With a 22.75 scale, why the CA Cargo comes with light strings?

[gerardo1000]

As far as you know, is there a specific reason why CA recommends lights?

[jonfields45]

I owned a new one in 2012 and according to my setup notes I used mediums and set the action to 7/64" and 5/64", low/high E, 12th fret, which required a taller saddle than the factory setup. I did not specifically note the neck relief so it must have been unremarkably good.

[Kindness]

I have lights on mine and I do have a harder time fretting. I think lights make it much easier on this guitar!

[Earl49]

I don't know why specifically. Short scale lengths generally need heavier strings to maintain similar tension and playing feel compared to longer 25.5" scale lengths. I checked the Peavey page, and 53-12 lights are the standard issue string. The 23.5" scale length Taylor GS Mini comes with mediums (56-13).

I guess they just wanted Cargo to be particularly easy playing?? It certainly has plenty of bass and good tone for being such a low tension configuration. Like Jonfield45, we have never measured the relief, since it seems just fine from the factory set-up.

[tbeltrans]

Originally Posted by Kindness

I have lights on mine and I do have a harder time fretting. I think lights make it much easier on this guitar!

I am not sure I understand what you are saying here. Did you intend to say "mediums" in the first reference (i.e. I have mediums on mine and I do have a harder time fretting.). I am asking because, when it comes to the Cargo, I am truly interested in what other folks' experiences are.

Thanks,

Tony

[gerardo1000]

I wonder if mediums would improve the tone of the Cargo or not ? I have read that sometimes harder tension strings stiffen the top and instead of improving the tone, they make it worst...

[David Eastwood]

Originally Posted by gerardo1000

I wonder if mediums would improve the tone of the Cargo or not ? I have read that sometimes harder tension strings stiffen the top and instead of improving the tone, they make it worst...

This is not something exclusive to CF guitars. There have been many, many threads over the years here about guitars being optimized for certain gauges.

Some react well to higher, some to lower.

Given that the cost of a pack of strings is pretty much negligible compared to the cost of a guitar of any reasonable quality, I'm surprised that we spend so much time speculating about the alternatives instead of just trying them.

[kramster]

I have 100s of dollars of strings around here so it can add up some.

[Steve Christens]

My Emerald X7-OS (24" scale) came with lights some years ago. But don't they come strung with mediums nowadays? I thought most folks felt that 24" and shorter scale guitars sound better with mediums.

[Shaneh]

Originally Posted by Steve Christens

My Emerald X7-OS (24" scale) came with lights some years ago. But don't they come strung with mediums nowadays? I thought most folks felt that 24" and shorter scale guitars sound better with mediums.

Was als wondering what the new x7 and x20 come with by default medium or lights and if they can take mediums?

[Finger Stylish]

Originally Posted by eatswodo

Given that the cost of a pack of strings is pretty much negligible compared to the cost of a guitar of any reasonable quality, I'm surprised that we spend so much time speculating about the alternatives instead of just trying them.

well said