Does String Gauge Affect Tone? 10's vs. 13's Comparison

D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings - www.zzounds.com/a--3971116/pr...
Check out the Epiphone DR-100 - www.zzounds.com/a--3971116/it...
Today's video is going to be focusing on comparing the differences in tone between 10 and 13 gauge acoustic strings. Because of the trauma caused to the neck of the instrument by moving between string gauges so quickly, I've decided to use a cheaper Epiphone DR-100 for this demo. In this video I'll be stringing up this guitar with an identical set of strings from D'Addario - the Phosphor Bronze set. I'm using the same guitar, mics, pick, mic placement, and right hand position to hopefully isolate as many variables as possible so that the only difference you'll be hearing is because of the different thickness of each string set.
Highlights:
0:00 - Introduction
1:45 - One disclaimer
4:20 - Back to back comparison
9:57 - Outro
I'd love to hear your thoughts! Let me a comment down below if you thought the 13's did truly sound better than the 10's or if you actually prefer the sound of the 10's over the 13's.
For business, lessons, & questions - / alexpricemusician
Stay tuned for more videos on similar topics:
$140 vs. $3,000 Acoustic Guitar // Martin HD-28 & Epiphone DR-100:
• $140 vs. $3,000 Acoust...
Acoustic String Comparison: 80/20 vs. Phosphor Bronze:
• Acoustic String Compar...
Does String Gauge Affect Tone? 10's vs. 13's Comparison:
• Does String Gauge Affe...
#guitar #string #comparison
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[@pizzaman5169]

I started playing in 1962. I've had a lot of guitars over the years, Martin, Fender, Gibson, Rickenbacker & on. I have 3 physical disabilities(all forms of arthritis) & I had to stop playing in 2002 because my hands got so bad. Then, about a year ago, I tried to find a way to play again. I purchased the same model Epiphone you use in this video. I am very pleased with this guitar, seeing I didn't want to invest a few grand on a guitar if I couldn't play again. I use 10 gauge strings on it because they are easier on my hands & they serve my purpose well. I learned a more minimalistic way of playing so I can at least play again. The reason for my story, from an old guy like me, is to say that if you love playing, do your best to find a way to do so, no matter what the problem may be. For me, playing again has filled a hole in my life & in my heart. Even with all the pain, it makes me happy, and shouldn't we always try for happiness in life ? Play on, my friends, play on !!

[@kikovlogs5344]

pizzaman5169 very well said

[@pizzaman5169]

Two high points in my life were being able to jam with Richie Havens & Joe Walsh. Walsh lived in Kent, Ohio when I went to school there, he was with the"James Gang" back then.

[@callmedru]

Stopped playing 15 years ago and thanks to covid, started playing again but my fingers are killing me. Maybe i should re string to 10's to soften the blow on my fingers

[@pizzaman5169]

@Francis Lim I've lived with this for over 50 years & tried anything & everything to treat my conditions, but to no avail. I used the term arthritis as a way to make a quick point, but there is much more to it all than that. So, no, although your "idea" is appreciated, you don't know half of what it is !

[@brianking5092]

I have nerve and muscular damage to my hands so I transitioned to playing "bottleneck" style with a slide with minimal fingering. I went to heavier strings, raised the action a little bit, and put a flatter radius on a new, taller, nut. The D maj chord tuning is down a step so the total tension on the neck is close to that of lighter strings. I'm having a blast now. I have added a resonator guitar and a cigar box guitar to the stable of noise makers. Never let life get in the way of making music.

[@okshadowbannedjet7981]

it took some time to find someone to simply compare the sound, thank you for that! Cheers!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Glad I could help!

[@jesselefevre4945]

It did t take some time

[@user-hd4wf5gq8r]

I wanna put 13’s on my electric, and make the action masochistically high, that way I can develop some good finger strength, and I’ll be the only person around who can play that guitar because when someone else tries to play it they’re like “bro wtf”. Update 01/25/24 Both my guitars are missing their jack, but anyway Ernie Ball heavy top skinny bottom is the way to go 👍 also I weld now 💀

[@BluFEET1000]

Ahh, The SRV method i see...

[@MartyTheCarGuy]

I see you too are a man of culture

[@WizardOfCheese]

file down your frets so they buzz unless you press down hard

[@shanubar91]

Lol I like the idea 🤣

[@alexc.7807]

you shouldn't really have to press that hard. I'm struggling right now trying to teach myself to press more lightly, which is better for intonation and accuracy

[@karlparsons2031]

To me the 13s -- warmer, thicker. The10s -- brighter , thinner. Both useful

[@hannibalclark6111]

Agree 100%

[@oldbonesbushcraftrodjackso474]

Yes .

