Guitar strings

Ryan Pultz · 08-29-2003, 06:53 AM

Ok I bought a Takamine acoustic guitar and I am going to be starting to take lessons next week yeah I know 27 and starting to learn to play guitar it is a dream I have always had and I can finally afford it. Well my Question for all you out there is what gauge strings should a beginner start out with everything I have read said start with light or extra light strings they are easier to push down and then build your finger strength and calluses. So what do you all think go with the light or extra light or go a bit heaver? Thank for the answers rp

Pitch Pocket · 08-29-2003, 07:35 AM

New guitar or used? Either way, take it to The 12th Fret and have them adjust it to a light guage string. They can set it up for the proper action and best sound.

Ryan Pultz · 08-29-2003, 08:05 AM

I got it used but it is in excellent shape. I have been in the music industry for years and I know a lot about guitars just never learned to play. I just want it to be easy to learn with the strings that are on it are a bit hard to push down but not to hard. I can�t wait to get playing it will be a challenge but very worth it.

Stratocaster · 08-29-2003, 09:07 AM

I agree with Pitch Pocket, take it in. I used to use heavier gauge strings on my acoustics, now i use .12-.54s on my Martin and .9s or .10s on my electrics. Much more enjoyable and comfortable to play.Congrats on your purchase.

Abalone · 08-29-2003, 10:04 AM

Heay ! you guys maybe we should all get together for an Ifish jam.

I agree with going to 12 fret. I use .12 and wish I would have started sooner. I have had hand
surgery and know players that had to quit because of sore tendons. Do stretches and learn good
posture. Been playing all my life. Blue Grass, Jazz, Blues Swing.

Dedarios strings are best, phoshere bronze. Blue package.

Pyramid · 08-29-2003, 12:03 PM

I just tried Elixer on my accoustic I bought the lightest gauge guitar center had, I think they were 10's. What I've heard heard about elixer is they have some kind of special coating to keep that new string brightness for a long time. On my electrics I use nothing but D'Addarrio's.
Guitarist.netCheck out this site. I found it to be very informative about guitars.

Smily · 08-29-2003, 01:14 PM

Hi Ryan,
I like DR's starting with .011 so it is really easy to play. A pro set up is highly recommended. 12th fret or even the guy from Guitar center named Barret is qualified. He is also an authorized taylor repair guy too so his work is quality. He has done my set-ups for me and quite pleased with him.

The second passion in life beside fsihing is playing my guitar.

Anybody want to get together for a Jam email me. Been playing off and mostly on now again for 26 years.

:smile: Smily :smile:

Stratocaster · 08-29-2003, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Dedarios strings are best

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Totally agree, D'Addarios are the best, although i use Martin Marquis for my Martin. Thats what it came with and i really like em. I also dropped to .09s after using .10s and .11s on electrics for years and my hand is alot happier and i can play faster too. Just be sure and have plenty of extra hi E strings lying around.

[ 08-29-2003, 02:50 PM: Message edited by: fisherdan ]

BuckisMunz · 08-29-2003, 02:53 PM

I had that same problem on my Sigma, but I took it in and had elixer's put on. With the coating. Very nice on the fingers!!! and I went with the second to the softest, and had my action taken down. Guitar almost feels like an electric now. Plays really well!! and Sound is still crisp!

Jake

ReelTrouble · 08-30-2003, 12:59 PM

So how many of you guys do like elixer strings.

I played D'Addarrio strings for awhile until a friend told me elixers are SOOOO nice. So I got some and really dont like them much at all compaired to the D'Addarrios I had before, besides that, the magic coating that everyone talks about on the elixers started to fall apart soon after I started playing on them. Am I the only one that has had my elixer strings wearout really really really fast?

Jennie@ifish · 08-30-2003, 05:18 PM

My Andrew, or better known as Krazzy Joe, here on ifish, is really into guitars and strings. I'll have him read this, and he knows some great places online to get strings!
Jen

k9jeff · 08-30-2003, 11:33 PM

Guitar center, or musicians friend on the web. Stop in at Guitar Center and ask, they will show you guitars with each string on em and advise you on what you will need.

Start heavy strings then progress to light ones. I have 9's on my electric and like em. but I have tough fingers already.

Good luck.. and remember 400 watts to too much to jam at the house with. I thought my neighbor was hard of hearing..... :grin:

Lepper · 08-31-2003, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chinookster:
I just tried Elixer on my accoustic I bought the lightest gauge guitar center had, I think they were 10's. What I've heard heard about elixer is they have some kind of special coating to keep that new string brightness for a long time. On my electrics I use nothing but D'Addarrio's.
Guitarist.netCheck out this site. I found it to be very informative about guitars.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">I have tried the Elixer strings. and they sound great.. only problem is they won't hold up worth beans.. They kept breaking.. a little high priced for a string that doesn't last long! sure they might have good sound for a long time but if you play with any kind of strength they will just flat out give out! I have switched to Martin studio performance Mediums. Sound great, and won't break!!
d

RvW · 08-31-2003, 04:16 PM

8, 12, 15, 20 25 and 30lb maxima cameleon. (I havent found any other use for it)

mediocre sound, but you get about 250 yards of each string!

I own a sigma. D'Addario for sure. Play far more bass...washburn 5string fretted accoustic with D'Angelico roundwound nickels.

If the strings are unusualy tough to press against the fretboard, ask a pro if you would be ok to lower the profile of the upper nut and later replace it when you build finger strength and desensitize the fingertips. When your in the intitial stages of learning you play the upper board anyway.

Dont forget to mention the IFish jug-band when you cut your first CD.

jokester · 09-02-2003, 02:36 PM

Quote:

8, 12, 15, 20 25 and 30lb maxima cameleon. (I havent found any other use for it)

[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

mediocre sound.... :grin:

Smily · 09-02-2003, 07:37 PM

I Heard steel leaders give's you a brighter sound.

:smile: Smily :smile:

Riverkeeper · 09-02-2003, 07:41 PM

I think begining with some lighter strings is probably ok, but I think it depends more on what type of music you want to play. If you plan to flatpick bluegrass or comp jazz chords, heavier gauge strings will sound MUCH better and come to pitch at lower tension. If blues lead or rock are your gig, than something lighter will let you bend notes easier, when you work up to that (I couldn't resist when I was just learning). I'd say don't go lighter than .11 because you'll have a harder time learning to make chords cleanly if your strings are wiggling around alot.

I had used D'addario strings on my HD-28 for ever, but with the bluegrass band I am playing 6-10 hard hours a week, and they just don't last. The elixers with the gore-tex type coating sound good MUCH longer and I get almost a month out of a set. Downside: they are 15 bucks a set at your local music shop. I play .13 gauge.

I think .11 or .12 d'addario should be good to learn on. Rock on.
Darian