 blends are a little warmer. I'm a Pearse guy, but you might try that.

Dave - I have the same instrument and the same concerns. EJ17s seem to help with the high end brightness. The 16s feel better but I prefer the sound of the mediums. In general I prefer 80/20s but I'm still looking for the sweet spot on the OM1A varnish.

Alan

I will come at this from a different angle. If you are a flatpicker, try the Red Bear tortis picks. They help tame the unwanted edge in my D1A.

To Dave Aaronson:

You could try an ivory saddle in place of the stock bone. (about $40 from Bob Colosi at guitarsaddles.com)

My experience has been a warmer sound overall, including noticeably smoother, more bell-like trebles versus edgy trebles.

i don't have an OM-1A, but i *do* have an 0-1A, and i'm also trying to turn the brightness down. i've tried both d'addario and pearse light gauge, but i've yet to find a set of strings i like (maybe pearse new mediums?). i do find i like the sound just fine when i use a red bear flatpick, or when i cut my fingernails (a la laurence juber).

Another vote for trying a different pick. The Red Bear Tortis picks make a huge difference.

Dunlop 1.5 mm or 2 mm pick will fatten up the sound. Advantage: not $20.00 each.