Curt Mangan 12-54 PhosPhor Bronze Medium Light Acoustic Guitar Strings

I've spent the past year searching for the right strings for a '60s Gibson J-50. I am a phosphor bronze guy, and I've tried nearly every PB string and some of the major brand alternatives like 80/20s, nickel, etc. There aren't many strings out there that I haven't tried, and I'm so glad I came across these because they are hands down the best for my taste, style, guitar, etc.I have found that everyone has different needs for strings, and it is a subjective thing that will vary given the player, guitar and the expectations. However, if you're searching for anything similar to what I was searching for, I hope this description of the strings and my needs will be helpful:What I'm looking for in a string:Smooth surface, but not coatedLights I can bend, but still enough tension to drive the topStrong bottom end, but still balanced across the stringsDry, woody, natural yet powerful toneNot too bright/harsh, but not lifeless, and something I can play right away when I put them on(I know, I'm looking for "Goldilocks" strings :)My description of these strings:(Again, this is going to vary given the guitar, but this is what it brings out in the J-50)Essentially, all of the above requirements are met - These feel great to play, and they have a nice smooth surface, which is not only comfortable, but it seems to minimize string noise when sliding up and down the neckThey are not twangy or metallic, and can be played immediately after stringing the guitar without the harsh metallic noises most strings have for a few days/weeks. At the same time, they are not dull - they really are just a great balance, and they seem to allow the guitar to reveal its natural tone - in this case, it's a powerful, dry, woody tone. There's plenty of bottom end and volume, with a touch of mid-growl, which is exactly what I'm after. Another review states that the high B and E strings are lifeless, but I find them to be just right for me -- they don't have that unpleasant hiss that most strings have, especially when new. In short, these are like a dry, oaky red wine, whereas some of the brighter PBs out there would be a fruity white wine.They also seem to have the perfect tension, something I've experimented with quite a bit and thought I'd never find the right balance -- they are bendable so you can hit blues licks, but they still have enough tension to drive the top.In short, strings are a personal choice, and you have to experiment with all the options. It's hard to advise anybody on one particular string, as the type of guitar, player and style will dictate what strings are the best option. However, my intuition tells me that as I string up some of my other guitars with these (which I plan to do soon), that I will be just as pleased. I highly recommend giving these a try.

The wound strings are glorious. The B and E are lifeless. Been playing 40 years and this is my first case of needing to mix-and-match strings from different sets.

I had heard good things about these strings so I ordered a set for my acoustic. While installing the low E, it snapped and unraveled. Never again will I buy or recommend them.

Always liked these strings and the price was right.

One of the best manufacturers going, and made in Colorado!

Really great strings and Great service i wll buy again

I ordered a set of acoustic strings. The sixth unraveled, and then the fifth string unraveled. In over fifty years I have never had this happen before. So I wrote the company, and Curt himself said he would send a replacement set. Great! They never arrived. I wrote again, and Curt said he would check into it. A replacement set never arrived. I was disappointed.

Long lasting, excellent tone reproduction, great value!Have been using these for 4-5 years without a problem.I use on my dreads and 00, 000 and OM's.Kudos!!

Very nice strings