[@robbyclark6915]

I gotta admit that I really like the 10s, and I didn’t think I would. ?? They seem a little more focused, a little clearer. The 13s sound almost muffled at times compared to the 10s.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for your thoughts Robby. I think it’s all up to preference!

[@nitelad]

My thoughts exactly

[@dooby6400]

I prefer the tens too

[@thesedreamsarefree]

The 10s do sound brighter.

[@jonathanpaulpano]

Yes it seems to choke the guitar

[@AGKyran]

I honestly thought the difference would be much more noticable. Thanks for this video !

[@vandyman1716]

I feel like the 13s have a better tone on the lower strings, but the 10s help you to hear that high E string a little clearer

[@cleangoblin2021]

answer could be custom gauge strings. Mixed 10s with 54s atop

[@silesia93]

Exactly what I was looking for and you even have the same guitar as me so it's twice as useful! Thanks!👏

[@franciscomazali]

I think the main difference is in the pick sound. with the lighter gauge you get higher volume but it comes with this twinkling sound in the right hand. the heavier gauge is so more smooth and warm on the touch. nice job!

[@Tarik78671]

Lighter picks also make a lovely percussive sound

[@etralin3dream983]

Sounds backwards

[@myvalium1]

I’m in the process of buying a new guitar and your experiment was super helpful in my decision for setup. Thnx - great job!!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

That’s great to hear! And congrats in advance on the new guitar 🎸 🔥

[@mattiecreates]

Great playing! thanks for doing this comparison

[@lemonyandzesty]

I've always prefered lighter strings. The difference in tone between heavier and lighter strings has never really seemed like a big enough difference for me to care, and the lighter strings certainly don't sound bad. Lighter strings are easier to play, so as far as I'm concerned, they're the better choice.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@tortoise2.04]

But lighter stings break easier. But I do bend alot that's like my only trick.

[@tortoise2.04]

But lighter stings break easier. But I do bend alot that's like my only trick.

[@lemonyandzesty]

@@tortoise2.04 Admittedly I don't really do string bends anymore, but about 10 years ago I did lots of shred and bluesy solo playing with heavy bending. I don't think I've ever broken a string once, even playing as light as 8s on my electric. I even used Floyd Rose bridges a lot. But hey, if the heavier strings work better for you, and give you the feel and sound you like, then that's what you should should use.

[@timbervandenhul9383]

@@tortoise2.04 I have never broken a string by bending, even when bending 5 half steps for example. I use 10's from D'addario on my electrics. On acoustics I don't really bend more than 2 half steps. In my experience broken strings are caused by sharp edges on the tuners/bridge. Or just worn out/corroded strings.

[@tikigodsrule2317]

When I was young I listen to music and wanted to play guitar. Took lessons and lived with some guys that taught me a lot and would go into the music store to stare at the multi $1000 guitars. Some friends and I went in and the shop owner showed us a cheap used guitar we promptly made fun of. We didn't like the cheap construction, no fancy inlays, obviously dead strings... After we moved on to badly play the forbidden song a very old guy that looked like your school janitor picked up the junk guitar and started to play. Lightning struck that room and to this day I have rarely heard such playing. I was young and knew everything so it took a long time for this to sink in. Its not the guitar at all its the performance. Most people in the audience won't have a clue what brand of guitar you have or strings are on it or care. They will hear your technical skill but that sounds like a machine, are you in there? Playing with abandon, lost in the music or just walking through it? Maybe I just need the courage and have more confidence holding a Martin D28, I need a crutch. Truth is none of my music hero's got there because they played a Martin D28. Hell Glen Campbell played an Ovation. But he played the hell out of it and it really would not have mattered to anyone in the audience if the guitar had Daddario or Elixer strings. I'm a lot more humble now and cannot use the excuse that I don't play better because I don't have a D28. But I never, never play the forbidden song in a music store...

[@firebald2915]

Going from a thicker pick (deeper sound) to a thinner pick .38 Dunlop (brighter sound) on any string set up gauges. Try it. Plus, where you pick on the strings ie; behind the sound hole or over it and at the base of the neck. Sound is all over the places where you plan to pick. It's not just the strings gauge.

[@omni_naomi]

Thanks for comparing the two, helped me to decide which ones I want to go for - 13 it is! :) Great guitar skills by the way!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the compliments

[@Weeble_Warbles]

I'm really digging your videos. I like the 10's, but it's all personal preference. I tend to be drawn toward brighter sounding guitars. Both sounded nice, just depends on what you're going after. Great video.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I’m glad people find them interesting, and I love hearing everyone’s thoughts. Thanks so much for sharing 🙏🏼

[@TheMarc52]

I like the 10s better. There's better midrange and more clarity in the highs. Just better articulation and differentiation overall. The bass seems a bit fuller with the 13s, but, next to the 10s, it sounded a bit muddy. Thanks for doing this.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for your thoughts Marc!

