Do 13 Gauge Strings Give the Stevie Ray Vaughan Tone?

[@anthonyjenkins1436]

First and foremost, in my opinion you should always use a gauge you feel comfortable with. Forget what SRV used. Playing guitar well is difficult enough, you cannot enjoy or play well when you’re simply fighting with the strings.

[@crashalexander7232]

IMPROVISE ADAPT OVERCOME TO GET THE SOUND YOU LIKE....

[@MaxFury_Official]

Listen to the man the myth the inspiration for my artist name Yngwie Malmsteen. He plays light strings on the top and heavy on the bottom, it's easier to bend and do vibrato that way.

[@jackblack1675]

Yes ... but she isn't saying "I want to use 13s just because SRV did ..." She is asking the question, do heavier gauge strings beef up the sound? If so, what if you just turn up your amp, instead, as the Stones have said. I've tried this, even building a BEAUTIFUL Guild JF-55, a guitar that is OVERBUILT, and strong enuff for this, and strung it with 60/50/40/30/20//17s ... And, what were the results? You CAN'T bend the strings much. You may get a half step bend, but not more. But the fingerpicking songs become something you've never heard or felt before. Important Note: the GUILD guitars from the mid nineties, before GUILD was sold, were SO overbuilt that I didn't need to adjust the truss bar to make this happen. In fact, I can't' remember if there WAS one. All I know is, that GUILD/13 configuration was my favorite guitar until some asshole stole it from me. But to Mimi; I like your idea; but you need to truss that neck back to lower the action. In fact, take it to a PRO for a setup. That used to cost $30, last time I needed it, but that was 20 years ago. Also, if women can't open a jelly jar, they can't expect to play heavy gauge strings like a strong man could. But, Stevie was only 5' 4" tall ... of course, I don't know how strong his hands were. Mine are pretty strong, and with 12s I can't quite get a two step bend. Last; to my ear, I can't necessarily HEAR the difference between fat strings and just turning up the amp on lighter strings. But I can feel it! It changes the way you feel about yourself on stage. It gives you head room and gravitas as you stand there playing, and people seem to pay more attention to you with the fatter strings, sort of like being TALL. Stevie was short, by ANY standard. But he was BIG with his music. Do strings matter? In my experience, yes ... they most certainly do. But maybe more for the player than for the audience. And if YOU feel better about your playing, I believe the audience will feel that, too. So glad you tried out this idea. Don't necessarily give up. Bring in one of your MALE friends to play the 13s if you can't manage them yourself. I look forward to your future efforts. Take Care For Now; Jack

[@mrmotomoto]

This was strictly done for “content” relax

[@stevepick9527]

Those 60/17 gauge strings are what Dick Dale used on his Strat if I remember correctly. Of course he wasn’t bending them, just using the oke whammy bar for vibrato. HUGE sound out of them thru his Dual Showmans. I’m an old guy who actually saw him play in person. at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach. Loud loud loud.!

[@jayclark725]

I like how honest you are. I think having bigger frets would help a lot too. You mentioned Eb and someone talked about tightening the claw in the back of the guitar to lower the action which would help tremendously.

[@franritacca]

srv played with high action tho, having a lower action would probably create a lot of string buzz with this kind of very heavy gauge strings

[@nozzle28]

Great video and great looking Strat! A truss rod adjustment is needed to compensate for the increased string tension from the 13's. That will lower the action. Intonation should be set as well. Keep up the good work!

[@robertwilliams1770]

😂you dont have the hands for the job 😂

[@_TwoDot]

If you lower it then you don’t got the srv feel

[@brandon_945]

I went from 9’s to 8’s - vibrato feels really great with 8’s

[@bentoncushing8693]

Thanks for showing ,,,good stuff

[@BV_Beve]

Mia kudos for giving it a go but as you found out it’s not only finger strength related it’s very much guitar set-up related & the nut slots would need adjusting the relief of the neck bc of what the much extra tension does to the action also need to look at the saddles / bridge etc It’s a full set-up for sure 🤘🏽 ✌🏽

[@WFKTHETHIRD]

Try it with 2 seperate Strats of the same build but setup one properly for 13's & as you said tuning down a half step makes a big difference....

[@petergoddard1960]

There will be a massive additional pull going from9's to 13's. The neck relief will need tweaking for sure, but really the whole guitar will need to be set up and the trem re-balanced for you to stand a chance of playing how you are used to. Beyond that there's a definite shift in tone. I dont think the heavier strings have as much 'zing'.

