John Pearse Heavy 13-56 Twelve String set. Need your help

[Peter Krasov]

Hi there! I'm new to this forum,
I need a piece of advice from you about heavy 12-string sets.

I've ordered a John Pearse Heavy 12 string set, which has following gauges: 013/013, 017/017, 014/030w, 018/039w, 027w/045w, 035w/056w.

I tune my guitars to C#, and use D'Angelico Medium sets (013/013, 017/017, 026w/012, 036w/017, 046w/026w, 056w (58w)/036w)

As you can see, third and fourth courses in Pearse's set are much heavier than used in D'Angelico set: 30/14 vs 26/12, and 39/18 vs 36/17 respectively.

Would't the John Pearse Heavy set be too hard after D'Anglico? What do you think? Who has experience of using John Pearse 13-56 set or similar (i.e. Elixir)?

What's the deal with third and fourth courses here? Why are they so heavy in comparison to more "convenient" D'Angelico?

Thanks in advance!!!

[GBS]

The strings were originaly designed with the Taylor LKSM-12 string specifically in mind. Leo Kottke likes a very low tuning (C# or even C), and wanted heavier strings to really bring out the low tones. But, he always experiments....so scan the internet, and you'll find him recommending various combinations over the years. The current Elixir set is what ships on new LKSM-12's from Taylor. Please note - these strings, even when tuned down to C#, put much heavier tension on the guitar. Your guitar should be braced to use them, if you intend to play with them for any prolonged period. I thought about it, but in recently using the various string tension calculators out there, I decided that the maximum I should use on my guitar were Elixir mediums, tuned down to C#. The heavies were just too much tension.

In my brief playing of a LKSM, with the strings tuned so low, I did not notice a big amount of difference in the playability. Sure, the strings felt different than the lights I use on my own 12 string, but I had no issues due to the diameter increase. Now I'm waiting on my Elderly order of the mediums to see how they do...

[12 string]

I think you're absolutely correct about the John Pearses and Elixirs having some nutty guages. This is one of the reasons why I keep a dealer's inventory of strings and custom blend my own sets. I would not tune a 13-56 set any higher than C.

Here's what I do:


http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=108278

' Strang

[daretobesane]

I have used the Elixir and John Pearse 13-56 gauge 12 string sets, tuned down to C and I wasn't impressed. I think even tuned to C they have so much tension they are really hard to play and hard to get good tone from.
I certainly wouldn't tune them to C#.
I now use a custom made set which goes -
13 13
17 17
26 12
35 14
45 24
56 32
It's easier to play, and sounds better because I can really dig into the strings because they aren't too stiff. I might even make this set lighter at some point.

The Taylor LKSM ships with Elixir 13-56 tuned to C# which puts over 300lbs tension on the guitar - however, Leo Kottke doesn't string his guitar like this.
According to the feature on Leo in Acoustic Guitar, March 2006, he uses a custom set which is -

13 13
17 17
26 11
35 14
35 20
56 32

He uses D'Addario, John Pearse or Elixirs for the fundamentals, and tunes to C#.

I really would not use those John Pearse or Elixir sets tuned any higher than C, and even then you will probably find a lighter custom set sounds better.

[12 string]

Peter,

I forgot to say "welcome aboard"! Sorry about that!

Welcome aboard!

' Strang

[chicago12string]

Actually, it's the best sounding set I've ever heard. I like it in both C and C#.


John Pearse C# sound clip:

http://www.mediafire.com/?yvzwjqmon1d


John Pearse C sound clip (14/18 on the trebles):

http://www.mediafire.com/?5nkzzmzmnyz

[Peter Krasov]

Originally Posted by GBS

The strings were originaly designed with the Taylor LKSM-12 string specifically in mind. Leo Kottke likes a very low tuning (C# or even C), and wanted heavier strings to really bring out the low tones. But, he always experiments....so scan the internet, and you'll find him recommending various combinations over the years. The current Elixir set is what ships on new LKSM-12's from Taylor. Please note - these strings, even when tuned down to C#, put much heavier tension on the guitar. Your guitar should be braced to use them, if you intend to play with them for any prolonged period. I thought about it, but in recently using the various string tension calculators out there, I decided that the maximum I should use on my guitar were Elixir mediums, tuned down to C#. The heavies were just too much tension.

In my brief playing of a LKSM, with the strings tuned so low, I did not notice a big amount of difference in the playability. Sure, the strings felt different than the lights I use on my own 12 string, but I had no issues due to the diameter increase. Now I'm waiting on my Elderly order of the mediums to see how they do...

Yes, I'm afraid that my guitars won't manage with that huge tension of John Pearse strings. D'Angelico puts about 280 lbs (130 kg). And it' okay.

[Peter Krasov]

Originally Posted by daretobesane

I have used the Elixir and John Pearse 13-56 gauge 12 string sets, tuned down to C and I wasn't impressed. I think even tuned to C they have so much tension they are really hard to play and hard to get good tone from.
I certainly wouldn't tune them to C#.
I now use a custom made set which goes -
13 13
17 17
26 12
35 14
45 24
56 32
It's easier to play, and sounds better because I can really dig into the strings because they aren't too stiff. I might even make this set lighter at some point.

The Taylor LKSM ships with Elixir 13-56 tuned to C# which puts over 300lbs tension on the guitar - however, Leo Kottke doesn't string his guitar like this.
According to the feature on Leo in Acoustic Guitar, March 2006, he uses a custom set which is -

13 13
17 17
26 11
35 14
35 20
56 32

He uses D'Addario, John Pearse or Elixirs for the fundamentals, and tunes to C#.

I really would not use those John Pearse or Elixir sets tuned any higher than C, and even then you will probably find a lighter custom set sounds better.

I know that GHS had the same sets in their custom shop catalog. Some time ago I read that Leo Kottke tuned his guitars in C# and used John Pearse or Elixir heavy sets. So I've ordered two John Pearse Heavy sets. And now I don't know what to do with them.

Originally Posted by 12 string

Peter,

I forgot to say "welcome aboard"! Sorry about that!

Welcome aboard!

' Strang

Originally Posted by 12 string

I think you're absolutely correct about the John Pearses and Elixirs having some nutty guages. This is one of the reasons why I keep a dealer's inventory of strings and custom blend my own sets. I would not tune a 13-56 set any higher than C.

Here's what I do:


http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=108278

' Strang

Thanx, 12 string! BTW, I've already learnt your article about tensions, and I'm very impressed by your work. I think, D'Angelico has 'normal' gauges, so I've never experienced any problems with them. But, there should be a very well-built guitar to work well with Pearses.