Does it matter what strings you use?

  • Thread starter Thread starter antispatula
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antispatula

antispatula

Active member
I'm not talking about brand, but what guage.
I finally found the perfect way to record my acoustic guitar
(mxl v67g ~18 in. from 15th fret>fmr rnp>audiophile 192>reaper)
And it sounds really good. Good as in accurate.
When I listened to what I had recorded, it sounded great, but a little thin. I boost the high end just a tad, but not enough to explain the thin-nes of the guitar. Then I realized that even when I was just listening to my guitar by ear, it sounded a little thin.

Could it be because I'm using light guage strings?
If I got heavier strings, do you think it would make a considerable difference?

If yes, I'll gladly make the trek to the nearest guitar shop to pick up some different strings.

Thanks!
 
wow. i read that post and i saw that willis had answered, and i braced for the worst. but you actually answered it properly! i'm surprised... and worried.
 
corban said:
wow. i read that post and i saw that willis had answered, and i braced for the worst. but you actually answered it properly! i'm surprised... and worried.
Click to expand...

What do you mean? :confused:

I always answer properly. :cool:
 
As a rule the heavier gauge strings you use the more the higher harmonics will last. The net result is the more dynamics and variation in tone you will be able to introduce into your playing. You will also notice a better projection as you go up the gauges and also more sustain or volume. A couple of things to keep in mind. Is your guitar able to hold up under a heavier gauge? Most half decent acoustics will take a set of 11's. You may need to have some slight setup adjustments made to the nut and truss rod to account for the extra thickness of the string and tension on the neck. Many Acoustics are setup for 10's or 11's from the get go. What guitar is it and what gauge are you using now?

You may well also notice a difference between the same gauge strings of different brands. Once you know what gauge you guitar is setup for its worth trying a few different sets to find the one that suits you best.
 
muttley600 said:
As a rule the heavier gauge strings you use the more the higher harmonics will last. The net result is the more dynamics and variation in tone you will be able to introduce into your playing. You will also notice a better projection as you go up the gauges and also more sustain or volume. A couple of things to keep in mind. Is your guitar able to hold up under a heavier gauge? Most half decent acoustics will take a set of 11's. You may need to have some slight setup adjustments made to the nut and truss rod to account for the extra thickness of the string and tension on the neck. Many Acoustics are setup for 10's or 11's from the get go. What guitar is it and what gauge are you using now?

You may well also notice a difference between the same gauge strings of different brands. Once you know what gauge you guitar is setup for its worth trying a few different sets to find the one that suits you best.
Click to expand...

That's what I wanted to say, but couldn't muster the strength to do so.

Good post.
 
10s or 11s? Seems low to me - Every acoustic I've ever bought came with 12s on. Might have been the store resetting the things up, but I can see you getting a thin tone with 10s or 11s on acoustic. 12s on my little Taylor 312 are nice and balanced.

You might also want to try moving the mic in a tad closer, or over toward the body a hair, to see if you can pick up some of the natural projection of the body's low-end output. I am a firm believer in not messing with a good thing, and you do sound happy with the sound of your recording - just another of many suggestions :)

I would also make sure as someone else said, that the guitar can handle higher gauges. It may very well need to be set up for heavier, and you also want to make sure the instrument was designed to go as high as you are going to, so you don't damage the instrument. I'd rather have to parametric0EQ the bottom end of a recorded track than crack the neck joint on my guit :)
 
A standard acoustic light gauge set starts with a 12. Going to a heavier gauge would most likely require a setup. It would also affect the way you play. I agree with the guys who suggested you experiment with mic location.

There's can be a big difference in sound between brands and alloys.

If you are really happy with what you hear you might try setting your mic over your shoulder near your ear. Sometimes that works very well.

What kind of mic are you using?
 
cusebassman said:
10s or 11s? Seems low to me - Every acoustic I've ever bought came with 12s on. Might have been the store resetting the things up, but I can see you getting a thin tone with 10s or 11s on acoustic. 12s on my little Taylor 312 are nice and balanced.
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Thats why I said most will take 11's no problem. I setup all mine, acoustic or archtop for 12-53 unless asked to do otherwise. Martin ship with 12's but will handle 13's. Most top line stuff, Lowden, Tayler et al come with 12's. The trend these days is for the mid range acoustics to be set with 11's because the impression is it makes them easier to play on the shop floor. Most of the setups I do for shop stock is for a set of 12's but supplied with 11's. Go figure. It is a fairly recent trend however.

To get the best out of an acoustic you really need at least 12-53's.
 
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