What happens to your guitar when you change string gauge?

[@japhetanciado7017]

My current gauge is .10. Planning to upgrade to 13's, D'addario ez930. I have a solid acoustic guitar which is a Morris w30, basically a Martin copy.. It Looks exactly like that one in the vid but with neck binding. I'm afraid the 13's will cause issues because 10s-13s is gonna be a big jump. I dont even have these metallic toolsShould I go for it?

[@RandySchartiger]

I would recommend looking up your guitar spec before upgrading that much, every guitar is built with a specific gauge of strings to be used, just make sure yours is within the .013 range before upgrading, play it safe and not pull your guitar apart. good luck!

[@japhetanciado7017]

Well I contact the company but they do not respond but I'll still look for more infor about this guitar, thanks for the tip

[@ohioguy215]

Japhet...I agree 100% with Randy. I put heavier gauge on one of my previous acoustics and as he mentioned, it did the damage. Now I don't string any higher than 12-53's and I pay close attention as Randy illustrates in his vid.

[@scottnorman408]

I will add that when going to a heavier string gauge you should check how the string lays in the nut. Might have to get the nut files out and file refile the slots or replace the nut.

[@Aaaa-kc3mp]

Do you think a 9 gauge would sound good on a grand concert acoustic?

[@efilnikcufecin9333]

13-56's is all I will use . I love to hear the Bass on my acoustic. These are what I have found to sound the best. Great video, Randy. Thanks for sharing.

[@RandySchartiger]

I must agree they do make that top vibrate and come alive and lighter gauge just won't move the top the same. Thanks for watching mate!

[@sotirzvanidjubre4109]

Many dont just play 3 chords on first 3 frets by the camp fire. Try playing Tommy Emmanuels version of The Entertainer on a relatively cheap (800$) guitar with 13's? You'll lose your fingers. Btw the guitar it self makes a difference. Bass with 10's can be very strong on full size dreadnoughts for example.

[@calmain13]

@@sotirzvanidjubre4109 Tommy Emmanuel uses .012-.054 on all his guitars.

[@G_Demolished]

@@sotirzvanidjubre4109 That’s hilarious. Watch some real bluegrass players. They smoke what you’re doing on acoustic.

[@LegsON]

Oh man, I luv this channel! Nothing ground-breaking here, but I like your approach a lot.

[@andrewbeattieRAB]

EXCELLENT VIDEO AND “She ran calling Wildfire…” I don’t know how many decades it has been since I heard that song last. 🐴

[@leftienigeblank4320]

Hi Randy , for many years in the 70's / 80's I had an Eko 12-string ( made in Italy ) dreadnought . Man , that was really built like the battleship they were named after ! I sold it to a buddy , he still has it to this day , along with one of the early Takamines . The Takamine needs tuning every time you move rooms , the Eko just never budges a cent ! Cheers , Nige .

[@RattlecanGuitarRestorations]

Always good stuff coming from the House that Never Sleeps.

[@RandySchartiger]

Many thank yous brother! Never a dull moment here! lol

[@redflamered]

Thank you. Changing from 9 to 8's. Great info from a pro.

[@bobeadgbe]

hi randy. being the novice i am i first thought of lighter strings by diameter thinking the action would be higher. however as you explained the tension and its effects really drove it home to me. thanks again for another great video!

[@RandySchartiger]

Yep almost always whether you move up or down from the gauge your guitar is set up for will cause the set up to change, and if you move too much usually the guitar will need a completely new set up job done to it. Thanks for viewing Robert I'm glad the videos help.

[@taxisteve929]

When I was a kid in the mid-60s, all the kids had 14's...."heavy" gauge on their acoustics.....because the parents figured they would last longer. Cheap guitars + heavy strings = develop hand strength like the hulk from the impossible action!! I remember the first time I played 12s, I was fretting every thing out of tune because I was squeezing so hard. But with better guitars as I aged, and began having professional setups, I loved them....and with arthritis, the 12s are ideal for me.....if I play 10's, I can't even feel the top strings!! I have to look to see if my finger is even on the string. I also prefer small body short scale now, and you can go heavier without doing as much damage.....the shorter scale length makes a difference in tension too as you know. I can't imagine putting 10s on a Dreadnought, and definitely not a Martin Dreadnought, so assume this was just for education purposes. But I have seen guys who play electric do this, especially if they are used to 9's or something very light. As one person said, if you go lighter, you can plug it in, and I guess that is the way a lot of people think...but personally, I play acoustic to play acoustic.....not artificial sound. New acoustic systems are better than they used to be, but still have room to improve. Good video, thanks!!!

