Extra light strings

[Rodgers]

I know that many people frown on extra light strings, but I have genuine reasons for needing them. Does anyone who has used them have any recommendations for makes? I have so far been using Rotosound (10-50).
Thank you in anticipation.

[SprintBob]

Thomastik Plectrums (11-50) are my go to strings. They are pricey but if you have string friendly pH neutral fingers, they should last 3-4 months. I’ve tried other Silk and Steels, Silk and Bronze, and 80/20’s and many are good but the combination of long life, low string tension, hardly any string squeak, and a very balanced tone keeps me coming back to the Plectrums. I was just diagnosed with early onset thumb arthritis in my fretting hand that I am addressing with strengthening, stretching, and CPD topicals but more than ever I need a light tension string set that sounds good and the Plectrums work the best for me.

Good luck in your hunt for what works for you.

[MartinGibsonFan]

I don't see a problem with Extra Lights, I've used D'Addario, Martin and Gibson Phosphor Bronze on my Gibsons.

I probably wouldn't be using Extra Lights on a Martin.

J

[MakingMusic]

You're right. Many, including myself, do not use extra-light strings for a variety of reasons. But they do have some advantages as they are generally easier to play and allow easier bending of notes and fretting, particularly for newer players. But as you probably know, they also produce less volume and less sustain and often cause fret buzz, especially on guitars with lower action. Regardless, without knowing why you're looking for extra lights, I did play one of my buddy's guitars a couple of weeks ago and it was strung with Elixir Extra-Light 80/20 Bronze strings (10/47). Sounded a little thin to me but he liked them. Probably one of those situations where you have to run through 4-5 different brands and winding/core material.

[121]

I like extra light acoustic guitar strings and have two go to string sets.

1. Galli AJF1047 80/20 Bronze Flatwound Hex Core
.010 - .014 - .023w - .030 - .039 - .047

2. Dogal Nightclub V25 80/20 Bronze Flatwound Round Core
.011 - .014 - .016w - .022 - .030 - .042

I also have one guitar that I like to tune down one whole step (D-d) from standard tuning (E-e)
In this lower tuning I use
Galli AJF1252 Medium 80/20 Bronze Flatwound
.012 - .016 - .024w - .032 - .042 - .052
The lower tuning brings the tension down and they feel very close to an extra light string set tension, but have a fuller, richer sound compared to extra light strings.

I use nothing but flatwound strings, I hate string squeak.

[bufflehead]

You can get away with extra lights on a long-scale (25.4") guitar. I would not want to try it on a short scale. Given that parameter, I would think that any brand would do if it's what you play. For example, I'm a big fan of Martin Retros, so if I want to go with extra lights, I'd use Martin Retro extra lights.

[MrDB]

I use 10-47's on my gigging guitar. Acoustic volume is obviously not important if running through an amp or mixer and they are easier on my fingers for 3 and 4 hr gigs. Plus I'm an incurable string bender and the xl's make that much easier.

[Silly Moustache]

I guess it's what you are used to... I use mediums on dreads, etc., and lights on smaller guitars, but today I got together with my "boys" playing a dread, and as I've mostly been playing on lights on my Waterloo and 000, the mediums came as a bit of a shock today.

I feel the nee to ue strings to bring the best out of my guitar tops, but as my painfully ageing hands witness, there may well be a time when I will need to try lighter strings.

[Matt G]

I recommend StraightUpStrings. They have less tension than other strings with similar guages.

[ssynhorst]

Do not forget custom lights, the D'Addario phosphor bronze ones are .011-.052 sound just fine with them on most of my guitars home and they are noticeably easier on the fingers. I do generally prefer .012-.053 but use custom lights on low action guitar for extended practice sessions, for the comfort and to encourage me to use small finger movements and a light touch. Those are good habits. - Stevo

[ssynhorst]

Do not forget custom lights, the D'Addario phosphor bronze ones are .011-.052 & sound OK on most of my guitars at home and they are noticeably easier on the fingers. My ears quickly get used to them. I do generally prefer .012-.053 but use custom lights on a low action guitar for extended practice sessions, for the comfort and to encourage me to use small finger movements and a light touch. Those are good habits. - Stevo

[gibpicker]

GHS Thin Core Phosphor Bronze Extra Light 11-46. So easy to play with good sound you don't need 10's.

[guitararmy]

I like Martin Lifespan 11-52 PB strings...

[whvick]

I use light on my dreadnought, and custom light on others. I just put extra light on an old harmony arch-top as I am not too sure how much tension it can handle. It sounds great and plays well

[rmoretti49]

Originally Posted by gibpicker

GHS Thin Core Phosphor Bronze Extra Light 11-46. So easy to play with good sound you don't need 10's.

Yes!!!! These are great, easy playing, low tension, fine sounding strings.