Best strings for a small body guitar.

[ClaptonWannabe2]

Just got my son a little Fender Parlor guitar. It is brand new and I do not like the strings. I am looking for any excuse to use strings by mail lol. Any benefits to low tension strings? I know to get lights or xtra light for whatever I buy.

Just dont want to pull a bridge off of this guitar over time. My son is 8 so it is gonna get banged on when he starts getting more confidence.

Thanks in advance.

[Wildgift]

I’m a fan of DR Sunbeams

[AZLiberty]

I use EXP-16's on my Larrivee Parlor and Rainsong Parlor.

For an 8 year old I might go with Silk & Steels instead.

[KenL]

I use LaBella Silk & Steel Lights on my Santa Cruz 00.

Great tone, terrific sustain, and they feel good under my fingers. Seem to last a good long time too.

[NoodleFingers]

I put Ernie Ball Paradigm strings on both my "OM"-sized guitars. They sound great, last as long as Elixirs (at least) but don't ever feel or sound like a coated string. They're supposedly quite break-resistant, too. I've never broken one.

[rokdog49]

Buy coated strings, silk and steels or any low tension brand in a light gauge.
As far as the bridge pulling up, why would you think that would happen?

Is the guitar short scale? If so, you might find low-tension strings to be too floppy.

What don't you like about the current strings?

[ClaptonWannabe2]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

As far as the bridge pulling up, why would you think that would happen?

Perhaps I exaggerate. I was thinking over years though perhaps a low tension string may be better for the instruments playability and longevity. I'm a low end intermediate player though so I could be wrong.

[ClaptonWannabe2]

Originally Posted by Willie Voltaire

Is the guitar short scale? If so, you might find low-tension strings to be too floppy.

What don't you like about the current strings?

It's a fender CP 60. Scale length is a tad shorter I believe but not much.

The current Fenders are strings that I do not like. The unwound strings are a little harsh under fingers. And they are Jangly. But I always think new strings are too bright. I'm that guy who keeps strings on until they look terrible and dirty, because they are "broken in".

[buddyhu]

If you are looking for strings that are easy on the fingers, Id go with Elixirs, light gauge.

If you want "regular" low tension strings, I'd highly recommend Straight up Strings. Sound great! Don't feel slick like coated strings (which is tolerable fr me, especially given that there is so little squeak with coated strings; but I understand why some don't like that feel). Straight Ups are my new faves.

I have tried Martin Round Core stings...they feel OK, but I dont like their tone.

Originally Posted by ClaptonWannabe2

It's a fender CP 60. Scale length is a tad shorter I believe but not much.

The current Fenders are strings that I do not like. The unwound strings are a little harsh under fingers. And they are Jangly. But I always think new strings are too bright. I'm that guy who keeps strings on until they look terrible and dirty, because they are "broken in".

The CP60 has a 24.75" scale length. Low-tension strings might feel pretty loose, since there's less tension on a short scale guitar already. I'm a huge fan of John Pearse Phosphor Bronze. Try a set of 600L or P500XL.

[AZLiberty]

[QUOTE=ClaptonWannabe2;5785304

The current Fenders are strings that I do not like. The unwound strings are a little harsh under fingers. And they are Jangly. .[/QUOTE]

Get some Silk & Steels then. Martin or La Bella. (or whatever brand you like I suppose)

[ClaptonWannabe2]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

Get some Silk & Steels then. Martin or La Bella. (or whatever brand you like I suppose)

Are there any drawbacks to these strings? "Too loose" has been mentioned. Any other issues with silk and steel strings?

I plan on buying John Pearse just to give them a try on any of my guitars.