[@TeoBDuremdes]

I am really very thankful that I don't have a very keen set of ears that most of you guys here have. They both sound the same to me. And if ever there is really a difference that most of you guys pointed out, I think it's barely noticeable to a usual crowd or audience who just love to listen to a good music.. This video confirmed that in choosing between two exactly the same set of specs of strings, I just have to pick the lighter gauge because of the more smooth and relax feeling it can provide than the heavy gauge strings can. Less tension, less stress and longer period of time to enjoy playing the guitar. Thanks for this video. Cheers!

[@oscarbrito3287]

I think heavier strings like 13's and 14's work well on non-standard tunnings. I prefer 10-11's for standard tunning.

[@GuitarType01]

11’s are perfect

[@markellis8621]

I’ve got an Epiphone dove pro acoustic. And I use 13’s tuned to Eb. Feels and sounds great for me. Personal preference really i suppose.

[@nikitafagerbrant2428]

Clearly it is not a revolutionary difference between 13 and 10. I would say the most primary choise is what you prefer as sound. Thicker gauge did give a bit more sustain on the bass strings. But, non of them was bad. For a beginner I would defenitly recommend the lighter gauge.

[@MrTom-Songwriter-Composer]

It really depends on song or instrumental that I'm writing and recording. I tend to use 10's or even 9's (which are hard to find) when I'm finger picking arpeggios and strumming chords. If I'm mainly just strumming then sometimes I'll use 13 for a bit more loudness and less high end. The other big thing that people need to watch out for, is the over all tension that 13's put on the guitar string bridge and also on the neck. Acoustic guitars that are inexpensive tend to have bridge lifting issues down the road, a light gauge string like 10's or 9's are better to mitigate that.

[@david_matheny]

Some may describe the 13s as "more full," but I would describe the 13s as "muddy." To my ear, the 10s offer a better tonal balance with the added benefit of improved playability.

[@DaleRobertSzyms]

I was thinking the same thing, the 13s sounded muddy. I have arthritis in my hands so I was thinking about switching to 10s myself and was going to record my guitar with 12s on it originally but I guess now I don’t have to do a comparison. Thanks!!!

[@francescosessa8719]

In my experience the thickness of the pick changes tone more than the strings So l use 1mm thick pick with a very warm sound on a set of brighter 10’ which are easier to play and have more sustain than 13. Thanks for great video

[@jimmy5634]

Not only the thickness, but the material the pick is made of. As an example, Nylon will give you a less crisp tone and that will be the constant on any string gauge.

[@francescosessa8719]

@@jimmy5634 agree, picks are many with different flavors.

[@enforcer41]

Exactly, don't like the tone of your guitar change the pick as it's much cheaper than buying a new guitar.

[@bobnolin9155]

I love Dunlop Primetones. Hand-beveled, not expensive, and they do sound better, to my ear.

[@kimlodrodawa123]

Just changed my strings from 11 to 13 on my acoustic. Wow, what an amazing sound. I dont think I will ever go back to thinner strings. Too much pling pling in those thinner strings imo. But its a personal taste. So there is no right and wrong.

[@mattiecreates]

hows your fingers ? notice a huge difference of discomfort while playing?

[@kimlodrodawa123]

@@mattiecreates - A good setup is actually more important than the gauge size, when comes to fingertips. - I have fat farmer fingers, so need to pull or push strings a bit now and then to make clean sound. The 13 strings is for sure harder to pull/push. So I have gone down to 12, which make it more easy. Also I tune in 432 hz, which also slightly slack the strings. - I prefer the 13 strings for sound, but compromise is 12 strings. Still good bass sound and thinner strings not too much pling pling. As I get more skilled and hardened fingertips, I might go back to 13 strings, but for now 12 is what I use.

[@RogerioDuarte]

I changed from 011 to 012 I liked it.

[@Ian-tk3rq]

That was very helpful thank you and well played

[@gaz__0782]

Thanks for making dis video 😎👍🏻👊🏻

[@Mark.R.]

You went to a ton of work to put this together! Kudos! I didn't notice much difference other than the lower tones stood out more on the 13's. But then, I didn't have the volume on the video cranked, either. I'm playing some open tunings and getting buzzing with the 12's I have, so will try 13's. Based on your video, I think it will sound fine. Thanks! (Epiphone EJ-160E John Lennon edition)

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for your thoughts Mark. Glad it was helpful!

[@garymcaleer6112]

Good post, Alex. Appreciate the common sense approach. I subscribed some time ago but hadn't seen you for awhile. Hope all is well these days.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks, you too! Been really busy lately, which is good.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The 10s (they also make 9s in 85/15 Bronze etc) make your Acoustic feel like an Electric & the sound is more percussive too. 10s might work in a Bluegrass setting cause you know how much faster you can really play.

