Fingerstyle: putting .10s on a grand auditorium, yeah or nay?

[JERZEY]

Originally Posted by Dracorex0

Obviously I won’t be needing alot of volume. I mostly play 12s right now. I heard 10’s are alot easier on the fingers. Should I give it a go or is it a waste of time?

Try Santa Cruz Parabolic Mediums. They are lower tension then a set of 12s. You can still get the fullness and low end you are getting from 12s.

[Dracorex0]

Update: I tried the thin core, but didn’t like the sound at all and and the squeakiness (I usually use coated)
Then I replaced them with .11s. The volume was way lower which was expected, but the tone is a little too weak for me. Guess I’ll stick with .12 after all and maybe use the downtuning + capo trick when I need it. Thanks alot for all the awesome suggestions!

[s2y]

Originally Posted by Dracorex0

Update: I tried the thin core, but didn’t like the sound at all and and the squeakiness (I usually use coated)
Then I replaced them with .11s. The volume was way lower which was expected, but the tone is a little too weak for me. Guess I’ll stick with .12 after all and maybe use the downtuning + capo trick when I need it. Thanks alot for all the awesome suggestions!

What about getting a setup done?

[Dracorex0]

Originally Posted by s2y

What about getting a setup done?

The action was really low already. I will be looking to lower the action as much as possible on every guitar I test

[s2y]

Originally Posted by Dracorex0

The action was really low already. I will be looking to lower the action as much as possible on every guitar I test

How low? 123456789

[gmel555]

Originally Posted by Dracorex0

Update: I tried the thin core, but didn’t like the sound at all and and the squeakiness (I usually use coated)
Then I replaced them with .11s. The volume was way lower which was expected, but the tone is a little too weak for me. Guess I’ll stick with .12 after all and maybe use the downtuning + capo trick when I need it. Thanks alot for all the awesome suggestions!

As someone else said. Try the Santa Cruz Mid-Tensions. They actually have the tension levels of other MFG'ers "Lights" and sound great on every guitar I've tried them on. Also, try a round core string like DR Sunbeams or MasterClass, Curt Mangan, etc. Round cores are more flexible and feel softer IMO.

[perttime]

I've been using "pretty light" strings on my 30 or 40 year old Jumbo size guitar - and tuning it to D. That is mainly to ensure I don't damage the guitar that might not be quite as sturdy as I thought back then. I actually like the way it sounds that way.

Give the lower tunings a try.

[Ugly Dougling]

I have had problems with .10s in that approaching some barre chords I would actually pull that little sucker off the side of the fingerboard. Gave up on them... and worked on my technique.

[Larsguitars]

Originally Posted by Dracorex0

Obviously I won’t be needing alot of volume. I mostly play 12s right now. I heard 10’s are alot easier on the fingers. Should I give it a go or is it a waste of time?

I use 10's (Martin 80/20 extra light) on my 000-18GE and my Martin D-28 Marquis and I love the feel. It takes a very light build though, with forward shifted scalloped X bracing to get a good sound in my opinion.