The noob says hi

[Gufs99]

Hey guys, just discovered the site and thought I'd drop in and say hi. I'm 31 y/o. I just started playing guitar again after a few attempts at playing it as a kid. But I didn't really know much then so I'm really starting over again anyway.

I got a old (I'm guessing early 70's) Kimberly strat from my father in law for xmas. It looks like the strings may be original as they hurt like hell when I attempt to play. Think I should get some smaller gauge strings or just deal with it? The pickup sounds kind of muddy too, maybe I should replace that eh?

Anyway, I'll be lurking around the site for a while now reading the lessons, viewing posts. See you guys around...

Jake

[Fenderalltheway]

Well, first of all, Welcome to GT!And if you think the strings are old, (if they hurt when you play, it could be many things, actually, two, the strings or your fingers), and if they hanvn't been changed in YEARS, and there all rusty and stuff, you should get a new set of strings, and ya, a smaller gauge. If the pickups sound muddy, investigate, and find some other pickups you like, and if they sound good, buy them, and put em in!

[Gufs99]

Thanks for the tips. Where in Wisconsin are you? I'm in Stevens Point.

[iiholly]

Welcome to guitar tricks. :)

[Gufs99]

I've found some more info on my guitar. Turns out it's a Kimberly Tele Clone. Probably late 60's era. Everyone that reviewed it has said that the action is just brutal on it. Maybe I will get those lighter strings after all. Anyone suggest a good gauge for a beginner? I was thinking of .09's...

[Lordathestrings]

Welcome to the GT forum!

If the action is "brutal", you should get it set up properly by a competent tech. That will include installation of a new set of strings. I recommend 10 - 46 gauge as the best compromise between playability and tone. A fresh set of strings should clear up a lot of the mud you're hearing. If it still sounds unsatisfying, there are a lot of aftermarket pickups available to choose from.

[Akira]

Welcome to the boards!

I played a 70's Kimberly Strat a few months ago, it was great, if your Kim Tele is anything like the Kim Strat, then you've got a good guitar there!

[elklandercc]

Welcome to GT! I reccomend Ernie Ball Regulars, their 10-46 and they rock.