*Useful Timestamps:* Gauge Label explanation 0:20 Comparison Navigation!!! Time stamps that will plop you at the Start | Middleish point | End/Sustain of the clips of each string set (as best as I could manage). *Blues Riff Samples* 1:33 GAUGE ------ STRT | MDL | END/SUS Extra Light ----- 1:35 | 1:37 | 1:38 Custom Light --- 1:41 | 1:43 | 1:44 Light --------- 1:49 | 1:51 | 1:52 Light/Medium ---- 1:56 | 1:58 | 2:00 HD Light ------- 2:04 | 2:06 | 2:07 Medium ------ 2:11 | 2:13 | 2:15 *Strumming Samples* 2:25 GAUGE ----- STRT | MDL | END/SUS Extra Light ----- 2:27 | 2:36 | 2:46 Custom Light --- 2:52 | 3:01 | 3:11 Light ------- 3:17 | 3:25 | 3:35 Light/Medium -- 3:40 | 3:48 | 3:58 HD Light ----- 4:04 | 4:12 | 4:21 Medium ------ 4:27 | 4:35 | 4:46 *Fingerpicking Samples* 4:52 GAUGE ----- STRT | MDL | END/SUS Extra Light ----- 4:55 | 5:03 | 5:08 Custom Light --- 5:15 | 5:23 | 5:28 Light ------- 5:33 | 5:41 | 5:46 Light/Medium -- 5:53 | 6:01 | 6:05 HD Light ----- 6:13 | 6:20 | 6:25 Medium ------ 6:32 | 6:40 | 6:45 *Arpeggio Samples* 6:54 GAUGE ----- STRT | MDL | END/SUS Extra Light ----- 6:57 | 7:03 | 7:11 Custom Light --- 7:19 | 7:25 | 7:32 Light ------- 7:39 | 7:44 | 7:52 Light/Medium -- 7:58 | 8:02 | 8:10 HD Light ----- 8:16 | 8:21 | 8:28 Medium ------ 8:35 | 8:40 | 8:48 Final thoughts 8:59
@tomandjake69214 жыл бұрын
I can’t understand why this channel got only 283 subscribers
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Oh we are just starting our journey. Keep tuning in!
@abslenchar23473 жыл бұрын
no bs no extra talk, straight to the point, I love your videos
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
thanks!
@Robangledorf5 жыл бұрын
Man thank you so much for doing this. It can be so hard to find easily accessible clear accurate information and you helped so much!
@JTravlos5 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I'm glad it could help. Let me know I could make other videos that might help with stuff like this.
@MyChannel-vm6dw4 жыл бұрын
I am so sorry I was on mobile and the text on mobile is very light on a Samsung phone. Please continue the very good work here you've actually impacted my purchasing decisions for my son's Christmas present.
@raymartnunez5814 жыл бұрын
Man those medium gauges are killer. Very thick sounding and has more details into it. Good review!
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Yea, they are great. But, they took a toll on my fingers. I need to summon Hulk Strength when I put them back on.
@michaelgao86213 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos Hi Jeremy, Medium gauge strings are hard to bend and push, but mediums have powerful sounds, light gauge strings sounds a bit darker than Mediums, bright than Custom lights, I use light gauge Daddario Xs and Elixir Phosphor Bronze Light a lot on my (Taylor 224ce-k-dlx special edition). Do you think medium gauge sounds powerful too?
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
@@michaelgao8621 I do, I think they sound fuller and more powerful. But I could barely play them lol
@michaelgao86213 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos But Medium gauge strings are hard to play and bend, it might hurt your muscles if you use more, light gauge is the best choice I think.
@MustafaBaabad3 жыл бұрын
I found custom light is the combination that I like. It has already given enough tension to the sound board and make the sound resonate very well and it is still easy to my fingers. Thanks for your work Chief. Cheers from Indonesia.
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
Those are my favorite gauge too. Glad the video could reach you all the way in Indonesia.
@aaronslingerland49243 жыл бұрын
I found it depends on the guitar to to be honest. I switched guitars recently and I was a custom light guy on my other one and now I'm HD lol.
@TheLadsBandLive4 жыл бұрын
I’m shocked, shocked I say at how much I prefer the extra lights and custom lights over the rest. Thanks for the video!
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Glad this was helpful! I felt like I was in the dark for a long time on which gauge I would prefer. There is definitely a lot to the feel so as this experiment was a major pain in the rear, it was great to finally know what they feel like too.
@TheLadsBandLive4 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos - I've always used mediums. Never considered anything else. I just always assumed bigger was better. I feel like such a dummy. Can't wait to try a lighter gauge for this weekend's show. Also, my hand strength isn't what it used to be back in my teens and twenties so this should hopefully be a win/win.
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
@@TheLadsBandLive Nice, let us all know what you thought of them after the gig. I wonder if you might need a slight truss rod adjustment with the switch to lighter. Keep us posted!
