Light strings in J45

[BRVC]

Does anyone know why the J45’s, which apparently are dreadnoughts, come with light weight strings?

[llew]

I believe Gibson ships all their guitar with light gauge (.012) strings?

[Rosewood99]

Perhaps so that no undo tension is put on the guitar while it's waiting to be sold.

[catfish]

To me it means that Gibson constructed J-45 with light gauge strings in mind. They consider these will give an optimal performance (tone, volume) for this model.

By the way, J-200 also got lights from the factory -- and this is even bigger guitar with full scale.

[poopsidoo]

Originally Posted by catfish

To me it means that Gibson constructed J-45 with light gauge strings in mind. They consider these will give an optimal performance (tone, volume) for this model.



By the way, J-200 also got lights from the factory -- and this is even bigger guitar with full scale.

Gibson has been through a lot in this regard. The great “workhouse” guitar I am sure originally was built for mediums. Somewhere in the 60’s the amount of pulling bridges and bellying tops was increasing, so Norlin said,let’s just beef up the bracing (in the early 70’s) and while perhaps strengthing the the top, it just kills the sound
I wanted a 60’s j45 real bad, and found one with twistingbridge. Turned out to be a 70. I finally got a pristine 1965 J45, and the first thing my repair dude told me was, please use light strings.

Wishing could have the volume of mediums. But would rather have the guitar
for 30 years....

[Goodallboy]

Originally Posted by BRVC

Does anyone know why the J45’s, which apparently are dreadnoughts, come with light weight strings?

I've played dreads, including a vintage J-45 for years and never used medium strings. I think medium strings gain a bit of volume and lose tone.

[BRVC]

I am considering getting a medium b and high a string, leaving the rest light.

[llew]

I just put a set of mediums on my SJ-200. Have to say I like it better.

[richard1]

What would generally be considered light strings?
I started with 10s, then went to 11s and now I have 12s on my J45.
I play with a fairly light touch, so in all honesty, I have not really noticed much difference in tonal quality between the different string sizes. I now prefer the feel of the 12s, and that is what guides me on string size preference.
Are 12s considered light or mediums?

[llew]

12's are light gauge. !3's are medium. I believe 11's are custom light and 10's are extra light?

[Rosewood99]

Originally Posted by BRVC

I am considering getting a medium b and high a string, leaving the rest light.

You should try the Martin lite-mediums. They actually come in .5 increments between light and mediums. My J45 loves them.

[nowgypsy]

I tried mediums shortly after getting my J-45 but ended up back with 80/20lights. They seem to work best and have really good tone.

[Mr. Paul]

I've had old and new J45s and have always preferred lights, EJ16s are my standard but just put on a set of DR Sunbeam phosphor bronze that sound great.

[Wade Hampton]

BRVC, as noted, Gibson acoustic guitars ship from the factory with light gauge strings. But it’s safe to string the guitar with mediums.

It’s less a matter of the guitars being “designed for lights” as it is Gibson’s recognition that the easier the guitar feels to play in the showroom, the more likely it will sell. Stringing the guitars with lights at the factory is more of a marketing move than a structural necessity.

It’s been argued that the guitars themselves simply “sound better” with light gauge strings, but that’s going to be a matter not only of personal taste but also highly dependent on the player’s right hand attack and musical playing style.

Short version: the guitars ship with lights but it’s safe to string them with mediums. Use whatever strings sound best to your ears.

Hope this helps.


Wade Hampton Miller

[dave42]

Originally Posted by Goodallboy

I've played dreads, including a vintage J-45 for years and never used medium strings. I think medium strings gain a bit of volume and lose tone.

This is exactly what I would say.