[@funkmcfingers]

Your bridge has lifted due to the extra tension of the heavier strings. Add more springs to the trem in the back and/or tighten the claw where the springs are anchored in at the back. You'll find it 100% easier to play after that!

[@leechild4655]

true, with a jump from 9s to 13s you`d have to re-setup the whole thing. If you want good action and intonation.

[@jokermaan1]

If you have your trem floating, then the heavier strings will tilt the bridge forward, raising the action. When changing to a heavier gauge with a floating trem you need to make adjustments to get the correct string/spring balance. It may even be necessary to add a spring(s).

[@LilOlFunnyBoy]

@@1-Wheel-Drive He's right, you might also need to add an additional spring. Depends what's on the guitar currently.

[@jhors7777]

Lovely hair and playing Mia, thank you for posting.

[@jackblack1675]

If you read my previous comment from a moment ago, I want to mention something else; I play blues, and I use a SEMI hollow body guitar, for MORE fatness of sound.. I also use FLAT WOUND strings for another measure of GOODNESS. I play through an ORANGE OR15, ALL TUBE amp, through a combination of a CELESTION VINTAGE 30 and a CELESTION G12H30, so a CABINET with 2 12" speakers, one for Heavy BLUES, one for LIGHT/HEAVY rock. The blend and thickness of my sound is thrilling to me, and impressive to the audience. Other players often come up to me after the show and ask about my setup. You are on the right track. I would suggest this for you: no more than 11 gauge strings. USE a better amp than the BLUES JUNIOR. They're okay if you're new, but try a boutique amp, or an off the shelf ORANGE (not DARK, that's for METAL). Don't bother with pedals. Make your sound from your TUBES. Look into TUBE upgrades. It's really fun, and rewarding when your ORANGE amp sounds extraordinary, while others just sound GREAT. And, thank you for posting, and even telling us that your experiment went awry. We're with you in your musical journey. Be Goode!

[@thomasmassey719]

I Love hearing you play! Keep Rocking Mimi! ❤

[@FrancoTemplet]

Your sound is outstanding, never stop. Born/raised in Baton Rouge, I was a fan of SRV early on. So relieved to see younger generations discover this legendary musician.

[@ericnorth6577]

"Excuse me, but has anyone noticed my huge knockers?" - Mimisounds

[@63sgjunior]

Don't forget that SRV tunnel down to e flat. To be honest you get far better tonal range out of nines plus you can play for four hours without fatigue setting in Handy if you find yourself doing session work or recording to a deadline. Most of your tone comes from string choice and fingers. Keep rocking and experimenting until you find a sound that separates you from everyone else. Good luck. 👍

[@AndreaSilvestro]

Mia you look STUNNING!!! the curls too OMG

[@TKCoutside]

I always played either nines or 10s GHS. I would imagine with that big of a change you would actually have to change your entire setup. I'm sorry I don't know anything specific as I'm not a guitar tech I'm a guitar player. I super enjoyed the video keep rockin.

[@ivancat1891]

Wow, going from 9's to 13's is a big jump. You definitely would need a major setup on your instrument.

[@southernpride2003]

Howdy from North Carolina I started playing guitar at 7 I'm 20 now and my first guitar had heavy gauge strings and I still prefer heavier string gauges my friend Scott at stringjoy in Nashville is having a custom set made for me 17-60

[@papadelta1791]

I use 11s and that is thick as I will go. As I get older I will go down gauge as well. Actually GHS makes a 10 1/2 gauge set that works very well.

[@joeortiz841]

D*** I like your style, mime. You're pretty good

[@LoveOneAnotherHeSaid]

The more mass in a string, the greater the current will be produced over the pickup, so yes. Higher action will also be louder than lower - and nobody will tell you that - but doing it, proves it. God, you're such an incredibly lovely young woman - listening to you did me good. You have amazing colour sense as well as musical chops. Play on! Guitar truly is For Life.

[@SadWings]

I hear you. Mia. I use 10 gauge on all my guitars. I once tried 12 gauge on my Gibson es 335, but I couldn't play it. I can't imagine play g with 13 gauge. Thanks for the demonstration!

