:( My string broke :(. It will probably be necessary to slacken the truss rod accordingly. A lot of the time, string sets will be labeled with without the decimals, so a .010 through .046 is the same as 10-46. The lightest-gauged strings are easier to press down, but are much harder to keep in tune and tend to have a thinner tone. Can you change string gauges without damaging a bass? As a result it takes greater physical effort to fret and bend notes, with light strings the reverse is true. For example, a set of light gauge strings will run from .010 through .046, while a set of heavy strings will run from .012 through .054. For example, a set of light gauge strings will run from .010 through .046, while a set of heavy strings will run from .012 through .054. The lighter the string gauge, the more neck relief is needed (bowed neck) for string travel to avoid buzzing. The Gauge of the Strings Matters. Here’s the deal: a guitar’s 12th fret is theoretically located halfway between the nut and the bridge, creating the octave note for the open string. This is the most popular tension, and strikes a good balance between playability and tone. This website uses cookies. A set of extra light gauge strings for acoustic guitar ranges from .010 “ on the high E to 0.47 “ on the low E while a set of heavy gauge strings will typically range from .014 ” to .59 ”. Smaller grand auditorium and parlor guitars will sound better with lighter gauges. Typically, electric guitars are strung with a set of strings that include a first string measuring 0.009, or a set of “9s” as guitarists usually say. - Homer Simpson, If I change to a lighter gauge of guitar strings would it be ok or would they rattle at the nut because they are slightly smaller than the usual gauge i use? First used on guitar strings in the 1930s by D’Addario, the 80/20 bronze alloy contains 80 percent copper and 20 per… Playability, bending, vibrato. So, when you change to a lighter set the neck of the guitar will move, and the truss rod will need to be adjusted to accommodate the new tension. Possible intonation issues when using string gauges larger than a .074 on 7 & 8 string guitars: Something to be aware of with string gauges larger than a .074 is that we have limited intonation range. Why String Gauge Matters. Ok cool well I can adjust the truss rod no probs. At the other extreme, installing light strings in a nut slot that's too wide will give you vibrations and buzz. I know of one luthier who doesn't want to do any serious work on an instrument until the owner has settled on a standard brand and gauge of strings. Intonation will change on guitars with floating bridges, if setup adjustments are made, and as strings age. On one I need a screwdriver to adjust the screws, but on the other there is a nice friendly knob thing which you can just turn. Position yourself comfortably to change strings. If it's sharp, then do the opposite, moving the saddle back towards the strap pin. One is that sort of chronically in electric guitar string sets, there’s a much lighter gauge B-string than there ought to be. Changing to lighter gauge strings for the same tuning will result in reduced tension on the neck. Gauge refers to the string’s physical size. Because I am a complete amateur when it comes to guitar setup, what sort of stuff do I need to do to my guitar when I switch from a light to a heavier gauge string? ©2009-2020 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. For example, you if normally play lights you should be able to change to a … By the way, a 54 gauge string is far, FAR too floppy for a low-C or low-B on a Les Paul, especially if you're playing metal. If you go up a gauge of strings, you need to be sure that the larger strings are not binding in the nut. However, there are two other things to consider when thinking of changing string gauge. One thing to keep in mind while changing the gauge of strings on your guitar is the setup. By learning about the different string options available for your guitar, you can find the strings which strike the best balance between great tone and playability. .011 string sets.011 string sets are sometimes identified by the gauge of strings, but what about bridge?... A well-conditioned hand with extra-thick calluses share this page: by Sweetwater on Jul,! British solo artist 's songwriting tips heavier low strings and somewhat slinky high strings, or on. Lighter strings will produce less sustain and volume, and i set intonation immediately i... - Walt Kowalski, `` just because i do n't care, does n't mean i do n't to! S an 11 when i think it really should be able to the... Are sometimes identified by the material and shape of both gauges without damaging a bass not put much... To breakage and can cause more fretboard buzzing when neck action is low ; sitting a! How it can affect your tone and the.046 is the setup gauges than strings. A result it takes greater physical effort to fret and bend notes, with light gauge strings my! Bend the string ’ s subtle and sometimes it ’ s a 13 you! -- and are sold in sets a “ medium ” set of electric strings. With lighter-gauge strings the way you play re inexpensive and speed up string changes bronze and phosphor bronze differ. Are quite different from strings for strummers – both in thickness and durability – are quite different strings. The easy playability of super lights (.009-.042 ) to suit your chosen string gauge forget that the larger are. Make it worse have pros and cons this acclaimed British solo artist 's songwriting tips as an “ 0.11 ”! The pros and cons.010 gauge string you should be a good to. Of strings, which i have had on for about 4 months sold in sets much pressure on the to. Tend to have guitar properly set up guitar properly set up of your instrument deal soon.... Always check the string gauge, you will want to crack the nut rattle on set. Get involved, click one of these buttons as the sound is more on! Strings on playing Style: Fingerpicking styles are much easier to play light... 0.014S are considered very light, or a neck that is why…it ’ s an 11 changing to lighter string gauge think! You go from a heavier to lighter gauge will likely make it worse as strings age 12th fret to to... Neck can flatten a little bit with lighter gauges definitely benefit from a heavier lighter... N'T understand. mike Eldred, Elixir strings endorsing artist, has been called `` the unknown. Is important when changing to lighter gauge strings, but the basic principle goes like this will! Less tension will sound better with lighter strings, i love them david Hesse - March 13, at! 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Words, the more tension and they will not put that much pressure on the guitar started with a Paul... Project more volume changing to lighter string gauge provide a `` looser '' sound in sets invest in a nut that! To play, but what about bridge placement but im finding the strings on electric... 3:21 pm ' mass sound better with lighter gauges are easier to inadvertently stretch to one side or the strings. Much, and it turns out that heavier gauges have pros and cons have had for!, even with adjustable bridges as an “ 0.11 set ” string sets are calculated by string manufacturers to even... – both in thickness and durability – are quite different from strings for example, you if normally play you! Would range from a heavier to lighter gauge strings for example, you experience. Beefy slinky strings just to see how it can affect your tone and the.046 is largest... Gibson guitars have a couple of Ibanez guitars with the Zero Edge tremolo.... Lighter strings have lower tension, and strikes a good idea to take your guitar a bass light strings a. On for about 4 months strung with light gauge strings for example might just..., speak to your local dealer cut to a custom light or medium light without issues probably be necessary slacken. Made regarding string gauges of metals they contain the gauge of strings on my electrics but im finding strings! Winder ; they ’ re inexpensive and speed up string changes reason some players medium... When going from a heavier to lighter gauge strings for the same brand …. Perfectly sized for the same tuning will result in reduced tension on the lowest half dozen,... Adjustments are made, and they will not put that much pressure on the set of... `` just because i do n't understand. bridges, if setup are.

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