@TheLadsBandLive4 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos So, I went with a set of Elixir Nanoweb extra lights (phosphor bronze, I think... can't recall, lol) and thought they sounded really nice. Very sparkly, not brittle. My band usually plays an acoustic set (2 guitars, drummer, lead vocal) to start our shows before going full electric and it seemed like the new strings cut through the mix more than usual (in a good way) without having to play harder. If nothing else, the lighter gauge was a lot less punishing on my hands and I was able to play with more stamina and less grip adjustment than usual. I plan on trying Gibson Masterbuilts, Martin Authentic Silked and GHS in the future. Thanks again for the helpful video.
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
@@TheLadsBandLive Cool, thanks for the update. They are my favorite gauge by far. Interesting how gauge size affects the tone.
@flybybaby80083 жыл бұрын
Absolutely fantastic video, Thank you! Having viewed each clip over and over, and in differing orders, I can honestly put it out there that no one set (IMOHO) stood above any of the others in each style being played. Instead, within each style being played, there were standouts, but no one set 'nailed it' in more than one category, If forced to have to choose one absolute best, I'd probably opt institutionalization because I'd go insane trying to decide! I can however claim this: These strings are absolutely AMAZING, as is the player! Bravo Sir, well done!!!
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind words! Also, thanks for the insightful comment. Glad to have you as part of the audience!- Jeremy
@bendale44394 жыл бұрын
This is fantastic made my choosing so much easier (Light HDs) and such high quality production and execution, why do you have so few subs? Madness! Keep up the great work!
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Spread the word!. I guess I havn't hit the youtube algorithm yet. Hopefully it catches soon though.
@bendale44394 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos I hope so for you, well deserved. So many have poor quality. I'll spread the word this side of the pond! Do you do online tutorials too?
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
@@bendale4439 No tutorials yet, I do a series called string showdowns that compare different types of guitar strings. Those take a while to make but I have a ton of content already recorded, I just need to record the talking head portion. After that series is done I will need to come up with a whole new set of videos. Is there anything in particular you would like to see? Guitar tutorial? Recording tutorial? etc...
@lm4112 Жыл бұрын
Thank-you. Your like the only video after long search with no talking...I even search for no talking. Thanku!!
@davidyoul62624 жыл бұрын
Those HD lights bring out a certain 3-dimensional quality in your recording. Thanks for such a helpful video!
@braddecker80714 жыл бұрын
David Youl I agree!!
@billa63482 жыл бұрын
@@braddecker8071 Me too!
@joelalpert-marketpower Жыл бұрын
Superb comparison, showing side by side, examples of guitar, playing technique, using these different elixir strings. Very very valuable, thanks.
@JTravlos Жыл бұрын
Thanks Joel!
@vanomaden Жыл бұрын
Thanks for that. Very well made video. HD medium for my ears ... by a significant margin.
@JTravlos Жыл бұрын
Yea, the heavier gauges sounded better I thought. I just need to get more strength in my fingers. The heavy gauges were much harder to play for me. Thanks for watching!
@valerirakov31249 ай бұрын
Thank you very much man. This video made me realise that I did the right choice bying the 10/47 Extra Light Phosphor Bronze ones. Looking forward to try them tomorrow! Cheers from Bulgaria!
@JTravlos9 ай бұрын
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
@MikeKPedersen4 жыл бұрын
This guitar video tutorial string guide is so well made!, that I must say! :D Thank you man!
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, glad it helped! Be sure to keep the comments coming. Especially if there is a certain video you would like to see be made.
@martinpazienza18164 жыл бұрын
I'm just starting to learn my seagull S6 is getting set up now with elixir 8020 bronge custom lights. C major will take some time. 62 years old but what a new world for me. A great video sir thank you kindly well done.
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
That's great! It's never too late to start.
@martinpazienza18164 жыл бұрын
I hear you thank you.
@daveallport60853 жыл бұрын
For me lights are sound nectar, played on my j15 walnut back and sides and spruce top.they are beautifully toned across all ranges. Everyone has different tastes but elixir are my go to string
@howardthomas70103 жыл бұрын
As I get older I find my string gauge has changed as my hearing has changed ( Way to much hard load rock and roll in my youth). For example Medium to Heavy gauge now sounds muddy to me. I have gone to the extra lights and the world is good again well at least for me. I have them on my 710 and my 616ce. Your right about playablity. The extra lights are so easy to play.
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
That is interesting. I know as we age we tend to lose high frequencies. This probably compounds when we hear something that leans toward the mid range as being muddy. Great insight, thanks!
@bigdennis213 жыл бұрын
Ah, at 64 years old, I truly believe I have the same issue! What used to sound great, in the medium to heavy gauges, now sounds really muffled or muddy to me as well. Along with having arthritis in my hands, I am leaning heavily towards the extra lights.
@ZeBubba2 жыл бұрын
Just an awesome video, exactly what I needed! I've got custom light nano 80/20's on right now in my Yamaha LL16. I don't want to go all the way up to medium, but light seems to be a good step up in overall tone's thickness. Cheers!
@JTravlos2 жыл бұрын
Nice, they got harder to play when the gauge got heavier. I like custom lights a lot.
@gregt42024 жыл бұрын
I like the .011's the best. Both from the sound on this video and the "feel" when fingerpicking on my guitars. .012's would be next.
