String gauge used by most of the players

[cockroach]

It's always a compromise, isn't it?

I think heavier strings sound and keep in tune better but if you need to play styles with bends, it's better to use a second similar guitar with a lighter gauge with a plain third.

Hank used two Strats on the final tour after all....

I even used Hawaiian guitar sets years ago, which were very heavy. Good for the Who or Small Faces but no good for Cream or Hendrix...also, good for Buddy Holly or early Hank, but no good for James Burton stuff..

Barney Kessel told me he used 14-57 on his old guitar.

In the early days of solo and jazz rhythm guitar, guys used acoustic archtops with enormous gauges-- to be heard! It's been said that unless you used those big strings (often with a high action) the guitar would not respond and cut through the band. After all, it's really just physics...the heavy strings hit hard with high tension from a high action will really get the top moving and the sound really jumps out loud. Similar story with flat top acoustics, like J200s...

However, we are talking solid body guitars here, so back on topic! Get another guitar if you play in a number of styles..

[Uncle Fiesta]

These days a 10-46 is considered normal! I've used 10/13/17/26w/36w/46w for years on both Fenders and Gibsons (although a Gibson, due to its shorter scale length, could probably go a gauge heavier with no ill effects).

Anything lighter than that is a waste of time as they don't sound so good or last so long. Easier to bend of course, but let's be honest, if you can't bend 10-46s, you need to get yourself down to the gym ...



(Forgot to mention: Took a different Strat to Shadows club this month, strung with 10's instead of my normal 12's. Definitely didn't sound as good, and the third string was weak compared to the others.)

[noelford]

Jim, I sent you a PM but haven't heard back from you, so maybe you haven't received it.

I was just wondering about the 13-56s you have on your Marvin - can you tell me what brand you favour and how many springs you have on the trem?

Cheers

Noel

[keithmantle]

Jim, I sent you a PM but haven't heard back from you, so maybe you haven't received it.

I was just wondering about the 13-56s you have on your Marvin - can you tell me what brand you favour and how many springs you have on the trem?

Cheers

Noel

Hi Noel, I've tried Gibson L5's 12-16-25w-34-44-56 and they are are really good.(pure nickel med gauge)

[Tab]

Hi Noel,

I have used DR 13-56s on the Marvin (Shadows Custom) but it is currently strung with 12-52s as I use 13-56s on one of my re-issue Strats. In both cases, as with the Strats, 5 springs. I find that the combination of heavier strings and a full set of springs makes the guitar very stable in feel and tuning.

It sounds good too!

Kind regards,

Terry

[noelford]

Thanks, Keith and Terry ( and Jim, who PM'd), that's all helpful info.

Cheers

Noel

[Hank2k]

Hi Noel,

I have used DR 13-56s on the Marvin (Shadows Custom) but it is currently strung with 12-52s as I use 13-56s on one of my re-issue Strats. In both cases, as with the Strats, 5 springs. I find that the combination of heavier strings and a full set of springs makes the guitar very stable in feel and tuning.

It sounds good too!

Kind regards,

Terry

Really liked the tone of the 13-56s when you used it at Sussex Terry

[Gatwick1946]

Hi All,

I use 10-46's on my Burns Marvin, which I find give a nice sound without being too hard on the fingers.

I am looking at the Squier Classic vibe strats, with a view to purchasing one on which I can try out heavier strings together with a wound third and five springs.

Kindest regards,

Chrisropher