[@southernpride2003]

Back in the old days guitars had heavy gauge strings 30s through 50s so y'all should be fine

[@bigdave5946]

Your guitar fits your body perfectly

[@BlownDart68]

Most likely the neck needs adjustments to get strings down lower

[@fditrani]

Always a pleasure to see your videos...and hear your guitar 😮❤

[@FansSports]

Ya for the 13's normally require a truss adjustment to bring the strings back down, and a tremolo bridge adjustment. Also need to develop more finger strength. The bigger strings give you a fuller more powerful soumd. I use 10's on the electrics and 12's on the acoustics

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

" bigger strings give you a fuller more powerful sound" No they don't.

[@FansSports]

@RideAcrossTheRiver yes the do. In my experience, and on my acoustic especially.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@FansSports On an acoustic, of course. Heavy strings on an electric might amount to a quarter click on volume control.

[@travisnorman]

Can you imagine doing 2-3 hours of rehearsals on those giant 13 gauge strings?! 😫

[@socialLjetlag]

I play with 12 with high action and well,even cowboy chords are enough to make your fingers calloused for any bending solos,bare chords the traditional way it just a nightmare but the advantage is when you play with lighter gauges your so strong that the strings feels like noodles even 10s feel like noodles

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@socialLjetlag Tendinitis is a thing!

[@gatormcklusky5850]

there was a time i used to play a wound 24 gauge G string talk about heavy strings My God, I now play boomers 50 /10.5 David Gilmore strings, Those strings are perfect if you've never tried them i high suggest to give em a go.

[@millcrafters]

Mimi. Great post. I use 8's. 9's are what comes standard on Fender guitars. Gibson's due to their shorter scale length puts 10's on them from the factory. Easier to bend strings with a shorter scale length. An interesting thing is that you will notice that the depth of tone on the 13's is deeper because they are a thicker string. Just for the sake of illustration a bass string is even thicker yet, and of course there is way more depth out of them. Trying to make a guitar sound deeper with heavier gauge strings, specifically Fender guitars is like a soprano sax feeling left out because it doesn't play deep tones like a baritone sax. Deep tones are what the rest of the band is for. Trying to bend on 13's is nuts. Stevie Ray Vaughan used to use them, but he tuned down a half of a step. I read where he used to use superglue to attach his finger nail to his fingers again. Eddie Van Halen uses 8's. I love them. You can fly when playing them. Bends are a breeze. You can even bend full chords. Okay, I guess I am on a roll, but here goes. 50's Les Paul's used to be called "fretless wonders" the frets were that small. My Dad bought me a 1966 Fender Telecaster new back then, and I still have it. I measured the frets and they are .020". Fenders medium jumbos are .035". Gibsons many of them are .050". If you squeeze a string all the way to the fretboard on jumbo frets you are playing an out of tune guitar. So back in the day extra light gauge strings were the norm. What we have today especially on the jumbo fret shredding guitars is that they load then up with really thick strings, and that way they can play along the top of the frets, not even needing to squeeze to the fretboard surface. With a set of 8 gauge on jumbo frets is not ideal because it is difficult to figure out while you are playing just where the top of the frets are. In plain words with jumbo frets, and 8's you are playing an out of tune guitar. Big frets, and thicker strings is what is popular today.

[@user-David-Alan]

That was a cool experiment. Now you know and have a reference to his playing. Take care and stay well.

[@tommasopoletto1324]

That tremolo looks like it's about to snap ahah definitely full setup required after putting on .13 😄

[@manmanchan3546]

Mimisounds tone is great!

[@tah5w]

Great video. Basically adding a clean boost with bump in lower frequencies seems like it could make 9s sound like 13s. It's interesting, if I recall, Rick Beato did a video comparing string gauges and I could of sworn that the lighter strings had a fuller sound as compared to heavier. Seemed somewhat paradoxical. In your video, it def seems like the heavier ones are fuller sounding. Ultimately, I'm a Dave Gilmour fan, and can't imagine bending up 2 steps frequently with 13s, so 9-42 for me.

[@vince1229]

Billy Gibbons and B B King used 7's.

[@EVGUITAR1975]

I hope you are doing well; can’t quite forget the depth of the sadness you had a few weeks ago. Hope life is much better for you now! 👍🏻

[@EVGUITAR1975]

Well it felt like a few weeks ago; may be off on the timing 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@lexdeobesean]

Oh man those 9s sound good and that combo sounds super juicy! Damn I miss my Marshall now.