[@jamesnusky6257]

Thank you for the video my friend.

[@javierdiazsantana]

Hey there Alex. Greetings from Mexico. Hoping you are doing very well, i would like to ask you: I actually want to try out thicker strings (12/53 or 12/56 bluegrass from D'Addario) but i have an used guitar (Not vintage, actually seminew) which i don't know if it could hold up to that tension. I strung it with phosphor 11/52's and let it sit for a week on E flat tuning, and tuned it up to pitch today... Sounds great but the instrument's top was already slightly bent behind the bridge since i tuned it to E flat, i guess it had some random generic 80/20's before and i don't know in which gauge... Still i heard from my luthier that is normal in all instruments, but depending on the degree of it it could be normal or bad, and lead to the bridge getting loose and falling apart from the top, still i don't think that would happen since the bridge is screw - joint to the top... I could actually be playing lead or in a bluegrass group, i really enjoy doing it. Actually bought the guitar for playing in the street and stuff, for around 75 dollars, here in Mexico. Do you recommend me to try next a 12/53 or even the 12/56 on the guitar, after letting sit the 11's for a couple months? I would also like to know, the tuners on it are quite stiff, i don't know if higher tension strings could damage the tuners (Die cast actually, if they were open gear i would lube them up and tighten the screws... Greetings, i await for your answer. Take care. Another thing worth mentioning, the 10's are actually very easy to play but also to fretbuzz and distort, at the other side, 12's and above sound much better since they don't fail anymore... The sound is deeper and fuller, with more volume. And also, the thicker strings since they're higher tension, are physically harder to distort and buzz, and the strings do actually move less because of the tension and produce a louder sound, on that the top moves faster... I would also like to test that myself... The thicker strings do sound warmer...

[@michaelgao8621]

Hi Alex, I like 11-52 Custom light gauge, because it’s much easier than 13 medium gauge and sounds more beautiful

[@HaniJIsmail]

First of all, Id like to say you play amazing. I've had a guitar for many years and am still a noob but still have lots of fun with my acoustic! I just broke a set of strings (13s) and the tone sounds similar to yours. I thought heavier strings would sound better (thats what everyone seems to say) but after hearing my friends guitar (and playing it) with 10s and then watching this comparison I've got to say, for my playing the 10s sound way better. Especially on full chords it's like I can hear every note. With the heavy strings, I feel like the 6th and 5th string muffle out all the other notes of the chord......I have been struggling with this in my own playing to the point where I just try to hit 4 strings when I play a chord or else it just sounds too muffled for my taste.

[@GuitarUniverse2013]

This is videos are excellent and they take a lot of time; so much appreciated. There are other factors to consider when comparing gauges of strings. I feel the lighter strings will get knocked out of tune more readily than the heavier gauge strings. You already mentioned the difference in volume, but drilling down just in that factor alone means that it requires more pressure to play a higher gauge string and that’s harder on your fingers, yeah at the same time because the string is latter you don’t have to hit it hard with your right hand! Since all tone really comes from human fingers, the use of various fingerpicks and plectrums is also going to have an effect. I’m a big fan of heavy gauge strings, but after 50 years plus of plain mediums and heavies the arthritis in my hand is so bad that I basically can’t play professionally anymore. I bring this up because youngsters think they’re invincible, at least I thought I was invincible. So try to factor in your long-term play ability as well. Musicians are both artists and craftspersons because we need to use our body as our tool just like any carpenter or wheel right with use. In the meantime, keep rocking

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks! I appreciate hearing your thoughts

[@TheExtraTerrestrial]

How about custom lights (11 up top and 52 down low)? I currently have EXP16s (lights), but am wondering how the custom lights would be.

[@noahabello580]

Thank you this video is really helpful (even after a year pretty cool)

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Glad it’s helpful!

[@bentlyist]

I love the feel and sound of 13s on my Taylor. I rarely use a pick on that guitar so the feel is really important to me and it gives me confidence when I play. That said, it's all the way down to 10s on my electric, played with a pick.

[@robertnewell5057]

brilliantly presented comparison. No real difference on my headphones.

[@williammarine973]

What action height can you get away with when putting extra light strings on? How low can you go and not get fret buzz with moderate strumming?

[@wmvdw1978]

Thank you for the interesting comparison! Just a sidenote, for the same money as your guitar I got a Harley Benton dreadnought with solid top and bone nut and saddle.

[@Asadkhan-lh1wc]

Hey I am a beginner and I want to learn some of the progressions you did can you plzz make a tutorial for beginners?