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Greg, I agree. .011s are my favorite. More specifically the "custom lights" but it seems like a lot of guitar manufactures are making .011-.052 now-a-days which is great.
@Chubzffc4 жыл бұрын
I like all, guess you can say there all for different vibes, one isn't better than the other in my opinion. Great video brother!
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@mrfizzed11184 жыл бұрын
Wish I watched this video before I ordered new strings! Amazing video!
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Or... you can buy one of every gauge size!
@DriftwoodBeachMom Жыл бұрын
I really like that you went straight to the comparisons, not too much "talk". Great examples of each across each type of string technique. btw, What pick are you using? I always feel that also comes into play with tone.
@JTravlos Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I think it was a fender perloid medium.
@DriftwoodBeachMom Жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos Thank you.
@nikolaikirkanovic2 жыл бұрын
Best video in category
@JTravlos2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@vishtrinity4 жыл бұрын
custom Lights and the HD sound the best
@MustafaBaabad3 жыл бұрын
Yes, I agree with you. It gives enough tension to the sound board and yet it is still easy to finger tips.
@Fischize Жыл бұрын
The Custom Light seriously sounded more crispy and livelier
@dr.p3637 Жыл бұрын
Funny, reading all the comments on this thread. So many different opinions--- for me it was clear cut extra lights all the way of course that I'm sure has a lot to do with your beautiful Guitar's wood and tone. Sorry, I arrived so late to the party!
@joigalha3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this man!! It really helped to understand and feel the strings and the difference. Just found your channel and subscribed immediately, awesome content!
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! See you in the next video! -Jeremy
@AlekseiKiriukhin6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for this video! It's so helpful! I was torn between choosing string size, because previously I didnt pay attention to the size of strings, but recently touched a guitar with super thin strings and noticed that extra light sounds so amazing and even magical, not like metalic grinding like medium size with more clear but boring sound....
@JTravlos6 ай бұрын
glad it helped, thanks for watching!
@jhayceerequiza71068 ай бұрын
I don't know about you guys, but the warmth of that .12s light is the sweetest for me. :)
@michealhowell78273 жыл бұрын
I got elixir phosphor nanoweb on a early 70' Yamaha accoustic FG-76 nippon gakki no problem's got the guitar for 100$ am happy with it!
@marianaescobar564 жыл бұрын
Awesome videos! Just decided on custom lights for my all mahogany, hope it sounds good :)
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
My favorite! I think you will like them a lot. Ive played so many types of strings and they win hands down.
@edenmn23815 жыл бұрын
Tq Sire... This , I may say the most detail guide to get to know the character of each size of the strings in the series. Very useful. Thank you very very much...!
@JTravlos5 жыл бұрын
Glad this was helpful! I think next go round I will make a video that showcases different brands of strings of the same gauge.
@kaizensoul_channel3 жыл бұрын
I like your very aesthetic videos, the blue lights is amazing.
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for noticing! I change them up from time to time but the blue looks the best.
@JGMusic3 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much for this video! I'm about to order my first pack of elixir strings and I think I will go for the HD light. I mainly play fingerstyle, finger picking, are the HD lights a good pick for that you think? Would be very thankful for a reply! You deserve more subscribers, really well done video!
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
It is so much of a balance between tone and feel. I like a lighter gauge string because to me they feel better. But, I think the lighter gauge has a less balanced tone to my ears. But, that is a tradeoff I am willing to make. I say go with the Mediums and see how they feel. If they impede your playing then maybe go down a gauge. I like custom lights but they might not be everyones cup of tea.
@JGMusic3 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos Thank you for your quick reply! I think I will go for the HD Light as my first test, I really like the sound of them in your video and they are close to the medium gauge. Do you have any recommendation for strings to electric guitar? I have been thinking about getting 09/42 gauge elixir nanoweb for my electric guitar.
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
@@JGMusic I like 10s on electric but I am going to make a gauge comparison video for electric strings so I might change my mind once I compare all back to back to back.
@JGMusic3 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos Ah okay nice! Thanks!
@eugeniehang93783 жыл бұрын
Wish I watched this before I got a set of light/medium because I'd never tried them before, oh man, I hope they sound good on my guitar. Anyway, awesome video, so informative
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
I'm sure they will. Elixirs just sound great in general!
@itsjustmeMike5275 жыл бұрын
J, You could try lowering the action to make those mediums more comfortable, either by sanding the saddle or (this works great) take a little relief out of the neck. A 1/4 inch nut driver works for the trussrod instead of buying Taylor's tool. I did this to my 716 and it plays very easy with medium Elixirs. Only I/4 turn at a time. Yeah, that 812 comes with lights on it so mediums are bound to put more forward bow (more relief) in the neck. Heavier strings actually need less neck relief.
@nickmiranda41914 жыл бұрын
Really appreciate the audio quality! Thank you
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! Hope it helped.
@kristianmellingen4 жыл бұрын
Just fitted HD Light on my Yamaha FG400-A and they sound amazing!
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Oh Cool! Thanks for the update!
@anhdang15023 жыл бұрын
Recommendation for FGX800C?