[@blaircaines]

Stevie Ray Vaughan used a custom set of GHS Nickel Rockers Strings that he helped to design. This custom set was called the CU-SRV. Stevie used the following string gauges for this custom set: High E-.013, B-.015, G-.019p, D-.028, A-.038, low E-.058. and sometimes he mix match E,B,G to a lighter gauge. To he used crazy clue on his fingers. I watched a video where the people who knew him, worked with him see his fingers bleed. Like I said he would use crazy glue put it on his fingers and touch someone skin to help him play. Anyhow keep up the good work.

[@Stringprodigy]

you need to adjust the truss rod. you can’t go from 9’s to 13’s without it affecting the action and the neck

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

What is the obsession with heavy strings?

[@JosephHernandez-lk7bu]

Hello Mimisounds really enjoy videos

[@larrpeninger]

On a side note, it is noteworthy how much your playing has improved over the last couple of years.

[@truthseeker7794]

She's still a beginner. Even with nines she couldn't bend or do a decent vibrato so trying thirteens was just ridiculous. I really don't think guys tune in for her guitar skills.

[@cheezyridr]

@@truthseeker7794 100% accurate. this video randomly showed up in my feed, and because the topic has been done to death for the last 15 years, i watched in case she might have something interesting to say. it only took a few seconds of hearing her play to understand what is going on.

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

​​@@cheezyridr people like watching somebody whos beautiful progressing well on the guitar, and learning to play with great feel and soul rather than going down the usual shred crap and metal gatekeeping route. Whats so utterly terrible about that? I can also guarantee she will have a better career in music than those shredders who are considered technically better due to her attitude to learning and the soul in her sound. Nobody wants more tapping/endless pinched harmonics on some supercharged 8 humbuckers spikey thing with mesa boogie clone guitarist in their backing band. She also knows a great guitar when she sees it, and tone. Hendrix, tom morello, kurt cobain, SRV, Jeff Beck, Clapton got their incredible sounds and power from single coils- strats and teles and some experimentation, not another sterile sounding Jackbanez.

[@cheapciggies]

This should clear things up....“I started getting into using different fret wire because I noticed that I had an easier time playing when I had a little bit more fret. With normal guitar frets, I was wearing them out so fast, and I found out that I could put bigger frets on the guitar, raise the action, and use bigger strings. For me, all that made it feel easier to play. This works better for me because I can play hard with both hands. The gauges vary because it’s based on the shape my fingers are in. I go from an .011 to an .013 on the high E, which is the only one I lighten up on. As a rule, the others are .015, .019, .028, .038, .054 to .056 or even .058. The good thing about such heavy strings is that you can hit ’em hard and they don’t move-when you pop ’em, they stay there”. (from “Texas Flood”)

[@SoloSi2024]

He tuned them down a tone. (I think). They will also create more neck relief, so anyone going there may need to slightly tighten the truss rod.

[@hardywatkins7737]

Yes i believe he did.

[@kevinmack9786]

Mimi Rocks 🤘🎸😎🎇🤘🎆 ☮️kevin

[@markjacobs974]

Going from 9's to 13's is a huge change. You need a whole guitar setup, and especially a truss adjustment to even make the 13's playable. It will affect the tone as well because your playing will be different. FWIW, I use 10's on my guitars with hum buckers, and 11's on my guitars with single coil. On my Strats with 11's I can get an SRV tone (heresy I know cuz he used 13's). Use what's comfortable for you to play and gets you the tone you want. Love your vids and your playing - keep it up!!!

[@jasoncherry4221]

srv was a beast !those 13 strings are brutal

[@darioarmellini134]

Hi there, we have a music shop here in Canada an we also play in a band. Strats are usually a bit thin sounding by nature so we recommend 10s or 11s at most to our Strat customers. Stevie's Strat uses overwound "Texas Specials" for pickups. Myself I had great success with the ones by Mighty Mite. Stevie's unique sound is created more by his strumming, he actually drags the third and fourth fingers across the stings slightly while using the pick, giving that sort of percussive effect. Try it and you will be surprised. Hope this helps. Ditch the 13s, very high stress on a bolt-on neck and on the Wilkinson tremelo.

