ShortScale.org

12's on acoustics

11's on shortscales

10's on strats

yeah, i just put 12s on my acoustic-electric last night...WAY better sound and feel. good times.

I alternate between 12s and Martin "silk & steel" low-tension folk strings on my Martin. The folk strings give it more vibrant high-end, it can sound a little stifled with the bronze strings because of it's small, mahogany-bodied nature. It also sounds better flatpicked with the folk strings than with the bronze 12s.

Use 10-48s on most of my electric guitars, occasionally 10-52s on my Jag and Strat. Put 11s on a tele once and it was coo, so I might set-up my project '52 Tele Custom like that from the get-go.

paul_ wrote:I alternate between 12s and Martin "silk & steel" low-tension folk strings on my Martin.

im interested by the silk and steel. what's the scoop with those?

with my shortscales i go with 11's, normal scales i usually dig 12's, but sometimes 11's
with my 22.5 scale im using 11's
as for acoustics.
it all depends on the top wood.
for my 86 i use 13's, it gives more clarity and response but for the rep-owd 06 malibu i use 12's

i feel that most laminate top naught styled guitars 13-14's work the best, but for solid tops, a lighter gauge, and of course if you playing style differs then string size should too.
"strummers vs. pickers"

I generally use a similar gauge to electric (but with a wound G)- I don't see the point in having to change how I play because it's an acoustic.

Doog wrote:I generally use a similar gauge to electric (but with a wound G)- I don't see the point in having to change how I play because it's an acoustic.

true, but string gauge has a much more profound effect on the tone from acoustics than it does with electrics. at least that's my experience.

Doesn't mean jack to me If I can't widdle on it.

Doog wrote:I generally use a similar gauge to electric (but with a wound G)- I don't see the point in having to change how I play because it's an acoustic.

Needs to improve hand strength...

you need to increase post strength.

wanderingjew wrote:

Doog wrote:I generally use a similar gauge to electric (but with a wound G)- I don't see the point in having to change how I play because it's an acoustic.

Needs to improve hand strength...

I play 11's and can do 4 fret bends across the fretboard. I'm not interested in carpal tunnel syndrome for the sake of TONE.

Why are you trying to do meedleys on the Acousticz?

I generally play with 12s but I'm a chorder. They definitely have a richer bass response than 11s.

Mike wrote:Why are you trying to do meedleys on the Acousticz?

I used to do a lot of writing on my acoustic, including writing leads and that.

I bet you looked like that kid that used to be in your Avatar.