@don65382 жыл бұрын
Thank you. I fingerpick with my nails and use Elixirs. Have mostly large body guitars (A few of the real Jumbo size and a Grand Orchestra) on which I used to use Mediums, but some years ago I slowly converted most of them to PB HD Lights. Even though I can't question the sound difference, the HDs provide a great treble sound and the large bodies don't need as much bass, despite the nuance in sound.
@admit83184 жыл бұрын
Well i tought thats elixir`s brand video on their channel :D Nice job !
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Wouldn't it be nice if I got free elixirs....one can dream!
@barkerlandar Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this vid. I have my 3/4 Yamaha APXT2 all dressed-up pretty with Elixir 10 47 phosphorus bronze nanoweb. My fingers and ears are quite happy.
@JTravlos Жыл бұрын
Nice!
@olsza69695 жыл бұрын
very nice work . I think we need at least two guitars with extra light and medium
@jasonswitzer17486 ай бұрын
The heavier gauge strings sound so full, but like everything in life there’s a balance. Here, it’d been playability tone. The Light/Mediums sound the best (to me), but I’d be happy with the Custom Lights if they’re easier on the fingers. 😊 Great video!
@JTravlos6 ай бұрын
Thanks! Mediums sound awesome but they take a toll on your fingers!
@joshuahendrickson48548 ай бұрын
Elixir strings are simply the best strings hands down. I personally only use medium gage phosphor bronze strings on all my guitars. I don't play with a pick, so want strings that I can get loud enough with just my fingers.
@JTravlos8 ай бұрын
nice
@carolo2159-v9y3 жыл бұрын
Hi, congrats for the best strings comparison video i saw. Do u thing the guitar should need an adjustment for a light to a light/medium gauge change?
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
I think a truss rod adjustment is necessary. The high tension of the thicker strings pulls the neck forward just a little but so to compensate you may want to adjust the truss rod to pull the strings back. If you went from lights to mediums the strings will feel higher off the frets. But this adjustment is so slight you could probably get away without doing anything and be fine.
@carolo2159-v9y3 жыл бұрын
Thank u!! 👍🏻
@patrickwalsh62403 жыл бұрын
Great video, thank you for your efforts. I am personally not so keen on the sound of the extra light set. Just happy to just stick with the Elixir 12 to 53's that my Taylor 214CE came with for now. A great idea to setup their guitars with such great quality strings from the factory. Makes them play and sound amazing when you try them out in the shops to which is important.
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
I like custom lights but the main reason is the feel of them. I think the heavier gauges sound better too.
@mirvuuson Жыл бұрын
At first it was hard to hear the differences. But the difference between extra light and custom light were huge, everytime. Just as you said, they're in a class of their own. However, as I started watching the video, I found I liked the lighter more for the lower strings, the medium just felt too thick to me in the bass. But in the treble, the lighter strings seemed too shrill. For my personal taste, I'm gonna go with the HD Lights, but I think based on preference, the Light/Medium and the HD Lights are probably the best tone wise. I've been playing with extra lights though for a while and I will say I agree. They definitely give much better control over the instrument. So if you're just starting with guitar, or if you love the feel more than tone, go for it. And if you love the tone, even better.
@nkdesignengineeringstudio17873 жыл бұрын
Very informative and direct to the point. Im planing to change my light(12) to custom light(11)in my jumbo coz im not satisfied with the tone/sound. Custom light is much richer and brighter. I play on strum and fingerpicking. I need ur opinion and help. Thanks
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
custom lights are my favorite gauge. I think they sound good but to me it is mainly a "feel" thing. They feel great. The lighter the gauge the brighter the sound but I do like a bright sound in general but again it really comes back to the feel. They feel great to me.
@nkdesignengineeringstudio17873 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Ive decided
@TheGreenKnightErrant4 жыл бұрын
Outstanding comparison thank you so much for this
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
thanks!
@stevetichenor49684 жыл бұрын
I just ordered a set of HD Lights for my Martin 000 Modern Deluxe. I have Mediums on my JCPA4 Martin, but have been apprehensive about putting mediums on the 000. On Martin's web page, they advise against it. I'm thinking I'll really like the HD Lights. Thanks for the video.
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Very cool! Report back when you try them out. I am curious to see how they turn out.
@billa63483 жыл бұрын
Wow! Thank you for this unique comparison. I like the tone of Mediums but my playing style is accustomed to Lights or HD Lights. I just purchased a Taylor Grand Pacific that came with Mediums. If I were to switch from Elixir Medium (clean barre chords are more challenging) to either HD-lights (lighter gauge bass strings) or Light-Mediums (lighter gauge treble strings), which, in your opinion, would provide the best overall "playability' for strumming and some fingerstyle with the least tonal compromise? Also, did you need to adjust your truss rod for each of those string changes?
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment. I definitely had t o do truss rod adjustments but I forget If I started with the light strings first or the heavy strings first. As far as which string you might like better, I would probably go with the Light/Mediums. I would want a lighter gauge on the thinner strings. Those are the strings that dig into my finger tips the most so it would feel better to lighten those up. My favorite gauge is Custom Light mainly for playability. Id just prefer a really comfortable gauge than one with the best timber now a days. Thanks for watching!
