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John Pearse Heavy 13-56 Twelve String set. Need your help
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!!! |
#2
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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... |
#3
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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
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12 string 1945 Gibson banner headstock J-45 2002 Taylor 614 LTD 2003 Martin HD28V 1962 Goya TS-5 1966 Epiphone FT112 Bard 1966 Gibson B45-12 1967 Gibson B25 12 1969 Gibson B25 12 1976 Guild F-112 2001 Guild F-212XL 1978 Guild G-312 1990 Guild JF-65 12 1990 Guild F-512 2003 Taylor 600 SPECce 12 string 2004 Taylor 855ce 2004 Taylor 855ce all koa upgrade |
#4
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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.
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2002 Taylor 355 (Katrina) |
#5
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Peter,
I forgot to say "welcome aboard"! Sorry about that! Welcome aboard! ' Strang
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12 string 1945 Gibson banner headstock J-45 2002 Taylor 614 LTD 2003 Martin HD28V 1962 Goya TS-5 1966 Epiphone FT112 Bard 1966 Gibson B45-12 1967 Gibson B25 12 1969 Gibson B25 12 1976 Guild F-112 2001 Guild F-212XL 1978 Guild G-312 1990 Guild JF-65 12 1990 Guild F-512 2003 Taylor 600 SPECce 12 string 2004 Taylor 855ce 2004 Taylor 855ce all koa upgrade |
#6
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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 |
#7
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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. |
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