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Changing strings?


Fishticky
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Joined: 01/02/09
Posts: 4
Fishticky
Registered User
Joined: 01/02/09
Posts: 4
01/06/2009 7:27 am
Hey, I'm guessing this is a 'guitar basics' question...

Anyway, I've had my current acoustic for about two years now, and while it came stock with light strings, I quickly switched them out for mediums because I liked the fuller sound. Recently I've been trying to introduce some massive country bends in my playing, but I'm not even sure that the string will allow anything like full note bends (I've definitely had my share of strings breaking from less). The solution, I'd imagine, is to go back to lights. My question is, however, would changing the string size on a semi regular basis (let's say once a month at most) harm the guitar itself in any way? It's a dreadnaught guitar, so it's not the strongest thing ever built, and probably would warp from heavy strings. It's also pretty expensive, so I don't really want to inflict unnecessary pain to it, even if it's something that wouldn't show up for a year or two.

I've also been looking into hybrid strings, since they may be a compromise, and would mean I wouldn't have to change the size of the strings so much, but I don't have any experience with these strings. For someone trying to get into some really bendy riffs, would these strings satisfy me? Again, finger strength is no problem, I just want to make sure the guitar is fine.

Thanks for the help.
# 1
oldtimehobbies
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Joined: 09/08/08
Posts: 113
oldtimehobbies
Full Access
Joined: 09/08/08
Posts: 113
01/06/2009 7:34 am
This won't answer all your questions but it is a start.

http://go.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=12119

Hopefully some other folks can tell you about switching from medium to light strings I don't know about that. The lesson talks about string sizes for full bends on an acoustic. Good luck,

Ed
I stay in the dog house its easier that way...
# 2
coreyjdavidson
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Joined: 11/05/08
Posts: 9
coreyjdavidson
Registered User
Joined: 11/05/08
Posts: 9
01/07/2009 2:11 am
I've used everything from 14-60's to 11-46's on my Tak acoustic. All that has been required is a slight truss rod adjustment (done by a pro) and tuning to E flat with heavier strings.

If you are really unsure, have a tech size up your guitar in person - they will know best what your specific guitar will be able to handle.

Best,

Corey
# 3
Fishticky
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Joined: 01/02/09
Posts: 4
Fishticky
Registered User
Joined: 01/02/09
Posts: 4
01/08/2009 3:26 am
Hey thanks for the replies!

That string bending video was actually the video that finally convinced me to try lighter strings, instead of just hoping that I could find the perfect balance between medium strings and bending.

I guess I will experiment a bit with different strings sizes, and I probably am gonna take it into some guitar expert just so he can look it over and make sure everything's gonna be fine. It's probably about time I had someone look over it anyway and make sure it still looks good.....
# 4

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