Light Gauge Strings

I have always used medium gauge strings on my mandolins. Always (25+ years). If you would have asked me about lights two weeks ago, my reply would have been: "Meh, those are not for me..."

On a whim, I purchased a set of light gauge strings the other day. I was a little concerned that they would be too pingy and I would lose some volume and tone. Well, I have been pleasantly surprised.

While I think I might have lost a little volume and my g & d strings aren't quite as richly deep as they were before, I like the over all tone.

I was able to overcome the pingy sound by changing picks. I used to alternate between a tortoise, a tortex 1mm, and a nylon Dunlop 1mm. Depending on the mood and feel. The nylon Dunlop seems to work pretty well on the lights for me.

I was also concerned about how the change would affect my chop. I am kinda known locally for having a strong chop that cuts through banjos and dobros and such. I was really surprised at the new percussive possiblilities presented by the light gauge strings. I can't really describe it though.

Now I am in the process of re-teaching my right hand to not over play on the lights. I have already broken 2 strings since saturday, generally I only break strings when they are already worn out.

Next, I am thinking about mixing a set of mediums with a set of lights within the pairs. My theory is that it might give me the best of both worlds. Anybody tried this, yet? One forseeable drawback would be a lot of dischording caused by the light string in each pair, because I don't think I will ever be accused of having a light touch...


Thoughts? observations? Redicule?

My experience with light gauges on all the instruments have been the same. Light gauges give a clearer less muddy tone, they are also easier to play than mediums...Now you can probably even do bends on the mandolin.

If you are gonna mix strings...put the mediums on strings that the intonation isn't great on. Mediums sometimes help intonation up the neck.

"Proud member of the light gauge fanclub"

[mandodebbie]

I found that the light gauge strings are the least expensive of the lot, depending on the brand. I prefer them over the medium as they do not hurt my delicate, teeny-tiny fingers. But, then again, they have to be changed more often, so the financial aspects may not be as wonderful as when I first thought.

[Ken]

I've been switching to light gauge strings over the last couple years, originally because I felt the medium strings were stopping the top from vibrating fully, but with my old beat-up hands, they sure feel better to play. I just put a set on my number 3 mandolin this weekend, and plan on keeping them on it. There is a very slight loss of volume, especially on the low end, but I can live with it as small as it is.
Ken

Update: I have now broken 4 strings (D, E, and 2 A's) in 3 days worth of picking on lights. My right hand still thinks we use mediums. Had to go get some singles. But, now that they have been broken in and weeded out... I am really liking the tone.

Ken, you are right about the top vibrating more. In retrospect, I don't think I have lost that much volume, infact, last night at band practice I felt like I was really really LOUD and cutting through everything.

[glauber]

Specifically, which strings were you using? Just curious. I will probably try lights on one or two of my mandolins soon.

I am currently using Elixir's. They seem to sound pretty good on Hutto #39. I am very acidic, and generally kill normal string very quickly... so I like the mileage I get out of them too.

Of course, now that I have turned into a string breaking machine... I think my next set might be a cheaper more conventional string.

[mrbook]

Despite all the talk about strings here, I have used medium-lights (11-38)like the GHS Bobby Osborne set for years. Not real lights, but they sound good, are easier to play, and I hope put less stress on the instrument.

I hope put less stress on the instrument.

I am also hoping it helps reduce fret-wear.

[glauber]

I'm thinking what some of us call lights, others call mediums. I've always used strings that fit in the 11-38 category. I liked the Elyxir (sp?) strings very much, when i tried them.

g

I am really liking the .014 A.

The .010 E are fun too.

I kinda miss the .040 G string though. I am hoping I break a G next...

[Bill Van Liere]

Hutto

I use both light and medium (I always use light on my Flatiron JR, mediums on the others) and yes teaching your wrist not to break lights will help your right hand control.
I have tried mixing string gauges on my octave mando, but got away from this as it seemed to create tuning difficulties.

[mandroid]

earthwood e.ball #2067 set is on the vega banjo-mandolin, 9,13,22,34
a GHS A240 set is spec'd a bit smaller, 20,32, for the wound strings.
pre t.rod A-0 wears 10,15,24,36. #A250

[Ken]

GHS lights A250 (10 - 36), I had been using the medium lights 11 - 38.
Ken