More string theory

ancient1
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Posts: 818
Playing guitar since: late 50's....always a beginner

More string theory Apr 9, 2023 13:55:23 GMT -5 via mobile

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Post by ancient1 on Apr 9, 2023 13:55:23 GMT -5

After putting some martin 11's on, where there had been 12's for the last two years, I've decided to go back to 12's. The 11's were a joy to play for the first couple of weeks and were a welcome relief to my fingers. However, after missing a week of playing, picked on it a little last night and it sounded tiny, squishy and cheap.
Strings are a bit pricey to start experimenting with different varieties so I'll probably go back to the old favorite of elixir polyweb 12's. Stay tuned..

Seagulls live 40 + years....so should our guitars

Derick
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Location: Staffordshire UK
Playing guitar since: Way back yonder.

More string theory Apr 9, 2023 15:48:01 GMT -5 ancient1 likes this

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Post by Derick on Apr 9, 2023 15:48:01 GMT -5

Apr 9, 2023 13:55:23 GMT -5 ancient1 said:

After putting some martin 11's on, where there had been 12's for the last two years, I've decided to go back to 12's. The 11's were a joy to play for the first couple of weeks and were a welcome relief to my fingers. However, after missing a week of playing, picked on it a little last night and it sounded tiny, squishy and cheap.
Strings are a bit pricey to start experimenting with different varieties so I'll probably go back to the old favorite of elixir polyweb 12's. Stay tuned..

ancient1,

There is very little difference between 12s and 11s gauge strings, and as you say strings are getting quite expensive, so why not just play the 11s till they wear out, won't take to long, then go back to your 12 s gauge strings after.

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

TonyKgull
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Posts: 6,425

Location: Ontario, Canada

More string theory Apr 10, 2023 4:19:49 GMT -5 ancient1 likes this

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Post by TonyKgull on Apr 10, 2023 4:19:49 GMT -5

ancient1 , Good choice. I've tried all the string gauges and I always come back to 12s (lights). They seem to be the Goldilocks gauge for me. Light enough to bend and fairly easy on the fingers, but thick enough for great volume and sustain.

The last set of 11s I tried also felt squishy and buzzed a lot under my playing style which is mainly strumming and flat picking; finger style being the least of what I do.

=====================================
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ancient1
Elite Member

Posts: 818
Playing guitar since: late 50's....always a beginner

More string theory Apr 10, 2023 10:28:02 GMT -5 via mobile Derick likes this

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Post by ancient1 on Apr 10, 2023 10:28:02 GMT -5

Apr 9, 2023 15:48:01 GMT -5 Derick said:

Apr 9, 2023 13:55:23 GMT -5 ancient1 said:

After putting some martin 11's on, where there had been 12's for the last two years, I've decided to go back to 12's. The 11's were a joy to play for the first couple of weeks and were a welcome relief to my fingers. However, after missing a week of playing, picked on it a little last night and it sounded tiny, squishy and cheap.
Strings are a bit pricey to start experimenting with different varieties so I'll probably go back to the old favorite of elixir polyweb 12's. Stay tuned..

ancient1,

There is very little difference between 12s and 11s gauge strings, and as you say strings are getting quite expensive, so why not just play the 11s till they wear out, won't take to long, then go back to your 12 s gauge strings after.

I will more than likely wait. Martin called the 11's custom, Silk and Phosphor, flexible core. They feel like 10's. I like the feel but not the sound, it truly sounded like a $40 yard sale guitar that had lost its volume and depth.
The s6 has had old stringjoy 12's on it for years so maybe they will get put on that. They'll get put to good use at any rate.

Seagulls live 40 + years....so should our guitars

Derick
The Mostest Bestest Member

Posts: 7,597

Location: Staffordshire UK
Playing guitar since: Way back yonder.

More string theory Apr 10, 2023 13:01:24 GMT -5 ancient1 likes this

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Post by Derick on Apr 10, 2023 13:01:24 GMT -5

ancient1,

I agree with you, tried the Martin Silk and Phosphor, flexible core, I kept them on for four or five days, just didn't like the feel or sound, some people rave over them, but I'm not one of them.
When it comes to string choice, it just a matter of personal choice, just go with what you like and enjoy your guitar.

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

WELCOME TO THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR CABIN!!!

Post by ancient1 on Apr 9, 2023 13:55:23 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Apr 9, 2023 15:48:01 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Apr 10, 2023 4:19:49 GMT -5

Post by ancient1 on Apr 10, 2023 10:28:02 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Apr 10, 2023 13:01:24 GMT -5

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