@billa63483 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos Thanks for the helpful reply! Glad I discovered your channel. Lots of useful and excellently produced and presented info.
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
@@billa6348 You're welcome! Subscribe if you havnt already. Helps the channel a lot.
@nibeshshrestha68194 жыл бұрын
This is one of most detailed demo...thank you I have enya ef 18 acoustic guitar...which string should i prefer?
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
My favorite are the "custom lights". I always recommend them. Thanks for watching!
@pudgydaddy8 ай бұрын
As much as I appreciate this video and feel most people should be playing a lighter gauge string, the arpeggio section shows he wasn't consistent with where he was picking the strings. Watch his pick placement over the soundhole on the 10's vs the 13's. Of course the 13's sounded warmer because he was picking much nearer the fretboard. That makes a huge difference in the tone. That said, I do appreciate the video!
@emiocchiuzzi5 жыл бұрын
only video so completed!
@JTravlos5 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I have a string comparison set of videos that will be out in the next week or so. It's going to compare different brands of strings. Subscribe to the channel for updates! thanks again!
@robertw18714 жыл бұрын
I liked the HD Light...
@sharantab17864 жыл бұрын
Excellent work!
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@duviercardona2112 Жыл бұрын
Hi máster, thanks for a great video!
@cousinyak18033 жыл бұрын
Nice video man I'll have to try the extra lights sometime I always play lights. Thumbs up and new subscriber Just for all your time you spend on this and your professionalism.
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! See you in the next video!- Jeremy
@jiyeo44033 жыл бұрын
Just subbed! This kind of content deserves alot. 🖤 Thanks for the effort sir! ✨
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@DiegoGonzalez_73 жыл бұрын
Congratulations, loved the video and the sound of 11s and 12s. What set would you use for a baby Taylor bt1?
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
I really like 11s. Actually they are custom lights so 11's-52's. They feel really good to my hands. Give those a try.
@DanRelayer_Ukraine2 жыл бұрын
Lights seem to be the most balanced. Has some of that medium fatness yet more forgiving on the fingers. Thanks for this great shootout video!
@JTravlos2 жыл бұрын
you're welcome!
@dpcustom4 жыл бұрын
excellent demo. well done.
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
thanks!
@genicadelara52434 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this.
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped!
@TheDTMCB5 жыл бұрын
that actually helps, done very well
@JTravlos5 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Im thinking about making this a series and going through many different manufacturers of strings. Glad this was of some use!
@mramos.guitar3 жыл бұрын
Great Video! I subscribed to your channel because of this video. I currently have custom light on my Taylor 400, I will give a try to extra light.
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
Nice, custom lights are my favorite so far. I still cant find a better string than elixirs. Thanks for watching!
@ikigai47 Жыл бұрын
Wow. As an electric player I prefer 9s after playing 10s for years and even thicker when I was in my SRV phase, and I began to wonder about acoustic, figuring I'd go custom lights over regular lights. But hearing this with good headphones on through my audio interface the lights sound way better than the thinner custom lights, even though I'm sure the custom lights would feel better to my fingers. Thanks for this, it saved me some future recording disappointment
@JTravlos Жыл бұрын
great, thats what these videos are for!
@anthonyglennmollicasr.4255 жыл бұрын
Fantastic video! It was a great help for me.
@JTravlos5 жыл бұрын
Thanks, glad is was helpful. Check out my string showdown series that has a lot of string comparisons.
@ArrepiaB3 жыл бұрын
Fantastic video! Used HD600 to hear the tones. For me Light Medium sounded astonishing. However it seems there is a difference between your chart (blue screen at the beginning) and what you indicate (bottom corner right) when you play for the size of the Sixth. So is it 56 or 53?
@ArrepiaB3 жыл бұрын
Then google says it’s 54, but your amazon link for the medium light says something totally different as well lol
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
@@ArrepiaB Hmm, I am not seeing the mistake but I'm sure its in there. Light-Mediums should be 56
@jakedooom3 жыл бұрын
Thanks. This is a very useful video.
@itsjustmeMike5275 жыл бұрын
Medium, for sure, on that Taylor. Acoustics can be so different. My Guild D-55, to me, is the cannon of cannons with D'addario EXP light gauge, followed by my Gibson J-45 maple with Elixir HD-Lights. Third is a Martin HD-28 Custom with Martin Lifespan Mediums. I'm going to have to put Elixirs on the Martin. It should be louder.
@JTravlos5 жыл бұрын
I think mediums sounded the best by far. Especially for strumming. But, I get such hand fatigue that I cant handle too much time on the mediums. Forget about fingerpicking for me. You could see my riffs getting worse and worse the heavier the gauge got lol.
@thainz8814 жыл бұрын
awesome video. thank you for your time
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@Friend_21624 жыл бұрын
this should have 10m views
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Agreed! Haven't caught that youtube algorithm yet!
@Bittoo25b4 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos cause they gone in deep sleep while listening your strumming
@chrishammonds72 Жыл бұрын
Have been using the 12-53 lights for years but have a lot of previous injuries and find the 12’s a bit too painful now. Just put the custom light 11-52 on and already notice an improvement and less pain which means I can play for longer.
