Comments on: How to Choose the Best Acoustic Guitar Strings

By: Charlie

Charlie — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:54:09 +0000

The hardest thing to learn on an acoustic guitar is that when you change string guages, you most likely have to get another setup (you can do it yourself). Changing the guage of the strings creates a change in the tension on the neck. Just something to be aware of. Going from mediums to medium lights might now create to big of an issue, but going from xtra-lights to mediums most likely will.

By: Erin

Erin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 22:36:23 +0000

Hey! I’m new to the guitar scene, but I have this beautiful Fender California Series Dreadnought Acoustic that I absolutely love. I’m currently taking lessons, but I need new strings! The guitar came with mediums, and I love the sound, however, my fingers are taking a beating. I was looking at your post, and you mentioned something about medium-lights? Those sound like a great middleground, but would they work well on a dreadnought?

Just asking, and thanks for any help!!

By: Brett

Brett — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:54:26 +0000

Yeah, definitely let me know how you come out!

Also, Chris, have you ever tried light-medium guitar strings? I’ve tried light-medium phosphor bronze elixirs on my grand auditorium awhile back and I liked them. The reason I didn’t go back to them was because I was sick of spending so much $$$ on elixir strings! hah! They might be a good in between option for you to try if the strings you order don’t suit you. Just another idea.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:56:13 +0000

… actually ill buy a couple packs of both …
Lights and New Mediums… ill report back :)

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:51:13 +0000

Thanks for that;

hmm… i might give the John Pearse New Medium 80/20s a whirl… its not heavy a gauge as the Martin PB Mediums i currently use – but it might be a nice in between.

Yeh the mediums went well with my Dread (currently loaned out to my brother in law), im still trying to find the nice in between with my Grand Auditorium.

John Pearse strings are a bit of a struggle to find down in Australia – but thankfully i found a online supplier down under.

Cheers mate.

By: Brett

Brett — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:15:15 +0000

Chris, I don’t think you’re giving yourself enough credit! I too have tried mediums on my grand auditorium and I didn’t like it. While mediums might bring an extra “boominess” or low end, I think it can detract from the clarity. I definitely like the clarity that the lights bring.

On the other hand, I love mediums on my dreadnought.

By: Chris

Chris — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 03:08:59 +0000

I’ve got a GA shaped guitar and its been setup to take mediums but to my ear i think the lights come up a bit better as the mediums become a bit muddy when strumming.

have you come across that? i dunno if thats my untrained ear playing tricks on me hah.

Your thoughts?