Mediums on my Rainsong Jumbo

[Doubleneck]

Had 4 packs of free strings all Diadarrio PB. Two were mediums so put on my Rainsong jumbo. No problem with the guitar handling them. If any change in action it was very slight. Problem is I don't think it did that much for the sound?

[StillStephen]

I definitely prefer the mediums on the shorter scale guitars. I also prefer mediums on Dreanaughts as they seem to drive the top better.

[guitararmy]

I still have medium Martin Retro's on my Rainsong jumbo. Didn't notice any change in action and they sound great!

[Earl49]

I doubt that you would see much change in action. These are strong guitars, and lights give about 165 pounds of total tension, while mediums are typically around 180-185 pounds. But Ted has reported on several occasions that the extra tension from mediums does not seem to do much to enhance either the tone or the loudness.

[3rd_harmonic]

One man's experience...

It's the PB that bothers me. Love PB on wood. But can't stand the sound of PB on my carbon rainsong jm1000.

As far as putting mediums on, when I do that, I tune down a semitone to keep the action the same. I kinda like the lower bass sound too but will play with a capo on the first fret if I need standard tuning.

[Earl49]

The times that I have put mediums on my WS-1000 I have either been using them for lowered slack-key tunings, or tuned down a whole step D-D. I've also tried a "bluegrass" set - medium basses with light gauge trebles, for alternate tunings. Start tuning a sixth string 0.053 down to C and it gets pretty floppy.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

Had 4 packs of free strings all Diadarrio PB. Two were mediums so put on my Rainsong jumbo. No problem with the guitar handling them. If any change in action it was very slight. Problem is I don't think it did that much for the sound?

With a well made carbon fiber guitar like the Rainsong JM1000, you will not harm the guitar with the added stress of medium stings, but as you found out, mediums will do little to enhance the tone. In fact, mediums will inhibit the movement of the top which can actually degrade the tone, and of course the added tension will decrease playability.

[Doubleneck]

Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

With a well made carbon fiber guitar like the Rainsong JM1000, you will not harm the guitar with the added stress of medium stings, but as you found out, mediums will do little to enhance the tone. In fact, mediums will inhibit the movement of the top which can actually degrade the tone, and of course the added tension will decrease playability.

I think you are spot on. Seems counter intuitive but I think it may have degraded tone? Good thought.to lower tuning and make it my Neil Young help me reach those high notes guitar. Also I agree with the PB better for wood.

[Doubleneck]

Tuning down the Mediums 1/2 step helped I think maybe it allows the top to move better.

[rtfm]

Hi,
Seems I've been doing it all wrong. I have this old $31 plywood guitar which I've had for 40 years now, and it has always had heavy gauge strings on it. Necks just fine. Sounds huge. You guys are just wusses... ha ha.

Duncan

[Mbroady]

I inadvertently picked up a custom extra light set of strings (11-52) I decided to try them on my Rainsong. It was surprisingly little difference in sound. And, it had the added bennifit of of easy playability, compared to the standard lights.

I do agree that 80/20 sound better then PB on my hybrid Rainsong.

[Doubleneck]

Been a while now with the mediums tuned down 1/2 step. String calculator comes up with the same tension as lights tuned normally. So I think you aren't binding the top reducing the movement which Ted points out. This combo seems to bring out the best in my singing and the guitar. Will need to go back to lights next time and see if this it still seems true or if its just a momentary thing.