[@DougHinVA]

amplification can be turned up easily... use the strings you play comfortably. I played a lot of open mic nights and find that 11-52 is my choice in 80/20 bronze since I play with nails (from classical lessons). 12-54 is standard light.

[@wilku7272]

what strings should I choose to achieve a sound with strong bass and slightly prolonged violins? one for the bonfire, for beating the songs. As close as possible to a classical guitar. thank you in advance

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Prolonged what? Anyway, if you want something similar to a classical guitar, you could try folk strings. They’re nylon but with a ball end on them so they’ll work with normal acoustic guitars.

[@Tarnov95]

Good professional video.

[@enzocypriani5055]

Thank you for the experiment

[@NinetyRalph]

I have really good headphones, even dropped your video into a daw to check with a graphical eq and I can't tell the difference, maybe in volume?

[@saurabhkannoujiya6166]

Hey!! alex just need your little help I have a yamaha f310 acoustic guitar And i sing perform so which gauge will be better for me???

[@AlexPriceMusician]

What gauge do you have on it now? Go with what it comfortable at first and then move up if you think you want to try a different sound or if you prefer to play heavy.

[@vishtrinity]

the guitar tone is pretty think,,and the 13s are making it unneccesarily muddy,i guess its the tonewood

[@jimmarinella9455]

Nice video. I liked the brightness of the tens. Overall I thought the preformer was the winner. Nice playing.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for your thoughts Jim!

[@danielreeves222]

Hey Alex I know this is an older video so maybe you won’t see this. But long time subscriber - really enjoy your videos. Your playing and professionalism really comes out in your vids and they have been super helpful for me. I know on most of your videos you mention you try not to let your opinions and biases come out - I for one would really enjoy a full opinion and bias video! Just a video where you show the gear you use professionally for gigs, what you prefer and have learned over the years, what strings you use and why. You could even mention gear you’ve tried that you really didn’t mesh with. Anyways, keep up the great work and hope you are well.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Hey Daniel, I appreciate you man! I actually just recently did a video going through my entire instrument collection. I mentioned what strings and picks I use for each one, so maybe that's helpful? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaDZiaaFmsqVo80

[@danielreeves222]

Oh man, totally missed that. Thanks for taking time to respond and direct me there!

[@MK-tj5bf]

Thanks for the video. Was wondering if 10 is (10-50) and 13 (13-56)? Thanks.

[@Natit227]

I have the same guitar as yours, do you know the stock strings of Dr-100? cause i wanna change strings as well but the same as the stock strings. Thanks sorry for my english

[@alexgochman6654]

.013, .017, .026, .035, .045, .056

[@minnesotajack1]

I would be interested in seeing this experiment on a $600-$700 guitar 13s seem to lack definition of notes. To me it crosses past warm to muddy

[@whatsupchicken]

This! Or even a 3000 USD guitar. I assume a high-end guitar may react differently! (Maybe not...)

[@StevenPatrick]

i agree the 10's sound way more crisper for a better all around sound good video man

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thanks for watching Steven. Glad it was helpful.

[@mikeyyg2000]

Man, you have some amazing technique and skill. I've seen men playing for 40+ years that couldn't showcase the skills you just did in this 10 minute video. It's always nice to have someone around that plays guitar. It can turn a simple moment into a beautiful music filled moment that everyone will remember. It's amazing how that works. I'm 27 and am just learning about the peace and serenity that it can bring into a home. This video gave me alot of motivation to keep learning. Keep up the good work!!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Thank you Mikey! I appreciate the kind words

[@jimwing.2178]

I preferred the light strings by a large margin in your demo. I play a couple of Martins: HD28V (dreadnaught) and OM28V (orchestra). I went from mediums strings to light and I thought the tone of both improved. While recovering from a bad injury to my fretting hand I tried extra light gage on both. I'm fully recovered now and still use extra light strings. I might try lights again, but I'll probably never go back to mediums. BTW, I did not have to make any adjustments to the guitars to compensate the different gages.

[@snorrevonflake]

Depends on the guitar, usually you can hear and feel when the tension is too low to get the top moving, some of my vintage light braced parlors of course sound good with 10s or silk and steel.

[@exerciserelax8719]

Very nice comparison. I thought the 0.13s really stood out when you were playing louder, more bluegrass style. They have more of a "thump" in the bass and the runs sounded more "articulate" somehow. With quiet playing I didn't hear much difference at all in the lower and middle range. At the upper range the 10s sounded a little brighter. All in all I feel assured that standard 0.12s are a good middle ground and I don't feel the need to investigate other gauges.

[@tx5brent]

Ok, I'm going to buy some 10's now. I don't need my acoustic to be loud, but I want it to sound a little brighter.