@StereotypedMe_2 жыл бұрын
By the sound medium is superb, by playability for fingers is the HD ones
@italoluizz3 жыл бұрын
Best video that I found!!!!!! Thank you SO MUCH
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@joeltstewart Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this awesome video.
@JTravlos Жыл бұрын
You're Welcome!
@shinjifrancim7 ай бұрын
Extra and custom has buzz in it buzzing.
@PainkillerDCXVI4 жыл бұрын
That's odd the G string is 0.023 gauge for the extra light set? I guess it would sound pretty meh without a thicker string to cover the mids, or maybe the string would be so thin it would shed instantly. I like custom lights if there's one thing that I hate is struggling to do something on a guitar, if a lighter gauge will make me play cleaner I'm going for it, plus you don't lose volume at all when finger picking on a small to medium sized acoustic. Get phosphor bronze to give you more bass response and your guitar will sound loud and pretty.
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Phosphor Bronze all the way. I have other String Showdowns that Pit 80/20s and Phosphor Bronze strings and the Phosphor Bronze tend to sound better to my ear. Someone commented that 80/20 make a guitar sound like laminate and phosphor bronze sound solid wood. I like that analogy. Bronze just sound more earthy and like how a guitar should sound. But it's just all so subjective. To each his own honestly.
@allancrepaldiR153 жыл бұрын
Excellent video!
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@DAutomaton Жыл бұрын
Could you make a video like this but with daddario XS phosphor bronze for an electroacoustic guitar please. To see the different gauges. I hope you can, thanks.
@Therhythmsnap4 ай бұрын
I bought custom light 11g . A bit hard to play but great sounding. ❤
@chesslovers78073 жыл бұрын
Everytime i pick a guage.. I always choose the guage 10.. Coz i want to play with fingerstyle.. Bending the strings.. I try use 11 and 12 i got having a hard time to play with them such as bending but they are great in making harmonic sounds.. But i preferred 10.. I can play all day with 10.. And sound is also great coz of elixir.
@MayhemJack2 жыл бұрын
I just bought a new Yamaha FG820 and it sounds very bright, tinny; it definitely sounds like the acoustic guitar sound I have in my mind, and while it sounds really good, it's sort of not what I'm looking for, as I want more rich low end. I don't know if it's just the stock strings, which I was told were D'Addario Lights, but I'm looking at the Elixirs now as I've read it praised on numerous forums. This is also my first acoustic steel-string guitar, I've been playing classical guitar for the past 20 years. I've used D'Addario's Pro Arte nylon strings a lot in the past, but I've never had this much "squeak," it's kind of disconcerting. Anyway, the sound I want is a thick, rich low end (but not too much as that of the Mediums)-kind of like Bob Dylan's guitar sound in his first two albums. But at the same time I would also want to get a bright, clear sound from the high strings whenever I want to. From this video, I have pegged either the Light/Medium or the Custom Light. Can anyone give me any recommendations if you've used both of these gauges? I don't want to buy more than what is necessary, that's why. Also, what's the difference between Phosphor Bronze and Nanoweb?
@JTravlos2 жыл бұрын
Elixirs lean toward the bright side and you can change the gauge size to add more bottom/ warmth but at the same time you might be sacrificing playability with the thicker string. The bigger the string the higher the tension and the harder to play. I have a ton of other videos comparing different strings. I liked the "cleartone EQ" because if I remember correctly they had more bottom end. Phosphor bronze is what the string is made of. they usually are the warmer variety. The other common one is 80/20 which is typically a brighter/ more metalic sounding string. Nanoweb is what elixir calls their coating. They also offer a "polyweb" string which is a thicker coating. The nanonweb feels more like an uncoated string but you can still feel the coating. You wont get many squeaks with either version. All this is said with the caveat that your guitar will produce most of the tone and the string will only be the last 10%. It is sort of anecdotal, but sometimes the string wont bring out the tone you want if the guitar wont offer it to begin with. Hope some of that helps. I really do think some of my other videos may help your decision making because I have ton of videos on acoustic guitar strings.
@MayhemJack2 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos Thanks for the response, J! This is all very helpful information. The display models in the store had the tone I wanted, but the stock ones always sounded a bit different-crispier and indeed brighter. But I've been playing the guitar all day today and started to notice the difference as subtle, or maybe it's just beginning to adapt to my playing, or vice versa. Which I now believe that perhaps I just needed to "break it in." I haven't bought a new guitar in years, so I guess I'm just a little anxious. As I've said, I'm used to a classical guitar, so strumming and picking steel strings is something I'm still adjusting to. But with that, the sound I'm after is one close to a classical, but with more punch. I don't know how else to explain it, just that when I'd play contemporary music with my classical, I sometimes found it a bit lacking of that "acoustic character," that I would push up the mids in the EQ, when recording. Picking was always good, but strumming nylon strings just lacks that "punch." Could be something to do with my guitar's age, too. Anyway, I never really bothered with different kinds of strings before as with my classical, I just put them on and played. The acoustic just made me realize that I never considered that strings could affect tone, too. So, I find all this interesting. I'll probably try a couple of sets when I get the budget for it. But for this info you've given, I think I'll check out the Phosphor Bronze first, then. I like those warm tones. Does it matter which I pick between Nanoweb and Polyweb, though? Furthermore, do coated strings affect playability? I guess I never tried the coated variety too. Only thing I can tell now is that one is more expensive than the other-is there a worthwhile benefit to the higher priced one? Thanks for your help. And yes, your videos are the first ones I found to be actually helpful among the others in my search. Will look forward to seeing more of your content. Good day!