[@jlore6344]

I liked the warmer sound of the 13s in the fist segment. When changing string gauge that drastically, as I am sure all the comments will say, you need to probably recut some of the nut slots and for sure adjust the relief on the neck. It would then play much much easier, but still not as easy as with the 9s. But I liked the sound of those 13s personally. Thanks for trying this, it was fun to watch :)

[@EgoShredder]

Not forgetting to readjust the intonation and height for each string saddle at the bridge, and adjusting the spring tension for the trem block. Tightening the truss rod may be necessary if the strings are causing a lot more tension, and making the fretboard curve..

[@crapple009]

Thanks for keeping us abreast on your guitar, greatly appreciated.

[@bobbysworldofficial]

LMFAO

[@Dnll88]

Awesome!

[@KyleLeeuw]

Love you Mimi ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@tymanngruter1808]

Mimi, you are my new hero, no doubt! ❤

[@Bigsbeee]

Billy uses 9's Nuff said. That Strat just needs a setup and be much easier to ply.

[@dannygreen1964]

To my ears, 13s on a strat will also give you a nice early Who sound. Beat on them as hard as you like, you won't break 13s.

[@cataclysmicconverter]

Townshend uses 11's on his Strats, so it's not too far off and he still gets that sound as only he can. He doesn't really do deep bends as much as his infamous chords anyway, but definitely can when he wants to. They were a tough step up when I tried them even just going from 10's, which I use on mine.

[@robertholtom9345]

Try using 10's, my younger brother played professionally for 23 years on the road full time and he used 10's. Even 10's will give you the tone you are looking for regarding playing Blues, and even give you a better tone for Rock&Roll also. Better than 9's anyway. However you may have to build up your finger strength for 10's. I'd say go for 10's, take your time, no rush.

[@michaelolz]

Wow. I love that color! Really nice!

[@mikemorrisonmusic]

Welcome back!

[@corneliuscrewe677]

I’ve played 10’s for 30 years, mostly GHS Boomers. A few of my guitars play better with 11’s, and though I’ve been experimenting with 9’s, I’ve been reverting most of the guitars with 9’s back to 10’s. I’m not sure the heavier string sound a great deal better, but I can hit them harder and they don’t buzz as much. I like that.

[@chrisambrose8838]

13 😱. Lol no way! I use 9’s 8’s if I can get them . Love your playing! Keep up the good work! ❤️👍🙋‍♂️🖖🏻

[@BillDudley-w4d]

when going from one string gauge to another on a strat, you have to adjust the trem system. 5 springs for 13's is probably a good start. I have a strat with 12's, but that's primarily the guitar I use with a slide. my advice is to try 11's and experiment with those first, but I really don't notice a tonal difference in higher gauge strings and only would recommend them if you are a heavy-handed player.

[@ashleyjohansson230]

I put 8 gauge on gibson les paul custom. Love it

[@jackschitt7783]

The action was high when you put the 13s on because when you make that drastic of a change between string gauges (more than 2 gauges) the guitar needs to be set up for the strings that are on it. When we buy a guitar the manufacturer sets them up for 9 and 10 gauge strings. We can usually go down to 7 or up to 11 without a problem but going from 9s to 13s the neck is being pulled harder than it is by 9s with the 13s, adjusting the truss rod in the neck is the correction for that. We may also have to reset intonation too. It sounded to me like you had both problems when you went to 13s because the guitar was set up for 9s and 10s. It had a high action because of the string tension 13s have on a neck. They pull the headstock toward the body of the guitar. That was part of why it didn't sound very good. The other part to why it didn't sound too great with the 13s on it was because doing that threw intonation out a bit, again because of the string tension being higher.

[@TheBasementguy]

With the higher action you would like the 13s for playing slide.

[@BringMeSleeps]

12 Gauge Elixirs were my “go-to”, but now I feel the need to branch out. Thanks Mimi!

[@deltafit]

The reason why the action is so high when using 13's is because the extra string tension is pulling the tremolo bridge up. You need to put all 5 springs on and adjust the screws in the back to balance the extra tension of the strings with the bridge.

