Some questions about guitar strings

skatj · Jan 10, 2009, 12:45 AM

I'm a beginner so I use light gauge strings, but I don't like how twangy the top 2 strings sound, and it's kind of awkward to fret because they are so thin. Is there anything wrong with using medium gauge for those two strings, but keeping everything else light?

Also, do I have to readjust the guitar or anything if I switch string gauge. When I bought the guitar I believe they were originally medium, but I switched them to light without changing the setup. If I were to change them back to medium, do I have to get it tweaked?

Finally, does anyone have experience with silk and steel strings. I prefer a more mellow sound but I heard that the string gauge was really light and might cause buzzing.

Thanks - I play acoustic btw

leishan · Jan 10, 2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skatj

I'm a beginner so I use light gauge strings, but I don't like how twangy the top 2 strings sound, and it's kind of awkward to fret because they are so thin. Is there anything wrong with using medium gauge for those two strings, but keeping everything else light?

Also, do I have to readjust the guitar or anything if I switch string gauge. When I bought the guitar I believe they were originally medium, but I switched them to light without changing the setup. If I were to change them back to medium, do I have to get it tweaked?

Finally, does anyone have experience with silk and steel strings. I prefer a more mellow sound but I heard that the string gauge was really light and might cause buzzing.

Thanks - I play acoustic btw

If the guitar was originally set up for medium gauge strings, then switching back shouldn't require a new setup. Just know that you should check the setup whenever you change gauges.

Which silk and steel strings are you thinking of using?

skatj · Jan 10, 2009, 09:02 PM

I'm not sure - I don't really know the differences between brands. I guess whatever my local music store carries.

leishan · Jan 10, 2009, 09:10 PM

Elixirs are very good strings. They seem to keep their brightness for a while longer.

skatj · Jan 11, 2009, 02:51 PM

Hmm i'll look up some reviews for those, thanks. Can anyone answer my question about mixing string gauges though? I'm gonna be going to the music store pretty soon so it'll be nice to have some input.

leishan · Jan 11, 2009, 04:38 PM

It shouldn't be a problem mixing string gauges.

Mattaut · Jan 12, 2009, 10:09 AM

You can also ask the people at the music store, usually someone there will be able to answer any questions you have.

notjustjay · Jan 12, 2009, 10:13 AM

I second Elixirs! The only brand I buy.

Jan 10, 2009, 12:45 AM	#1
skatj macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2008	Some questions about guitar strings I'm a beginner so I use light gauge strings, but I don't like how twangy the top 2 strings sound, and it's kind of awkward to fret because they are so thin. Is there anything wrong with using medium gauge for those two strings, but keeping everything else light? Also, do I have to readjust the guitar or anything if I switch string gauge. When I bought the guitar I believe they were originally medium, but I switched them to light without changing the setup. If I were to change them back to medium, do I have to get it tweaked? Finally, does anyone have experience with silk and steel strings. I prefer a more mellow sound but I heard that the string gauge was really light and might cause buzzing. Thanks - I play acoustic btw
	0

Jan 12, 2009, 10:09 AM	#7
Mattaut macrumors regular Join Date: Oct 2008	You can also ask the people at the music store, usually someone there will be able to answer any questions you have. __________________ Work: Power Mac G5, 2.5 GHz, 2 GB RAM, 150 GB HD Home: 17" iMac, 1.83 GHz, 512 MB RAM, 150 GB HD School: New 15" MBP, 2.4 GHz, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB HD
	0

Jan 12, 2009, 10:13 AM	#8
notjustjay macrumors 603 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Canada, eh?	I second Elixirs! The only brand I buy. __________________ .
	0

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Jan 10, 2009, 09:02 PM	#3
skatj Thread Starter macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2008	I'm not sure - I don't really know the differences between brands. I guess whatever my local music store carries.
	0

Jan 10, 2009, 09:10 PM	#4
leishan macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2005	Elixirs are very good strings. They seem to keep their brightness for a while longer.
	0

Jan 11, 2009, 02:51 PM	#5
skatj Thread Starter macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2008	Hmm i'll look up some reviews for those, thanks. Can anyone answer my question about mixing string gauges though? I'm gonna be going to the music store pretty soon so it'll be nice to have some input.
	0

Jan 11, 2009, 04:38 PM	#6
leishan macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2005	It shouldn't be a problem mixing string gauges.
	0


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