PDA

View Full Version : Different string gauge and their effect on action?



Kid Charlemagne
Mar-28-2004, 6:38am
I've given up trying to figure out for myself through trial and error what strings are best for the feel of my Old Wave C#, and so I wanted to ask the experts their opinion(s).

I like a low string action for playing (I guess a lot of us can make the same claim). #Since I'm preparing to get a transducer pickup, I'm not concerned about volume in a crowded setting. #So, the lower the better as long as I don't get no dang buzz.

Here's the thing: I can't figure out (or can't seem to get a straight answer on) whether it's best to go with lighter strings, or heavier ones, to get a lower action. #It's a little frustrating, because yesterday at a music store I messed around briefly with an Epiphone F, and although its string action was higher than mine, the strings felt more pliable, like they were just looser on the instrument.

For a low action and "looser" strings (I'm primarily going for ease of playing quick up the neck, something that I can do but that, currently, takes a bit of left hand effort), what should I do: go with lighter gauge, or heavier? #I suspect the answer, but have gotten myself into trouble in the past, trying to figure these things out by myself.

I've been considering going with the big boys and getting a set of Thomastiks, but I still don't know what size I ought to shoot for.

Anyone itching to dispense advice? #I could sure use some...

Yonkle
Mar-28-2004, 9:08am
Thomastiks are over all a light gauge than most. ie a med weight on most may be a .11 on the E on Thomaskik that would be a .09. If you don't care about volume and want ease of playing, I would do Thomastik (stark #154) med They have a good wooden sound but not a lot of punch, and they last a long time. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Chris Baird
Mar-28-2004, 9:56am
You should be able to get a low action with nearly any string. The neck relief can be set to follow the vibration path of any string (assuming you have a truss rod). Even without a truss rod and a straight neck you should still be able to get low with any string.