#16
|
|||
|
|||
I play Parker guitars specifically the Fly guitar. Though the company is out of business they’re available still.
I have two one weighs 5 lb 8 oz, the other 5 lbs 14 oz. They sound great with 9’s (NYXL’s) Thin necks, light weight, unique style/design, very nice guitars. Just my opinion Cheers I’m 58 and work with my hands so ease of play and weight issues are solved with these axes. |
#17
|
|||
|
|||
I have yet to pick up a Tele that I thought was difficult to play.
|
#18
|
|||
|
|||
A good setup goes a long way to improve playability.
A shorter scale length (like a PRS Santana or Mira X or a Gibson) and lighter strings will reduce string tension. For me, the setup helps more than the other factors. One of my easiest guitars to play is a Tele. |
#19
|
|||
|
|||
Only one Fender Telecaster comes to mind for me. (Great looking relic in my local music shop which I was allowed to take off the wall and play only to find disconcertingly that it had a baseball bat size neck which would have taken some getting used to).
|
#20
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
In fact, in a Daryll's house episode Gibbons said he played 7s for a while. D. |
#21
|
|||
|
|||
I use 10s and 25.5" scale a lot, but my action is significantly lower than anything you'll find at a guitar shop. I typically play stuff with a 12"+ radius so I can set the action much lower.
|
#22
|
|||
|
|||
I generally like 9's but 10's are okay. (Nothing higher or lower though).
|
#23
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
I can’t play anything bigger than 9’s on a 25.5” electric. Unless I’m tuned to D or lower. |
#24
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#25
|
|||
|
|||
I'm so used to playing acoustics that using heavier gauge strings on my Tele doesn't bother me at all. I disagree with those who say it doesn't affect your tone. It all depends on how you play, what type of music and how much distortion you use.
Billy Gibbons can get away with 8's because of his rig and the style of music he plays. Stevie Ray Vaughn played very heavy strings and they were integral to his "tone". Ask anyone who tries to copy that tone if it matters. If you play clean or with just a mild OD, heavier gauge strings will add thickness. Besides, I figure if I can bend an 11 on an acoustic, I can sure as heck bend one on an electric. YMMV.
__________________
Nothing bothers me unless I let it. Martin D18 Gibson J45 Gibson J15 Fender Copperburst Telecaster Squier CV 50 Stratocaster Squier CV 50 Telecaster |
#26
|
|||
|
|||
As stated by others, there are multiple factors involved. For ME, neck shape and profile are a huge deal. Thicker D shaped necks are my preference. I also prefer Maple necks and fretboard, though I cannot explain why.
While I suppose one could use 7's or 8's, I usually play 10's and find them very easy on the fingers. I have played 9's but they feel too slinky for me. As Steve also mentioned, there are some pretty cool options with a 24" scale in the Fender line. Tone and aesthetics aside, IMHO - I would find out in this order: #1 - Neck shape/profile preference #2 - Scale preference #3 - How low a gauge strings do you feel are necessary #4 - GET A SET UP DONE I cannot speak to how well any gauge below 9's play, as i have never gone that low. I use 10's for standard E and 11's for open G. Yeah, SRV played 13's tuned down a half step but he's, well, SRV. Set up is super important. Some like VERY low action, but I do a LOT of bending and I find super low action a bit prohibitive in that regard.
__________________
Roy Ibanez, Recording King, Gretsch, Martin G&L, Squier, Orange (x 2), Bugera, JBL, Soundcraft Our duo website - UPDATED 7/26/19 |
#27
|
||||
|
||||
As noted, shorter scale, smaller strings, slim neck, and a good setup really help. But here a little mentioned item that makes a BIG difference: jumbo frets. Jumbo frets require a lighter touch or fretting will pull the string sharp. The guitar that has all of these characteristics (except setup, which is aftermarket) is the Gibson Memphis ES-335 DOT with the '60s slim taper neck. Around 2005 the tall frets and slim taper were the standard. They run around $2200 these days.
Bob
__________________
"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' " Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring THE MUSICIAN'S ROOM (my website) Last edited by Bob Womack; 05-03-2018 at 04:53 PM. |
#28
|
|||
|
|||
I remember reading on a different forum where a lot of players with arthritis and tendonitis preferred guitars with thicker necks. Neck thickness and shape seemed to be a big issue.
|
#29
|
|||
|
|||
A lot depends on how people hold the neck. Giant hands aside, guys who prefer the baseball bat neck tend to use thumbover technique and grip the neck very tightly. Loosen the grip and/or use more of a classical neck technique and thin necks can work, although another benefit is that neck shape isn't nearly as critical.
|
#30
|
|||
|
|||
Maybe try a getting a used vintage Gibson Melody Maker or SG Junior. Most play like butter and a have a sweet clean sound. Both light and comfortable and well balanced. Vintage USA fit and finish.
|