[@JosmanCiresSintes]

Very good your review,friens, can you say something about the tension how many times the tension increase? from 10 to 13 Thank's

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I’m not sure how to measure that. I can say that if you tune a set of 12s down to Eb standard, they feel similar to 11s in E standard. And 11s in Eb feel like 10s in standard, etc.

[@matthewjdouglas6471]

Ernie Ball burly slinky 11-52 would these be ok a beginner?? Any advise would be grateful 🙏 loved the video. I luke the tone of the 10s they are very bright the 13 has a more thicker tone. To my ears anyway

[@stephensmith60]

That Epiphone is a great little guitar. I bought the J 45 knock-off the other day and I LOVE it! It came with Gibson Strings, but I couldn't tell what gauge they were; maybe 12's. Anyway - the 13's sound much better than the 10's; however, for playability for your wife, I'd keep the 10's on for a while. Gradually go to 11's, 12's, and then 13's. My 2-cents. Great video.

[@wiwiksundari8668]

Very nice video, Sir. *sorry for my English grammar. I'm an amateur/semi-pro, I like light tension strings & I do loves the jingle jangle/chimey sounds. I only use the Aluminium Bronze 10s from Ernie Ball or Martin Retro Monel 10s or Martin Originals 80/20 10s with my humble 25.5 scale non-ladder bracing 2005 Korean Epiphone EJ-160E. Oh and I use 1.0 pick, the 351 from Dunlop Primetone

[@jgomez1973]

would the 13 be good for my fs800? i like the deep sound. rn i have the D'addario 11-52 strings but i really dont like how E chord sounds. im a newby but trying to learn finger style.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Generally, lighter strings are better for fingerstyle playing. My suggestion would be to try 12s first and see how they feel to you. Keep in mind you can also mix and match - so for example you could take the lower strings from a 12 set and mix them with the E and B from a higher gauge like 14 or 15. I know some people prefer to do that.

[@bradgray9703]

I recently purchased a Cort acoustic (solid top spruce) ply sides project guitar I repaired a crack in the top and replaced the bridge. I also replaced the nut and saddle with bone. At the time I didn't have any strings for an acoustic,so I put the only new strings I had,on it.#9 electric strings. I knew it would play easy,but I thought the sound would be terrible. Really surprised me! I've played Bluegrass for many years,and always used 12's and banged them hard. I've ordered 10's for this guitar, and will soon be replacing the strings on my other acoustics with 10's.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Awesome to hear your experience! Thanks for sharing Brad

[@enforcer41]

I did something similar years ago after breaking strings on a weekend used electric 9's and was surprised at how good the guitar sounds. I use 11's mostly now

[@user-ek7lj7eg1o]

very good video.rated!

[@tcoudi]

i guess you did not change the setup for the nut and saddle , right? that would make a huge difference as well, the agles change the volume and projection quite a bit.

[@alexgochman6654]

thanks for your video.i didn't see a diff between 10 and 13 maybe because of this guitar and i have also this guitar.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Glad it was helpful!

[@supunwedasinghe1]

Hello Alex , one of my guitar is very hard to press the chords , the strings a bit aware from the Fretboard, don’t no which gauge of strings that I put, any opinion ?

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Hi Supun - there are a number of things that can affect how easy the strings are to press down. Thicker gauge strings (like 13s) will be pretty tough and if they’re strung high off the fretboard, that’ll make it even harder. If the strings are too high, I would suggest addressing that first.

[@supunwedasinghe1]

Alex Price thanks for the suggestions, even iv no ideas which gauge iv put, will try to put 10s 👌🏾🤗

[@fit_qusai]

13 gauge feels warmer I think, but maybe harder to play for some people. Thank you for this comparison.

[@AllbeeHivezChristianAllbee]

Very good comparison. I use 10's myself on acoustic guitar (One with 80/20 bronze and another soon to have nickel bronze). If it’s good enough for Jimmy Page, it’s good enough for me.

[@leonardoduret]

I have exactly the same guitar , having trouble with vibration and maybe the thickness of my 11 elixir custom light polyweb strings , mind explaining at 2:51 how to adjust the relief of the neck and the saddle please . Thanks

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Hi Leo - check this video out that I put together a few months back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3uZfauHibJpZtU Start with the truss rod and make sure the neck of your instrument is straight. Go slowly. Then if you still need to lower the action, you can do so by taking the saddle and sanding the bottom of it on a flat surface. Always work slowly and check your work often.

[@leonardoduret]

@@AlexPriceMusician thanks

[@harshakumar9571]

Can I use the 13 gauge to spruce up the bass response on my Yamaha? I tried a light elixir 12 gauge, but it is quite trebley...