[@kurtniederstadt97]

So true and their is so much more she needed to do with each string saddle, Intonate with each string gauge change

[@stuahlers1528]

Don’t forget about the truss rod tweek also to combat the string tension forward bow

[@MrSongwriter2]

Exactly it’s the truss rod and the trem

[@mikefarquhar5063]

Hi, love your channel as always! ❤ The biggest gauge I've used was the same but on accoustic, never went that high on electric especially with a tremolo because it requires a full set setup that itd be just as well going hard tail and i like having the tremolo set with 3 springs- easier to use less tension, lower action and minor adjustments to truss rod, nut and saddles, but i did try the slinky cobalt 10's Although!.. they felt so weird on my fretting hand! And didnt last very long before dulling out of tone, so light gauge mixed D'addario NYXL custom 9&1/2- 46 or elixir on all my electrics. Have you ever wondered why when, well I'll share... when I started playing electric guitars going from acoustic to electric just doing chords, basic techniques was more a rythum oriented player, no bends, it was a bit of a transition and my first electric was a telecaster so you know hardtal on both,and I was at the stage where my hand strength and muscle memory, coordination etc on acoustic I was comfortable, But i wanted to play every awesome song solo i ever heard that made me feel soo great!! Learn how to do massive complex bends, all the good stuff awesome solos always had before i even started acoustic, But I started acoustic and I do not regret that because I still believe it is the best way to start for many reasons. how is it the sound of an acoustic is so gorgeous! But when i went to play on electric there was this horrible aggh! Noise?? learning curve because i was so used to acoustic my action was heavy, i played the electric like an acoustic and i sounded awful!! 😢 Then!, a buddy at my favourite guitar shop told me to try 10s that were more suited to my guitars setup too, and start soft, take a more subtle approach and play without it plugged into my amp, so thats how i managed to train my body and mind to hear and feel the resonance of an electric unplugged and from there i had a good reference point for most of my musical tastes, blues rock and some heavier playstyles, and be more trained to listen and my playing got better and i used to play my acoustic so hard to try stand out in a jam it was problematic lol, i mean compared to now so because of that learning curve i play the acoustic better too! And from there i started researching TONE from strings to settings both on the guitars and everything after that in the signal chain. Plus technique, found out after a wee while I later experimented on bigger gauges on acoustic for songs like wish you where here to get that thick full woody tone at the start and then found out a lot of that is made possible by contrasting eq setups too, mic's etc, a lot of which is done in a controlled environment in a booth with headphones only and no amps in your booth, on a mixing desk and in the you know competence of David Gilmours talents, but definitely much of the origin of the essence of the tone if its not there in your guitar from the get go to be captured in the first place via live micing then it's just not there... yet! ,(I'm sure there are plugins for that though lol) but I learned how to get around that I bought a bigger body acoustic and close mic'd it and tried making my own preset eq's to recreate the 1st part of wish you were here- the guitar through the radio sound intro, and when it came to the riff part having bigger strings did help but bending was a bitch! And even Gilmour changed his technique on that part on occasion by sliding on the G-string from B to C# instead of bending because idlk maybe live it sounded better having bigger gauge strings depending on the instrument. i wonder what gauge he used. I like how you cover these topics, and how take time to share a demonstration, because it can be very helpful and for some remind us all about the journey and inspire to keep experimenting and reaching for the the killer tone that's so fkn awesome! Keep on keeping on Mimisounds- you are awesome! ❤❤❤

[@Wardell43]

Yes, if you tune down. I rarely ever find a reason to tune down or use a capo Here, let me Testify "If you wanna sound like Stevie baby, Tune your 13s down low Just a half stepping baby Tune those 13s down low Crank up your Super Reverbs And let the Hamilton flow Now I know you own a Strat baby and you play it all night long Yes it's easy to love your Strat baby cuz you can love it all night long Wake up your neighbors when you play another Blues song Now Stevie Love his Marshalls But he loved his Dumble too He loved his clean Marshalls But he loved his Dumble too When he let his Wah scream on The Things you used to do Now when you sound like Stevie Do you have your White Boots on How can you sing like Stevie Without your White Boots on Telephone me baby If the Texas Flood is Gone Well I couldn't stand the Weather On the Rivera Paradise When I jammin with Lenny On the Riviera Paradise But My Number One Baby You know she feels so nice.

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome epik video lovet

[@rockerbuck967]

Great video Mimi! Sadly, the answer is 2 things that NOBODY will ever have.....his heart and his hands. I just his play his music and enjoy it the best I can. That's all any of us can do. But it's fun to try......

[@archieguitarz4700]

Over the last few years I've setup all my guitars with 9-46's. Thirteens require major setup work on a Strat especially.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

I bought a used Tele where the prior owner used 13-56. Took a long time to undo the damage from that. Fender called that abuse!

