Using Medium/Lights on a Gibson J45

[shekie]

I own a 2019 Gibson J45 standard and have been using exclusively light gauge strings since I purchased it last spring. I currently have D'Addario XT PB 12-53 lights on it.

If I would like to coax a little more volume out of it, will moving to something like the Santa Cruz medium tension strings (.013, .0165, .024, .033, .045, .056, 163 lbs. total tension) or Martin MA545 medium/lights (.0125, .0165, .0255, .0335, .0435, .055, 179 lbs. total tension) accomplish this?

Any issues with too much tension on the Gibson, especially the Martin strings and their total tension of 179 lbs.?

[oliverkollar]

You shouldn't have any problems, but keep an eye on the top around/below the bridge to make sure too much bellying isn't happening from the added tension.

I string my '50 J-45 and '46 SJ with light EADG and medium BE, and no problems. The SJ can handle mediums if I want, but it chokes it. The J-45 gets so much belly if I use mediums, it looks like it's ready to explode!

I would not hesitate to try out mediums on a '19 J-45, just keep an eye on it.

[andrewbenw]

Mediums should be fine.

I've tried them on my J-45 a few times, but I've gone back to lights because I think they sounded better.

YMMV.

[shekie]

Thanks! I think it would probably be safer to try the Santa Cruz despite the $18 cost as their total string tension in only 163 lbs. compared with the Martin string tension at 179 lbs.

[Rosewood99]

I have found the Martin MA545 medium/lights perfect for my J45.

[JackB1]

Is that the 12.5's on the high E?

Originally Posted by paulzoom

I have found the Martin MA545 medium/lights perfect for my J45.

[Wade Hampton]

I’ve used John Pearse medium gauge phosphor bronze strings on every Gibson acoustic guitar I’ve owned, and currently use them on my 2001 Advanced Jumbo. You’d be perfectly safe using regular medium gauge strings, as Gibsons can handle them just fine. These intermediate gauge strings you’re considering will be no problem whatsoever.


whm

[shekie]

Originally Posted by paulzoom

I have found the Martin MA545 medium/lights perfect for my J45.

Thanks for the input, I would prefer these just based on the cost if they sound good and don't overly stress the Gibson due to their tension.

[shekie]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

I’ve used John Pearse medium gauge phosphor bronze strings on every Gibson acoustic guitar I’ve owned, and currently use them on my 2001 Advanced Jumbo. You’d be perfectly safe using regular medium gauge strings, as Gibsons can handle them just fine. These intermediate gauge strings you’re considering will be no problem whatsoever.


whm

Thank you for your input, just ordered the Martin MA545 on Amazon, will be delivered tomorrow, looking forward to having a bit more robust sound!

[Wade Hampton]

And if those don’t give you the robust tone you’re hoping for, try some mediums. The guitar won’t fold up on itself if you do.


whm

[GeneralDreedle]

I have 80/20 mediums on my Southern Jumbo and they sound great

[DanR]

I have been using medium gauge strings on my J-45 since I acquired it almost three years ago with no negative issues.

[Proclaimer888]

Yep, Monel Mediums for a few years now on my 2018 J45....no issues, only cool sounds.

[Rosewood99]

Originally Posted by JackB1

Is that the 12.5's on the high E?

That's the one. Martin is the only string manufacturer I have found that makes the .5 on all there strings. It's the only true medium/lite.

[jschmitz54]

I also have a 2019 J-45 standard. I haven’t used mediums yet but I have used John Pearse 720ML. These are medium/lights and I think they sound great.
I’ve also used Martin Retro Monels and if you haven’t tried these it’s worth considering. It’s a different sound but it’s very cool. Several here on the forum use and recommend them.