Light tension strings

[Jim I]

I'd like thoughts/recommendations for string sets sold as "light tension", for example the d'Addario EJ43 or Royal Classics RC Sonata SL20 sets, or others.

I play only for my own enjoyment at home (a Kenny Hill classical) so no concerns about performance volume, projection, etc. though good tone and quality manufacture are of course requirements. I'm in my "golden oldie" ("golden rusty" is probably more accurate) years and have arthritic problems with both hands so am looking for strings that will help mitigate tension and fingering challenges as i don't want to stop playing until i absolutely have no choice.

Your comments would be most welcome, thanks in advance.

[smwink]

Labella 2001 light tension are great strings. Depending on the guitar, they can really help enhance the tone of the basses. For heavily built guitars, though, you will lose volume and potentially treble projection/balance. Some guitars just need the higher tension to drive the top. But since you've already indicated that these aren't of primary concern for you, I'd say give them a try. I don't have much experience with other brands for low tension strings.

[Jim I]

Thanks very much, i will add the La Bella set to my tryout list along with the two i mentioned above.

Yes indeed i discovered that "high tension" strings woke up the tops on both my Hill classical and Taylor crossover, more vibrant richer sound than standard tension. And as expected the higher tension was more adaptable to altered/lowered tunings. But the tradeoff was more effort to play, especially for my left and and especially as i moved up the neck. Sigh...

I am hopeful that light tension though with audible tradeoffs will keep me playing for the forseeable future.

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by Jim I

Thanks very much, i will add the La Bella set to my tryout list along with the two i mentioned above.

Yes indeed i discovered that "high tension" strings woke up the tops on both my Hill classical and Taylor crossover, more vibrant richer sound than standard tension. And as expected the higher tension was more adaptable to altered/lowered tunings. But the tradeoff was more effort to play, especially for my left and and especially as i moved up the neck. Sigh...

I am hopeful that light tension though with audible tradeoffs will keep me playing for the forseeable future.

The thoughts here relating to string tension are all good in my limited experience. Higher tension strings can sound better depending on the instrument and they will be easier for steel string players to initially adapt to due to the increased tension. Lighter tension strings can actually sound better on many instruments, particularly the basses. That's another point in favor of buying the treble and bass strings in different tensions or from different manufacturers.

I've been playing with the "crossover" type of guitar for a while now, especially due to it's increased ease of play for us "older" types. Although the string tension makes a slight difference in ease of play I find that the neck width is a larger contributing factor.

Since I build my own instruments for the most part this has piqued my interest in the practicality of building a specialized shorter scale guitar (I'm using a higher tuning exclusively) with an even narrower neck. I posted a question about "narrow width nylon strung guitar" over in the regular guitar section and learned that Furch makes a 1-3/4" neck width crossover. That was news to me.

Here is the "Question about narrow nut on nylon strung guitar" discussion.

Here is a good review of the Furch crossover if you think that might help you.

[smwink]

Originally Posted by Jim I

Thanks very much, i will add the La Bella set to my tryout list along with the two i mentioned above.

Yes indeed i discovered that "high tension" strings woke up the tops on both my Hill classical and Taylor crossover, more vibrant richer sound than standard tension. And as expected the higher tension was more adaptable to altered/lowered tunings. But the tradeoff was more effort to play, especially for my left and and especially as i moved up the neck. Sigh...

I am hopeful that light tension though with audible tradeoffs will keep me playing for the forseeable future.

A lot of what you end up feeling in the left hand is often a result of the flexibility in the soundboard itself. People often chase "the numbers", i.e. shorter scale length, narrower nut, etc. Those are of course important, and a shorter scale can be helpful for some people, but two guitars with identical measurements can feel very different to the hands. Aside from the aforementioned top flexibility, the neck profile is another factor that's difficult to quantify in easily measurable specs.

If you ever come across a used Manouk Papazian, give it a try. His neck profile was noticeably thinner than most, and his tops have a nice give to them.

[Jim I]

Originally Posted by smwink

A lot of what you end up feeling in the left hand is often a result of the flexibility in the soundboard itself. People often chase "the numbers", i.e. shorter scale length, narrower nut, etc. Those are of course important, and a shorter scale can be helpful for some people, but two guitars with identical measurements can feel very different to the hands. Aside from the aforementioned top flexibility, the neck profile is another factor that's difficult to quantify in easily measurable specs.

If you ever come across a used Manouk Papazian, give it a try. His neck profile was noticeably thinner than most, and his tops have a nice give to them.

Good points. I learned many years ago that specs can get one into the ballpark but are no guarantee of a perfect fit; how instruments that meet desired specs just don't feel or sound "right" when actually played. Very subjective, of course!

[Jim I]

A few details: the Hill is typical 2" nut/fingerboard and the Taylor crossover 1-7/8. The Taylor is a lower profile neck in general, in depth/thickness and width. It is also radiused and the Hill flat. The Hill is a 640mm scale length which is slightly shorter than the typical classical 650. Both guitars have truss rods.

These two are quite nice guitars and offer different platforms for me to play with so i am very interested (and hopeful) that working with strings will prove successful.

[stringman5]

I have hand issues as well after more than 50 years of playing. I'd encourage you to try Savarez 520B Low Tension Strings. Very comfortable, and sounds lovely.

I also like Pyramid Excelsior Classical VLT Classical Guitar Strings.

Another one to try is Dogal Diamante Classical Guitar Strings Extra Low NR127.

Regards,
Nate

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by Jim I

A few details: the Hill is typical 2" nut/fingerboard and the Taylor crossover 1-7/8. The Taylor is a lower profile neck in general, in depth/thickness and width. It is also radiused and the Hill flat. The Hill is a 640mm scale length which is slightly shorter than the typical classical 650. Both guitars have truss rods.

These two are quite nice guitars and offer different platforms for me to play with so i am very interested (and hopeful) that working with strings will prove successful.

Kenny Hill also has his new Companion model that might be a good thing to consider.

Hill Companion "Parlor" classical guitar

[Jim I]

Thanks all, you have given me lots of suggestions and comments and i am feeling hopeful!

[JBF_AR]

Savarez 520B. Rectified trebles are lightly sanded to not be as slippery.

EDIT: Saw this had already been mentioned. these will work on a short scale like C5 Cadete if you are not heavy handed.

A lower than "recommended." action may work for you; don't be afraid to try.

[Jamolay]

I am really enjoying Curt Mangan classicals. The NY are about 85#

[Carey]

Augustine Classic / Black is a nice lower tension set of strings.

[6L6]

Strongly suggest you get some spring grips and SLOWLY build up your hand strength.

Due to arthritis in my left hand I began doing this back in 1986 and it's really worked. I still do 50 reps every day at age 77 and have zero pain issues.