@JTravlos2 жыл бұрын
@@MayhemJack I dont know why they would be priced differently other than manufacturing materials or maybe one is in more demand? You could think of polywebs as Elixirs first generation coating. It was thinker but probably because they didnt have the capabilities to make it thinner. Then they came out with nanowebs with the thinner coating but still decided to keep the polywebs. Also, "some" string brightness goes away after a few days or a week. You do need to break in the strings a little bit. Good luck!
@MayhemJack2 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos Got it. Yes, I think you're right, I'm just going to have to wait a couple days to let them settle in, I'm starting to feel they'd get to that sound eventually anyway, so I'll just give these stock strings a chance first before spending right away, that would give me time to decide which set to get, too. I'm finding that it's the opposite for me with new steel strings, as I actually like the sound of new nylon strings! Anyway, thanks for your help again! Keep it up with the quality videos! Ciao!
@tobiaslejnerborn22383 жыл бұрын
I just bought an Epiphone J45. It has 12-56 on it which I am considering switching to Extra Lights. I have two questions: 1. Did you notice any noticeable volume decrease? (youtube seems to smoothen out any) my guitar is not the loudest one... 2. What about change in intonation, was that noticeable? A great comparison, best I seen on the subject!
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
Ive noticed that thicker the guage the more it projects along with more sustain. I do think you may take a hit in volume. But, I dont think it was much and to me, the tradeoff was worth it due to playability. As for intonation, I honestly dont remember.
@tobiaslejnerborn22383 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos thx for the info. I will do the switch and can add the result here.
@tobiaslejnerborn22383 жыл бұрын
Ok made the switch from Mediums to Extra Light (epiphone j45). No change in intonation at all so no need for a more complicated setup. Had to do some tweaking of the truss rod to compensate for the change in string tension. Much easier to play now (at the expense of, in my opinion, a little bit better tone with mediums). In all, happy about the switch.
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
@@tobiaslejnerborn2238 Awesome. I remember more sustain and volume with the heavier gauge.
@cassiusliem27443 жыл бұрын
Great Video! anyway i want to ask. If i want to use it for fingerstyle play, what exactly should i choose? custom light or extra light?
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
I lean more toward custom lights. The extra lights seemed more "slappy" and "brittle" to me. Custom lights felt a little fuller. The thicker the string the more warmth/bass/low end you'll get. So I'd say start with custom lights and if you really like them give the next size up a play just to experiment. Glad the video helped!
@cassiusliem27443 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos i see.. I used the wrong strings lol. I bought 80/20 instead of Phospor bronze and it's light. No wonder i felt strange but the strings still sounds good for me for fingerstyling. Thank you very" much for answering my question! It such a great help!
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
@@cassiusliem2744 Glad I could help! Next time try the Phosphor Bronze, they have a really distinctive tone that I like a lot.
@cassiusliem27443 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos haha yesss! I used daddario's phospor bronze before and i want to try elixir because it's very very recommended from the internet. Well.. unfortunately i didnt saw the type of the strings because im too excited and ended up with the 80/20 strings (just bought it a month ago lol).. luckily the sounds are still pretty good and i will buy the phospor bronze type later! Thanks!
@ynugami195 жыл бұрын
Great demo, very useful!
@JTravlos5 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Ive got a couple more string videos in various forms of production. You might like them too. Hopefully I can get them done soon! Standby!
@karffiol4 жыл бұрын
why do E and B strings sound very differently in HD set compared to Medium set, if those two are supposed to be same? The difference is apparent especially in arpeggio part. Thanks for comparison!
@Dnaq14 жыл бұрын
It’s because his picking position is different from the two comparisons. Makes a huge difference in tone. The closer you play towards the fretboard the more “round, mellower” the tone becomes. The closer you pick towards the bridge makes the tone more “trebly, brighter”. He should have been consistent with his picking position throughout this demo.
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
The video is not the recorded audio. Basically I am just syncing the already recorded audio to the video. I vary the video and hand position to get the best angle for the video.
@dhirenjazz8100 Жыл бұрын
Nice video, which one is better for resonant sound quality strings???? For acoustic guitar
@JTravlos Жыл бұрын
I think the Mediums sustain the longest.
@dhirenjazz8100 Жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos kindly write me name of brand & gauge , thanx
@JTravlos Жыл бұрын
elixir mediums@@dhirenjazz8100
@dunnkruger8825 Жыл бұрын
ADVICE- beginner player no callouses soft not bright Warm Mellow Almost nylon sound 1970 Epiphone Dreadnaught large body acoustic Suggestions?
@djtaavihans4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the welll made video :)
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@chappy484 жыл бұрын
Sounds like anything over Light starts getting a bit muddy.
