Guitar string gauge - how will it affect the sound of my guitar?

Question

I've had medium-light (12 gauge) for a while and have never tried many variants - how will altering the gauge alter the sound of my acoustic guitar?

Answer 1

When choosing a set of strings for your instrument one of the most important things to be aware of is that when an instrument has been "tweaked to perfection" it has been done so with that particular gauge in mind. Increasing the tension/gauge on an acoustic guitar is likely to pull more relief (bow) into the neck and may cause the top on a flat top acoustic to raise a bit more as well. Therefore, in quite a few cases, increasing the string tension on a well set up acoustic instrument is likely to cause higher action and may require adjustments like...

Enlarging the nut slots to accommodate for the larger string size

Tightening the rod to counteract the increased tension on the neck

And, possibly, lowering the saddle if there is enough difference to the tops belly


And of course a decrease in tension affects action as well...the reduction in tension may leave the neck too straight to play cleanly as the rod now may pull with more tension than necessary. This all depends on how an instrument is set up and how much of a change in gauge you go with.



Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Well, I'd suggest you go out and try different gauges. There are general broad classifications of what a particular gauge sounds like, but after playing guitar for more than thirty years I have concluded that any set of string;or any particular gauge of string for that matter will sound different on different guitars. This is due to the fact that every guitar has its own particular acoustic characteristics due to materials,the construction techniques, measurements used, hardware and the aging of the wood and finish, frets and fret board (if you want to consider details). Go out and experiment. Try different things and strings. If you're still not satisfied it's OK. The more you get involved with your guitar the closer you get to understanding it's dynamics and its limits. Next to a long term relationship with another person your relationship with your instrument ( particularly stringed instruments) is most demanding. What you might call a high maintenance relationship.

Answer 3

No. Strings are strings. regularly you're merely finding out to purchase the call on the packaging, however the regular of a few strings for specific manufacturers are probable greater good than a low priced pair. yet, no it would not influence the sound lots. nicely, returned possibly in an exceedingly low priced pair of strings (like guitar strings from walmart) in comparison to love Elixir's from a guitar shop there could be minimum huge difference or the greater low fee pair might merely positioned on down quicker. i might advise making an investment nevertheless in greater useful strings by using fact even the greater high priced ones final for awhile and that they are nonetheless low priced besides.

Answer 4

on an acoustic guitar, going to 9's would make it slightly more trebly and harder to bend. too small of strings are a pain in the but and they hurt your fingers becuase they are so thin. I wouldn't change the guitar strings because with changing the gauge you must change your intonation, and if you dont know about that then you will have a difficult time.

Answer 5

lighter strings are easier to hold down so you don't get fret buzz
when making chord changes.
heavy strings ring clearer for individual notes.