[@AlexPriceMusician]

13 gauge will definitely have more low end than 12s, yeah

[@fenderman7596]

Great video..thanks

[@7798chrisd]

Do lighter strings add any sound change apart from a lower volume, less favourable tone and being able to play easier (on the fret hand)? I want strings to allow my fingers to push the frets lighter without buzz/ easier on my fingers. To start with - I have some RSI and its annoying when I have to stop playing when my fingers start to lose strength to maintain the pressure on the frets. Also, what are some of the sound qualities that someone may like in a standard size acoustic guitar using lighter guage strings? It seams to me 80% of guitarists go for 12 or 13 gauge. Is there anyone with a preference in sound for light strings. 10-11 guage say. Cheers for reading, Chris. ps, I play at home, don't really gig and play with friends sometimes.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Hi Chris - I always say that your comfort is the #1 important thing. Some smaller bodied acoustics can sound great with lighter gauge strings. I have 11s on my parlor guitar. Check out Zane Carney. I think I heard him say in an interview that he uses 9s on pretty much everything - acoustics included. It’s certainly a different sound, maybe just one that some people prefer.

[@gusbellamy1490]

Great video! I'm looking into getting some extra light guage strings due to poor mobility/weak fingers. Would the Phosphor Bronze or the 80/20 Bronze make a difference in terms of easier playablility? I'm new and not sure which may be better for me.

[@mejsjalv]

The material will not make that much of a difference with playability. You just need to be mindful when changing the strings, because the extra light trebles tend to break easily.

[@HouseofNFT]

80/20s need changing more often, might be a factor if mobility is an issue

[@theguy1824]

I have the same Epiphone DR 100 and Im planning to change strings same Phosphor Bronze. Should I stick 10 the 12s or should Gauge up or down?

[@AlexPriceMusician]

You can change two gauges. Shouldn’t be a problem.

[@enzocypriani5055]

I always had a preference for heavier gauge, in this examples I got a further confirmation that's how I like

[@D3fcon141]

The 13s sound a little fuller, and they're what my guitar came with. I've had no trouble after I built my calluses up, and so I stuck with em.

[@AbhishekGupta1704]

Doing a setup where you have the B and E strings from the 13s and the others from the 10s, is this okay?

[@AlexPriceMusician]

A lot of people interchange string sets. I don’t think you should have a problem

[@houtarooreki5751]

I stopped playing guitar for 2 years and just got back recently. I just bought a new guitar that has 12s on it and its excruciatingly hard to play since i have been out of practice for 2 years. imma try to use 10s on my guitar to see if itakes a difference

[@andyvalentine8505]

I got .10 string and put it on to my guitar but I cant tune it to the standard tuning, any idea why???? I'm frustrated.......I'm new on guitar....Can you help me???

[@AlexPriceMusician]

What's stopping you? If you went down in gauge, it's possible that the truss rod may need an adjustment. Lower gauges put less tension on the neck and the strings may be too close / touching the fretboard.

[@kendrickjim23]

Seems the volume difference is a big aspect as the mic seems to be picking up more of the percussiveness of the picking/strumming of the lighter strings.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Definitely. In an amplified setting, this would matter a lot since the difference in volume can just be made up for by turning a knob. Instead of a difference in volume now we have a difference in tone.

[@markmacalik9693]

I compromise and use 11 to 12. Sometimes I can get the 11.5. To me the heavier strings sound better fingerpicked since you can get more low end and don't need to use a lot of force. I use lighter gauges for picks since I can hit them harder and still have that clarity. Maybe I'm just different from a lot of players!

[@JediBuji]

Yeah, hard for me to hear a difference through the internet, but I assume this underscores the point that if you are mic'ing there is less of a difference, but straight acoustic, there's always a big difference to me. I also find that lighter strings have a tendency to have tempering (?) issues less than thicker ones, and are more susceptible to ~+5 cent changes in relative tuning due to the additional deformation of the string in between frets by an over-aggressive style. I also feel that thicker strings being inherently louder are probably better for the novice payer, to help keep them from overplaying the instrument. I've got a smaller body blackbird carbon fiber that I use for my normal gigs and daily driver, and I really would like to get into some lighter strings, but the sweet spot for it really seems to be .13-.56 sets, the punch just seems to drop out of the guitar if I go with anything lighter, exact same string sets you used to demo here BTW. Keep up the good work, love your stuff. Just had someone ask me the other day what we were listening to - it was the Inner Urge album and they were all digging it. -cheers

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Buji Thank you! As long as people are interested I will keep making the videos. Thanks for your thoughts!

[@glorioskiola]

Like the lighter better. I’ve been using D’Addario Lights (12), recently ordered custom lights (11), but may try the extra lights next. Nice demo!

[@SimonK3113]

Custom light is my preference. And Elixir phospho-bronze my choice...

