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leonard d rock
Silver Member
Philippines
301 Posts |
 Posted - 05/21/2008 : 12:04:28
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hello everybody. does anybody have some tips on how to string an acoustic guitar with .012 gauge strings but still have a soft action/touch. i don't have very big hand and .12's seem to be a little hard to play. i installed a .010 set but as dr. bob says in another post, and i agree, that .12's have a better sound and dynamics compared to 10s.
i'll probably develop some hand strength later on, but for now, i need a lighter touch.
mabuhay to all.
LDR |
Edited by - leonard d rock on 05/22/2008 05:17:26 |
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pedals 4 pv
Platinum Member
Canada
1351 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2008 : 21:23:43
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Tune it down a half step and use a capo on the first fret. This is trick used by many big name guys, Johhny Cash and Bob Dylan are two that come to mind |
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jack
Platinum Member
USA
1418 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2008 : 21:40:46
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| Perhaps look into acoustics with a shorter scale than what you are using now.... |
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DarrinPA
Silver Member
USA
221 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 01:07:09
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Use .011's
That's what I do. |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 03:55:55
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quote:
Originally posted by DarrinPA
Use .011's
That's what I do.
+1....... ..i find you still get good bass and trebles with a not to tight action ....... i also mess around with a nylon string guitar as i find the higher action to help build up strength in the hands............ |
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leonard d rock
Silver Member
Philippines
301 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 05:29:43
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Thanks for your replies guys.
NOTE: i retitled the topic ACOUSTIC MATTERS... as other members may want to post questions too. i'm actually rediscovering the acoustic after playing electric after all these years.
my next questions are:
How high should the strings be from the fretboard, assuming the guitar is a copy of popular models from martin or washburn?
Would it be ok to lower the action somewhat by filing the saddle?
regards LDR 
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One-Way
Bronze Member
New Zealand
104 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 07:32:25
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Getting a low action is all about properly levelled frets and a slight downward relief (curve) in the fretboard when sighted fom the peghead end. The first thing is to fret the guitar at the 3rd fret and check the string clearance over the 1st fret. It should have no more than about .015" thousand when checked with a feeler gauge on the bass strings and around .010 on the treble to give a nice low action at the nut.
If it is too high you can file them deeper by getting some engineers gas torch tip cleaners. A cheap option.
Then the saddle can be lowered. Remember that what ever measurement you take off the bottom of the saddle will equate to half that figure at the 12th fret. It really trial and error to an extent as if you go too low it will buzz and too high will be difficult to fret at around the 12th fret. A good trick is to use cheap plastic saddles to set the action and once you find a good low action without buzz then copy that same shape onto a bone or 'Tusq' saddle.
I use Tusq nuts and saddles on all my acoustics as this brings them alive compared with plastic.
I have always used 10 gauge strings for a lighter touch and so they are at least bendable. |
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redundant
Silver Member
Turkey
247 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 07:49:55
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| I'd say that the height of the action depends upon how agressive you play. I have a heavy pick-hand, so low action causes all kinds of fret buzz. It has come to the point where I don't let anyone else do my setup - guys here set their action so low the strings are behind the neck. |
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JG.
Copper Member
Canada
40 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 08:44:26
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Here's an awesome site that deals with acoustics in so many ways: http://frets.com/FRETSPages/pagelist.html.
During my quest to understanding acoustics better, I would have to say that it's that site that single-handedly has all the best, most useful and practical information with regards to DIY setups and maintenance.
Spend some time having a read - he does discuss string gauge and how it affects playability. |
Edited by - JG. on 05/22/2008 08:45:09 |
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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 09:11:51
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Hi JG
I didn't want to edit your post:
Your link doesn't work, as you placed a full stop at the end of the link.
Here is a working version, with the full stop removed.
http://frets.com/FRETSPages/pagelist.html
thanks that's a very informative site.
Regards Dr. Bob |
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Goran
Double Platinum Member
Sweden
2203 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 09:32:09
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| The most easily played strings for acoustics is Newtones Heritage, I have been told by a friend who�s plays a lot on �box-guitars�. |
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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
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JG.
Copper Member
Canada
40 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 19:59:56
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Thanks for spotting that error Dr. Bob, it totally slipped my mind when I posted that link. Glad you like it, the information on that site is plentiful to say the least and it's definitely a good read with concerns to acoustics!
On a personal note, when I bought my Yamaha FG720S a couple months ago I wanted a feel and action that was close to my electrics so I put on 10's. At first they felt and played okay, but after a while I started to notice I was getting too much fret buzz so I researched the net left and right trying to figure out what was wrong because I had my guitar professionally set up. Turns out the kicker was that lower gauged strings have lesser tension and thus vibrate more, which makes your guitar more prone to buzz at lower action. I stuck on 11's, adjusted it myself and now it plays great! |
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leonard d rock
Silver Member
Philippines
301 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2008 : 07:16:21
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Thanks for the replies guys. JG, the link you gave is a great source of info. it should help a lot of guys here who also love to unplug. the newtone strings are great, but i have to look for it here locally.
LDR |
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Topic |
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ACOUSTIC MATTERS/stringing techniques/tips ETC.
