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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 280
Apprentice
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 280 |
I use the same size 1st and 2nd strings on my guitar (.011 both). This gives #1 more equal volume when I play cho-mel arrangements up and down the neck.
Like the man said, "ain't that a kick in the head!"
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Joined: Jun 2009
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Journeyman
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Why not? Many jazz guitarists use thicker gauge strings that start with 11. I heard someone once say that Stevie Ray Vaughn went as far as 13 gauge. I knew he always tuned a half step down. But, having never played any of his guitars I don't know how true that was.
For me, if I go above 9, it changes my playing style. Bending becomes more difficult and causing other techniques to be employed to compsensate.
If it is volume you are after, why not adjust the magnets on your pickups to accentuate which strings you wnat to have more presence with?
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Indeed, I heard that about SRV too. Hendrix tuned down too. Don't know if he used bigger strings. Way back, before I heard of tuning down, it used to drive me nuts trying to play along. I'd think - he cannot possibly be playing in Eb!
You're right about the bends. I can bend an 11 max of a half-step. But bending is not important to me. Playing the Blues It does sound cool to bend the 4th up to the 5th and back down through the blue note. And the -3 to and from the 4th.
Tried adjusting magnets but it made very little difference. The biggest hassle is having to get extra 11's.
Like the man said, "ain't that a kick in the head!"
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Joined: Dec 2003
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I have found that D’Addario Chrome (flat wound) strings are the best for equal volume on the B and E strings. They come in three gauges and all three have a wound G. I use a set of 10-48 on one strat and 11-50 on another. On my big box jazz guitar I use 13-56. They cost more than regular strings but if you keep them clean they will last a lot longer.
If sounds like you play jazz guitar so you may want to try the 13-56 set. They have that great mellow jazz tone. All three sets sound mellower than regular strings IMO.
I hope this helps.
Last edited by MarioD; 10/15/09 06:05 AM.
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Joined: Aug 2008
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Enthusiast
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Just buy some bulk strings in the .011 gauge. They are cheaper that way when compared to purchasing in sets. I know some guitarists who buy all of their strings in bulk and make up their own custom sets.
I normally use 10-46, but have used 9's on some guitars and I use the 11-50 on my slide guitars. Strings are a constant source of debate among players in any event.
Fire, the wheel, and the I IV V -- foundations of civilization.
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Oh yes - string wars! I'm usually fighting myself! I do buy extra .011's, but then have the extra .009 that comes with a set. Will see what just buying bulk singles would run.
I'll check out the D’Addario Chromes. Thanks Mario. .011 is a big I want to go tough!
Like the man said, "ain't that a kick in the head!"
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Joined: Jun 2009
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
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Speaking of SRV and bends, I would hear just some of the vibratos he would do where it sounded like he was beating the snot out of the string! All I can say is he must have had incredibly strong tendons in order to make strings that fat bend like he did.
About 1/2 down tuning, I can recall in my younger days being frustrated in the same way. I would ask myself how could they strike that lower E string and sound like it was open if I can not do it on my (standard tune) guitar. Always been a day late with everything, I just got comfortable with dropping the set down a 1/2 step and along comes those other guys who are now doing more crazy things like dropping the low E down to a C. Guys like Doyle Dykes and Dave Wilcox that really push the envelope on playing the guitar.
I cannot wait until standard tuning cycles back to being fashionable again! Perhaps then I will become a trend setter (if I live long enough to see it)!
For those of you who are playing 13s. Did you have to adjust your truss rod? I have these images of my neck snapping in two as I try to wind the high E string. My G string flips between 13 & 15. I cannot conceive that thing being wound so tight to make the E pitch. I agree with you regarding the string longevity. Just removing some of the more physical playing techniques i.e. bending, dynamic pick use strings will last longer. But, I have always loved George Benson's sound. Going back to his Breezin days where the notes were almost creamy rich. (Too fat to listen to more than once without a run around the block in between) He just produced some beautiful melodies and expressions of those melodies I have ever heard with the instrument.
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