[@SimonK3113]

I do use D addario for my classical guitar J45 nylons just perfect with classic box

[@Fudmottin]

KZbin's compression killed any difference. I'm listening with high end head phones. That said, the reason I would go with 10s is playability. I'm learning guitar and I have an Epiphone DR-100 VS. I'm having trouble with chords that I can do an an Ibanez GIO GRX70. So I'm switching my Epi to ultra-lights. While I'm there, I plan to deal with the action via bone nut, saddle, and pegs. My saddle is a bit short, but I don't think that will be an issue with intonation. Fingers crossed. I can always go back of course. I think the reality in sound is what you prefer. As for playability, that becomes more objective. If you can't do the A chord without killing the high E string or messing other things up, then what's the point? IMO, the Epiphone is a good guitar to experiment with due to cost. If I had a $3,300 Martin D-28, then I would want it PERFECT from the factory. No requirement for a luthier. With the Epiphone, I can be my own luthier up to a point.

[@theghost4116]

How about in terms of quality? Does gauge 10 strings often snaps than gauge 13 strings?

[@megaHARLEYMC]

I'm having a problem with my gtr recordings. On the play back, the strings sound too metalic. I don't remember what gauge i replaced them with many yrs ago, but I have a 2+ decade old tape recording where the guitar sounded a lot better; it had a nice depth and clear and presence sound. Hence, I'm here doing some research to figure out what I should replace the strings with.

[@marcellofreitas7356]

I use 10s in my electric guitars. I´m still using my Fender FA125CE original strings which hurt my fingers a bit. In this video I like the 10s sound, so I think I will use them when I change strings.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Let me know how it goes Marcello!

[@lynnglidewell7367]

I honestly thought the two string sets sounded near the same. The larger gage had more bass and that's what I like. I like the boom.

[@romonaor]

to be honest i don't find too much difference in sound but perhaps you will need more conditions to play thicker strings? imo I will go with 9-42

[@Ryan_Austin]

I mostly play fingerstyle guitar and I have quite a light touch. That being said I still prefer heavier strings, I use 12 gauge. Something about them sounds much better to me; I experimented with lighter strings a few months ago and they sounded a bit too twangy for me. But the lighter strings were much easier to play on.

[@yashrajmotoworld5596]

Iss gauge 10 is good in yamaha f310??

[@AlexPriceMusician]

10 gauge should work fine!

[@ryanseanmusicandlove]

Im trying 13's on my single 0 laminate parlor guitar so it's a parlor but with some power added to it's diminished low end.im hoping for good yields. I wanna use my parlor as my stage guitar

[@jimmy5634]

You will get more audible mids on the 13’s and therefore the high frequencies will tend to be diminished. The bass notes on the heavier gauge will tend to be louder, but less clear and with less separation from the mids. It really comes down to what you want to hear and how hard you want to have to work. I have gone to a hybrid set of 10-14-20-30-40-50 because I play amplified 90% of the time and I can EQ with my amp as I choose. It’s much easier to play a two or three hour gig with lighter strings. 👍

[@theelfking904]

I haven't try the 10. Surprise that I like the sound of 10 in this video. I use 12 because I love the deep sound of thicker strings.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

I still do prefer the sound of thicker strings, but I think that the 10s have their own character. They’re not bad - just different.

[@gothicwriter9897]

Thank you. As a beginner I don't know what strings are on my guitars. I have a £100 cheap but good enough acoustic and a £500 Martin acoustic with electrics which I don't use. I am going to find out what strings I have and switch to 10s because at the moment my priority is learning to play better.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

@@gothicwriter9897 I support that, I usually have my beginning students start on 10s or 11s on acoustic. You may need a truss rod adjustment as most acoustic guitars come from the factory with 12s. Try the new strings and if you’re getting a bit of buzz or if the strings seem too close to the fretboard, you could loosen the truss rod by a quarter turn and see if that helps.

[@gothicwriter9897]

@@AlexPriceMusician Thanks.

[@glassbox7761]

Great comparison. I would appreciate some blues licks too, maybe with some bends to compare. But maybe it's impossible to bend with 13's. I can't bend with my 12's and I'm thinking to switch to 10s like in my electric guitars.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

13s are pretty tough haha. That’s definitely one sacrifice of the thicker gauge.

[@nikhiliyer9371]

My personal choice would be D'Addario Custom light gauge (0.11). It's ideal from the standpoint of comfort, playability, dexterity and acoustics.

[@TheExtraTerrestrial]

Cool, I was thinking the same thing. I currently gave lights, but am about to try the custom lights. Did you try both?

[@kimrileymusic]

I always have played 11's and found them perfect to play for ease and great sound. I just put 10's on my expensive jumbo, a bit sacrilegious, but the neck is slightly wider than I prefer and I am having a bit of a harder time ....the jury is still out. But 11's have always been great for me.