.11-47 strings

[eyesore]

Hi ; these are the gauge strings I use on my acoustics, I know some say they are too light but I fingerpick thru my Soloamp so it does not matter . just wanted to see if any of you guys use this gauge. If so which brand are you using? just looking to explore a little... just tried Daddario EJ40"s. they seem ok. Thanks.

[rmoretti49]

I rarely use strings of that gauge, except on my 12 string. But I have on occasion used them with my "couch" guitar. They are plenty loud for that purpose, and extremely easy to play.

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by rmoretti49

I rarely use strings of that gauge, except on my 12 string.

Yeah, I use 12s on my 6-string, 10s on my 12-strings.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by eyesore

Hi ; these are the gauge strings I use on my acoustics, I know some say they are too light but I fingerpick thru my Soloamp so it does not matter . just wanted to see if any of you guys use this gauge. If so which brand are you using? just looking to explore a little... just tried Daddario EJ40"s. they seem ok. Thanks.

Hi es

My main guitar (the Olson) wears Custom-Light (between light and X-light), and I beef the top string back up to a .012.

They sound amazing, and the tone is not suffering at all.

[Oldguy64]

I have a set of Martin Silk and Steels on my Godin Multiac Steel.
They play easily. But I often play it unplugged, and it doesn’t have the lush bass I like.
I put a similar set on an Alvarez RF26 that I gave to one of my grandsons.
I liked them on it.
I may try them on my New Yorker body Takamine soon.
I’ll try to get back with my reaction.

[rmgjsps]

I use .11s and even .10s on all of my guitars. I currently cycle (or waffle) between DR Sunbeams, GHS Thin cores, and Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze. I like Martin Retros too. I play strictly acoustic and in my own living room. I stay with lighter gauge strings because I also have a little neuropathy in my fingertips; sadly, mostly on my fretting hand.

[Rockysdad]

Some reference on, type of guitar & woods, might get some better recommendations.

[TokyoNeko]

I use 11-50 DR Sunbeams. There is no shame in using 11 gauge strings. You pick the strings you feel comfortable enough to play that still gives you the tone you want, instead of bowing to somebody else's expectations of what strings you "should" play.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by TokyoNeko

…There is no shame in using 11 gauge strings.

Hi TN

I agree.

As a guitar teacher (for more than 40 years), and player for more than 55 years (I'm nearly 71 yrs old), my needs have changed over the decades.

I started in the era where PA systems were often lousy, and they were rare, and pickups were horrible, and microphones fed back like crazy. So a guitar which produced a lot of volume coupled with more polite audiences were welcome. Strings where the first string was an .013 were considered normal.

We tolerated higher action and heavier strings (and were less detailed in our playing) just to get-by.

Nowdays decent PA systems abound, and pickups are vastly improved. So we've lowered our action, reduced string weight, and have learned to play in a relaxed fashion (muscles, not musical energy). Normal multi-use string weight these days is considered .012 for the 1st string.

And at age 70-plus, my wrists are not as strong as they once were, and I play softer (dynamically) than I used to. I've discovered a string/guitar combination which works well with lighter than normal strings.

As a teacher even in the 1980s I started beginners with .010 and then we increased it. Fingers were less painful, and they learned to not overplay more quickly. We usually ended up at .012, though a few bluegrass and country fans ended up at .013.

As a friend these days I often recommend older players who have hand/arm/wrist surgeries, or arthritis, or other infirmities try reducing to .011 or .010 sets. Most have heard it will destroy their tone, and are surprised how flexible and capable their guitars actually are even with lighter strings. I even recommend some who age switch to an electric guitar and small amp.

[Jim Owen]

I’m with Larry and Neko.

I used to use 13s. Still do on my Larrivee parlor sometimes. But mostly I used 12s in the modern era, once amplification was better.

But—I have neuropathy in my left hand because of some meds I take, and I’m 63. I just put a set of Martin flexcore custom lights 11-50 on my 000 18. It’s a joy to play. And I’m not losing nuance.

Play what’s comfortable and you’ll play more. I was skimping practice.

[mercy]

One of the reasons we are here is to help each other. So Im going to say that I use 11's because I think they sound better than 12's but I beef up the A and E strings. I order these custom from Newtone and they dont cost any more than ordering them from a string supplier, the wait is longer.

[Arthur Slowhand]

My used Yamaha LS6 came with 11's and they were horrible in every way - feel (didn't feel I could dig in when I wanted to), low volume, iffy balance and feeble tonally. The low tension also caused intonation issues on the low E and flappyness (if that's a word) and buzzing on a relatively low action set-up. I finger pick with bare tips and always use 12-53's.

[jonfields45]

All my guitars have Elixir PB11s. If I don't go PB I get serious winding damage on the G-string before I'm otherwise ready for a new set.

[ohiopicker]

11-52s on all my acoustics with the guitar xception of the 12 string. works for me.

[gmel555]

64 yo here. Pretty much still using 12-53/54's on most of my guitars. Use SCGC parabolics mids on my Larrivee D, though they're like a typical set of "Lights" tension wise.