Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

[strat_master]

Hi Guys,

I was browsing on the taylor website and noticed under the FAQ's that it is advised that all taylor dreadnaughts and jumbos use medium gauge strings. I use light strings (.012-.053) on my cheap dreadnaught and tuned it almsot all the time to eb does this mean my guitar will suffer in the long run? Is this also the case with a taylor guitar like say the 310ce or the 315ce? I perosnally can't use medium string they are too heavy, and add that fact that i down tune a bit it means trouble for me? I am not sure here can you guys help me clarify this please?

Note they said that if you use light strings on a dreadnaught or jumbo it may cause the neck to bow meaning fret buzz. But i use light strings and down tune so will my neck eventually screw up? I just started down tuning to eb in the last week or so and just switched to light strings as well.

Any help is greatly appreciated as i am going to be a taylor guitar owner sooner or later.

Jason

 

[strat_master]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

Oh and one more thing, they also said on the site that if you put mediums on a grand auditorium or concert styled guitar the extra tension will cause the bridge to "bubble".

Is all of this true or is taylor just being over precautious?

 

[RushOfBlood]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

it's true in most cases. i REALLY recommend you try some heavier strings, a little bit at a time at least. the difference in tone is quite substantial.

 

[Robert S.]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

I don't always believe the things I read on the internet and a lot of stuff is rumor or mis-information.

I always pay attention to the manufactures information. If Taylor says to use a particular spec string, I would listen to them.

 

[Curly]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

or just email them

I'm sure other players like using light strings on their acoustic

their comments may have to do with the fact that the guitars are set up for mediums at the factory, and they might suggest that if you want to use lights, you should have it set up for lights. Taylors have an adjustable truss rod, don't they? It may take a little tweak to adjust for the difference in tension.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

The concern is not that you'll use light strings...those will cause no damage.

The concern is that you'll use HEAVY STRINGS! Those can pull the bridge loose, and over time, pull the neck up so your guitar requires a neck reset, etc.

No problems with light or medium strings. Go ahead and enjoy your light gauge strings. Your guitar will be fine.

Lew

 

[strat_master]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

awesome thanks lew!

 

[strat_master]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

hmm well do you guys thinks a compromie would ultimately suit this situation better with say medium light strings? although i might need to build up finger strength.

 

[Curly]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

Lew's right - as long as you don't use anything heavier than mediums, you're fine

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

hmm well do you guys thinks a compromie would ultimately suit this situation better with say medium light strings? although i might need to build up finger strength.

Whatever works. I play mostly acoustic guitar these days and I use Daddario Phospher Bronze mediums that come with a .012 E string. Any lighter doesn't sound deep and full enough for me. When I pick up my electric guitars I can bend those .010 - .046 strings easily!

Light gauge strings on my acoustics just don't make it. For one thing, I'm usually detuned in open D (DADF#AD) or open G (DGDGBD). Light gauge strings get kinda sloppy detuned like that.

Lew

 

[strat_master]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

hmm im really considering now moving one up to a medium for my acoustic playing now. Keep in mind i used for a god 6 months extra light, and not i am at light, so i guess ill move to medium and see how my tone improves. Hey lew just out of curiousity doesn't the d'addario acoustics as medium come with a .013 e string not a .012 string? Just wondering because my light set has a .012 high e string.

On a side note, do you guys thinks a dreadnought body sounds similair to that of a jumbo acoustic body?

 

[ex-250]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

I use light strings (.012-.053)

since when are 12s considered light??? i always figured theyre medium

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

It's funny that 13-56 is medium for acoustic. I wonder how many acoustic players string up 14-60?

 

[Mincer]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

I use real light strings for my Adamas acoustic. The signal is always amplified and compressed a little, and it sounds great.

 

[matt99camero]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

My roommate plays 13's on his acoustic and can bend them like they were 9's on an electric. My fingers are not near that strong yet. I'm still building my finger strength on my 12's. Right now I don't like playing 12's but I know that's the only way I'm gonna make my fingers stronger.

 

[strat_master]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

well .012 is considered light actually, my guess si acoustic strings are generally thicker in gauge

 

[y2stevo]

Re: Light Strings Cause Problems?!?!?!

Also could be that generally Acoustic is thought of as more of a rhythm instrument than a soloing one so for rhythm the gauge wouldnt affect playability as much as for soloing