Looking for recommendations for light gauge strings

[yoshka]

Hi there everyone,

Had some nerve ending issues in my fingers and one of the things I did to heip solve the problem was to switch over to light gauge strings. The situation has improved, but I think I stay with the light strings. I was wondering if anyone who has a thought about this would care to reply and recommend sets of strings that they found to be good.

Thanks for the imput!
Yossi

[Steve L]

I like the GHS A250s.

[CES]

J 73s are OK, but if you like truly light gauge strings, then J-62s, which I use on my Flatiron 1N (because it has the recommended gauges), have given me nice results. I don't know that I could go that light on my Silverangel, but they work great on the Flatiron.

Elixirs get mixed reviews, but I really like the Nanowebs on guitar...have yet to try them on mando...may be worth checking out their light gauge set...

BTW, hope the neuropathic issues continue to subside!

[Ed Goist]

I like the GHS A250s.

+1. I have these on my bowlback and am quite impressed by the tone and volume.
They seem to be quite long-lived also, really holding there tone well.
Excellent strings.

[Jim]

I use Martin lights and Martin Bluegrass because they are available nearby and are OK, but I like the GHS A250s a little better.

[JEStanek]

I like the Jazzmando JM11s (33, 24, 15, 11) which are a tad lighter than mediums and flatwound so they last a very long time. I would also recomend the Thomastik lights as well, if you need even lighter guages (30, 20, 14, 9). Superior longevity and comfort.

Jamie

[fatt-dad]

I also like the GHS A-250s and use them on my Flatiron 1N (flattop) as they match the manufacturer's string gauge recommendatinos also. So, they must be similar to the J-62s

f-d

[mandobassman]

I like the Jazzmando JM11s (33, 24, 15, 11) which are a tad lighter than mediums and flatwound so they last a very long time. I would also recomend the Thomastik lights as well, if you need even lighter guages (30, 20, 14, 9). Superior longevity and comfort.

Jamie

Jamie recommended flatwound strings, which are lighter gauge by design, and are much easier on the fingertips. If you have nerve ending issues, which I also deal with now and then, flatwound strings will feel much better. The JazzMando JM11's are a great choice, as are the Thomastik. However, the JazzMando's are a much cheaper way to enter the flatwound world.

[Tim2723]

I also like the GHS A-250's on my bowlback.

[raulb]

I like Elixir light "Nanowebs." They sound great and last a long time without going dead. The mando strings are in the green boxes.

[Chris Reber]

I have the Elixir lights on my mandolin right now and really like them. They sound great and definitely have great durability. I also use Elixirs pretty much exclusively on my guitars and bass guitars. I'm definitely a fan!

[Terry Allan Hall]

I like the GHS A250s.

So far, those are my favorites, too. Also tried the Ernie Ball Earthwoods, which are nice enough once they've been on the mandolin for a few weeks, but are pretty bright and zingy at first!

Diabetic neurophy, Yoshka? Got that bad in my feet, rendering my left crippled, but so far, very little in my fingers.

I have the Elixir lights on my mandolin right now and really like them. They sound great and definitely have great durability. I also use Elixirs pretty much exclusively on my guitars and bass guitars. I'm definitely a fan!

Use Elixers on my guitars, and plan to try them on my Goldtone, next string change.

[Schlegel]

Don't know if you've already done this, but a really good setup person can get your action down to the minimum as well, reducing the force needed on the strings. You need someone who'll do not just nut and bridge, but also make sure all the frets are as perfectly in line as possible.