[@jeffcreep]

You are great. I love your videos. :)

[@aramriley7062]

Love your playing! ……can we get a video on some of your favorite pick preferences, styles, material, sizes, brands, etc? I mean it is what connects your hands to the sound that comes out. Maybe some makers can hook you up with some boutique picks or custom ones just for Mimi! Check out honey picks, Apollo picks and purple plectrum for some of the big players in the boutique market

[@ronaldjones8971]

Great video. Thanks

[@juliodefreitas157]

Awesome video ❤❤

[@Nicholas-dreamlove]

You play good Mimisounds xx

[@mbberry135]

Whoa Whoa to Jazz Medium Strings!!

[@vinivola]

Excellent video and your hair looks amazing.

[@ronmatthews7213]

Any time you change gauges or sometimes even string brands, the guitar needs to be set up completely. That's truss rod adjustment, tremolo springs adjust, possibly bridge saddle height adjust and intonation reset. For larger strings, the nut slots may need to be opened to make sure they aren't binding or riding high in the slots. It would be a wonderful world if all you had to do was slap on any strings gauge and play on. That is not the case.

[@geoffsides408]

The nine ga strings sound better.... SRV had big strong hands and his playing style was very aggressive.. BB king played 7 ga, Billy Gibbons now plays 8 or 9ga but he gets the same tone as he did from when he played 10ga. Of coarse the instrument will dictact a lot of the sound but your hands, technic and how you approach the instrument will determine how much soul and passion come out. That is what makes the biggest difference. Play the gauge that feels the best and brings out your soul and the feeling that only YOU can deliver. You are a good player.... If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Put 8 or 9ga gauge on your guitar and just play. .. I enjoy your videos, keep doing what you do.

[@frankbutta9344]

You sound fine with the nines! 👍👍👍👍

[@DCMcNeilJr]

Keep up the doodlin'. You know how to get the hits. I think the wire gauge needs to support what's underneath it.

[@Greg-kj5rr]

Thanks Mia for doing this video I knew Stevie played with 13's and I always wondered if Stevie had a custom set up done with the 13's on? I know he'd have to have the nut and bridge 'string cuts' custom cut and widened a bit to have them seated properly along with the neck truss rod adjusted to accomodate string heights to avoid fret buzz and make height clearances and his tremolo system would have to be adjusted to compensate for the added pressure and tension. I 'did' know you were going to have problems playing 13's tho because I tried a custom set of 11's once an 'I' have hands like a Gorilla and I was having trouble playing them. I've since decided to follow Muddy Waters and B.B. Kings advice and ask myself why I'm working so hard and drop down again back to 9's or 10's and even those sometimes test your hands' muscle and pain threshold taking abilities. Thanks again for your videos!! Hey what about a video about how we can record on computer and the equipment it takes and maybe how to just lay down a couple tracks?? I'd love that!! Good to see you again!! Hugs - Greg Leonard 💜💗💜

[@KyleSG88]

Stevie went lower in gauge near the end of his life do to probably arthritis starting.

[@toddjohnson5176]

You are so precious. Much love from San Diego 🩷

[@korokov5299]

If you're a guitar, I'm the strings, Mimi.. you & me.❤

[@salimoneus]

I could be reincarnated as this specific guitar, and be totally fine with that.

[@ButternoteBackingTracks]

Let's bear in mind SRV tuned down, had pan-sized strong hands, incredible technique, plus spent most of his professional playing career as high as a kite, so felt less pain! Soon as he cleaned up, he went down to 11s... most of the tone is in your fingers!

[@wingnutbert9685]

Yeah, hands like a bunch of bananas! And crushing handshake. I've also heard BB King tried his guitar and asked him WTF have you got these god damn strings on here for. Conversation about tone followed and Stevie lightened up. Even down to 10 heavy's.

[@_TwoDot]

⁠@@wingnutbert9685also him sobering up made him lighten up on strings too

[@davidellis5141]

David Bowie knew Stevie was awesome 👌.