@ethanallen12694 ай бұрын
Brilliant, thank you
@JTravlos4 ай бұрын
you're welcome!
@ethanallen12694 ай бұрын
Usually use the 12-52 but just put on a set of 12-56 phosphor bronze nanowebs
@JTravlos4 ай бұрын
@@ethanallen1269 What do ya think?
@isaiahjulian80985 жыл бұрын
I just recently picked up the guitar and got myself an Orange-wood Oliver Jr. Mahogany since it was pretty affordable. When asking a friend about what kind of strings to get once the current ones weren't suitable anymore, they said Elixir Phosphor Bronze 100%, but I honestly have no clue where to start and what my preferences are. I'm not sure what type would sound best for it. Thoughts please!
@JTravlos5 жыл бұрын
Hey Isaiah, A lot of people love Elixir Phosphor Bronze strings and that includes myself too. The strings are coated and they produce less squeaks when moving along the fretboard. However, if you are switching chords in the first position (the range on the fretboard closest to the tuners) you wont notice too much of the benefits of a coated string. My advice would be to start with any type of string. But, since I love elixirs I will say lets go with elixir phosphor bronze strings. Stick with those strings for a very long time. I would say months and months if not years. It take a long time to develop an ear for the guitar and the different tones different guitars can give you. It can take even long to distinguish the difference between the various types of strings. I have a lot of string showdown videos out that demonstrates the differences between string sets and I always say to throw on a good set of headphones because the difference can be quite subtle. It is a small niche of people I am hitting I think. Now strings will come in all shapes/ sizes called gauges and this pretty much relates to the diameter of the string which has a lot to do with the tension of the string. I like the Elixir "custom light" gauge/ tension because they sound good and are easy to play. So, maybe stick with that for a while and then after some time switch guages or even brands to see if you can tell the difference between the two. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching! Also, subscribe if you havnt already and be sure to check out my showdown series which might be helpful to you as well. Jeremy
@isaiahjulian80985 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos Thank you so much! I appreciate your insight. I didn't think you'd reply so quickly. Will do!
@superduperdom3 жыл бұрын
Great video and beautifully presented. Going to experiment a bit more. Been using light elixirs so far on my Taylor 714, which has worked well for my smallish hands. Recently bought a Martin HD 28 which is great, but I will lower the action and try some lights when the strings grow old. I play at home and don't need to strum/pick hard in a bluegrass band. Ease of playing trumps volume and tone. For now, I might also try detuning the guitar 1-2 frets and use a capo to lower the tension. Thanks
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
Nice, 714 is great guitar. I used to have a 712 and I miss it. I always regret getting rid of guitars.
@WhiteCranK3 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
You're Welcome!
@MarianoPerez4 жыл бұрын
I mostly fingerpick and have recently transitioned my guitars from the custom light to light. Your video confirms what I've been thinking, the light versions are nice for all around types of playing. I didn't like the custom lights when it came to strumming, they sounded really thin and metalicky. The light really handle strumming well. My fingers really miss the playability of the custom lights, however. I can't wait for my fingers to get used to the light gouge.
@JTravlos4 жыл бұрын
Custom light does have a metalicky sound. That is a good way to put it. They just feel sooo good. thanks for checking out the video!
@MarianoPerez3 жыл бұрын
@@JTravlos just to update, i had to go back to custom lights. I only get to play every other day in two hour slots and the long sessions on the lights were making my fingers hurt. I resolved the issue by going back to custom lights. I hate that i have to give up the sound of the lights but like you said playability is way better on the custom lights. Which did you settle on?
@JTravlos3 жыл бұрын
@@MarianoPerez I settled on the custom lights. I am fine with a little bit of a "slappy" sound but like you said I just really like the playability of them.
@DivineMisterAdVentures8 ай бұрын
Hey! Right off the bat (1:45), except for the extra-lights, starting with the custom lights, I'm hearing all kinds of nasty overtones drifting sharp after a couple seconds of sustain, coming from the wound strings. And it only gets worse with gauge. The extra-lights are stable - and they are the only set I can stand to hear without muting the wound strings! I thought this was a factor of dirt and corrosion. If you hear it - what do you think is causing it? Especially since you aren't even playing 5 and 6, and I'm just lost what to do now? Regardless, for whatever reason, the only set that sounds "in-tune" are the ones that sound "magical" to me - no surprise there. I would get sick if I can't have that perfect sound. It's one guitar, and virtually identical strings. I don't know - it's just too complicated. But UNACCEPATABLE (head shaking.) I came up with a partial theory. The amplitude of a string decreases on sustain, reducing string tension. If anything, the tone should go down. I am hearing overtones (multiples of the tone) going up. The sound of the guilty strings are clearly drifting sharper and sharper. I can't figure out how, but something resonant is INCREASING FREQUENCY - ON ITS OWN - and it shouldn't be doing that. Bending up by I think a semitone over 2-5 seconds. (Another clue is that) This only occurs in wound strings. - OKAY I GOT IT. It's the string construction variance between the core and the winding. There's a good theory to follow.. Bummer. Yes, I'm manic to solve theory problems. I'll get to the bottom of this - these are solid clues.