[@TribalGuitars]

You would need a whole setup done to play the 13s right, including swapping out the nut so either the 13s aren't punched in the 9s/10s slot or the 9s/10s aren't slopping around in the slots cut for 13s. The strings in general are putting way more tension on the neck so the relief needs adjusting and does the trem because I guarantee it was torquing that up out of position. Stevie had **incredible** hand strength but he was also one of the people who believed that big strings equalled big sound. He wasn't any different that a lot of people who get odd ideas about what makes good tone. Look up Billy Gibbon's talking about how he and BB King played each other's guitars and why Billy went to lighter strings. Stevie would drop down to 12s and even 11s after he'd been on tour a while, or hadn't played in a while and was getting set to tour, or (and especially later in his life) he started getting some arthritis in his wrists and hands, and was playing 12s and 11s often by the time he died. I put 9s on everything and have 8s on my daughter's Tele because she has muscle weakness, and those 8s a a blast to play! Plus, when I get back on the 9s my playing is a lot tighter! So bonus points! 🤘

[@EVHFV]

The added string tension of the .013s puts a LOT more pull on the tremolo springs, causing the higher action. To bring it back down, the tremolo claw needs to be tightened to get the tremolo back down to the body. .013s are extremely heavy strings, and while they may help get the Stevie tone, they can stress your muscles and cause injury. Stevie had huge hands, so the heavy string gauge probably didn't affect him much.

[@jdl2180]

The higher gauge strings put more of a bow in the neck which caused the action to be higher. She could fix it by adjusting the truss rod

[@EVHFV]

@@jdl2180 true, and good point, but not nearly as much as the raised bridge. Look at the bridge with the .013s versus the .009s, it's sooo much higher!

[@jdl2180]

@@EVHFV that is true

[@OrbvsTomarvm]

hey mimes, love your smile.

[@Midian974]

❤ from Reunion Island Nice strings The last ones i bought was a David Gilmour signature 😁

[@juliochingaling5824]

Excellent video. God bless.

[@fenderstringbender1]

When you change string gauge, you have to set-up the guitar again. The 13's are going to put a lot of bow in the neck from all the tension, thus the action is going to be unplayable for most. I wish I lived near you so I could set it up for you. As always, I love watching you play. Take care. Much love! ❤

[@JeffCdeBaca]

Another tip is a heavy gauge pick and pick harder! Emotion is a key in sounding emotional.

[@JazzBagPipes]

Used to play with heavy gauge strings when I was a teenager and had exactly the same problem with barres etc especially when I'd be playing for long periods. Unfortunately I was also quite stubborn so I kept doing it for far longer than was sensible 🙃

[@paulsawers4342]

Awesome .excellent video.🔥😃from nz.

[@philfyphil]

Always played 10s, they are the only gauge for me. Dean Markley Regulars all the way. The nut needs to be re-slotted for 13 top gauge strings along with other adjustments to the neck and springs. Rick Parfitt’s Tele was set up with a 13 top.

[@BluesMan88]

The heaviest, beefiest guitar tone in the business belongs to Billy F. Gibbons and he uses .007 gauge strings. I tried them myself, they're VERY easy to play but at the same time it's very easy to fret out of tune if you press too hard. But otherwise, I recommend you try them

[@lugnutz6353]

I thought the 9’s sounded better. Nice ‘globes’ Mimi

[@eldorod]

Stevie had bass frets on his neck and tuned down a half step.. I tried running 13's back in the day and wore my frets to the wood. Plus Stevie's fingers were the size of logs

[@testcyp767]

As far as the high action is concerned, a little turn of the truss rod would get you where you want to be. Also, you mentioned it yourself, playing in E flat helps a bit also. With that said, personally I can't stand the heavier strings. It makes bending such a chore and I feel the high end gets muddy. Those 9's are perfect IMO. Also, great choice of strings. You can't beat the D'Addarios and that Strat (chefs kiss). Nice video Mimi.

[@Wardell43]

When you tune down, those 13s bend easier, Don't mess with your truss rod, if necessary scootch up your bridge However I agree about the D'Addario strings. I've been using them for over 30 years as they hold the chime months longer. Now as for sounding like Stevie, He used Dumble and Fender amps combined and for much of his career he used a Hamilton custom guitar as seen in the video "Couldn't stand the Weather" as well as a plethora of Fender Strats.

[@danhooper3819]

9-46 is what I mainly use. SRV had massive strong hands,

[@Nicholas-dreamlove]

Use the alan key that came with the guitar and slightly and slowly turn it to the right. If the neck has a bow in it, good luck Mimi xx.