[@jayulreich1462]

Started watching your videos today, because I saw a goofy face you were making haha. Turns out Ive been watching for hours now and learnin a bunch! From humidity to this, just a wealth of great info. This video is what made me subscribe. I recently bought an 8 string acoustic, the Agile 8x with fanned frets. It really is a great guitar. But the lowest string buzzes like crazy. Im going to put heavier gauge strings on it, I bet that solves my problem! Thank you so much. You rock!

[@roberteweil]

I have to use a lighter gauge because of severe arthritis in my thumbs. I use 10-46. It took some getting used to but I've learned to like the softer tone.

[@johnwarner4513]

With you there Rob, all hail to the subtle

[@GRJ-uz7kf]

Guitar makers design for an average player with relatively large, strong hands. If your hands are smaller, light-gauge strings are a blessing. For maximum volume, electronic amplification works wonders.

[@danieltrejo5115]

I had the intention to change 12 for 10 in my Taylor and your video made me change my mind. Great explanation about what happens. Easy to understand.Thank you Randy.

[@RebeccaHindle]

I wanted to go from 12s to 11s I'm rethinking aswell maybe just changing the string brand instead I had it set up by luthier last year thoughts

[@JennysCountryChannel]

Another great video, Randy! :-) Awesome how Q-Ball directly starts. Her ears got up when you made that face with the hands up :-) So cute .

[@RandySchartiger]

hahaha she knows when it's show time! lol I honestly think she know when that red light on the camera comes on it's getting close to a good time. :) Thank you Jenny for checking out the video!

[@jonahguitarguy]

This demonstrates perfectly why I try to move my customers into lighter gauge strings if they want to postpone a neck reset. Lighter strings= less tension, less tension= less body hump and neck relief and lower string action. Especially on non adjustable truss rod rigs. I personally use 10s cause I don't want to work that hard playing guitar. And if it's not loud enough I plug it in. I think we've had this sort of conversation before, that is, that for completely acoustic playing and jamming I agree you can't beat heavy strings. The 78 Martin reset I've started posting vids on proved to me how good a guitar can sound with heavier strings. A little long winded, sorry, Google video Randy.

[@RandySchartiger]

Yep lighter string definitely prolongs bellying up and neck resetting and in many cases completely prevents it. I have my guitars set up with .013-.056 and action set to where you can just breathe on it and make note because of my hands but still, playing acoustic guitar can become a very physical thing especially in bluegrass type music. Thanks for tuning in Dane!

[@goldenoldiesmusicandfilm9373]

Randy Schartiger hi randy im from england i own a epiphone texan inspired from this year its got 12 53s on it but id like jump up to 13 56 would i need to doing any ajustments or will i be ok not tweaking it????

[@bobaldo2339]

I normally use mediums on my guitars. But there are some guitars that seem to want to have lights (12's). (I know that sounds strange to say.) I have never tried anything lighter than 12's. All my guitars are large - dreads or jumbos.

[@robinbebbington7063]

Being new to a steel string acoustic having just bought one this was quite useful. I have been playing a classical acoustic so no experience regarding the bridge lifting and neck relief changing. I will see how I go with the factory 12s which feel a bit heavy at the moment. When I need new strings I may go to 11s. Also might grab some feeler gauges.

[@12Radius]

Helpful man.most new matins are coming from factory with 12-54 lately I see.my Santa cruz got 12-53. 10's very light on that martin. peace.

[@RandySchartiger]

I've noticed newer Martins coming out with 12's on them and they are starting to recommend 12's now instead of 13's like before. Thanks for viewing man I'm glad the videos help! Cheers!

[@MichaelQuinlan207]

Great Information Randy. Thanks for taking the time to do that. Cheers

[@papawx3]

I like "Bluegrass" gauge; light gauge on the bottom, mediums on the top three. Very versatile string set up.

[@eliasaasprong]

Thank you so much, this really helps, I've been having a slight buzz on my D string since changing, without you I would have been shit out of luck.

[@michaelmontavon2472]

Holy $h!t Batman!!! OMG!!! Thank u so much Randy. I've been up for 48hrs straight trying to figure out what was going on with my RG421CW Ibanez electric LOL. Switched from 9.5's to 9's and low E would not intonate for nothin' LOL. I had the concept backwards. Thank u so much my fellow musician!!! For Some reason i thought it'd b the other way round with the relief and the drop in gauge 😂. Keep doing what ur doing man.🖒 It helps us who are a little slower, to figure it out so we don't screw up and damage, destroy, or get rid of a decent instrument. Thanks again man!!!🖒

[@RandySchartiger]

thank you for watching brother! it's always good to hear my videos help! yeah it's easy to get some thing backwards and that can really make it hard to figure out what really needs to be done. good luck mate and happy repairs!

[@dbminor9694]

Very informative video Randy ! I loved it 😊

[@CesarAllGuitar]

I always do 11 or 12's in all my acoustics... 12's in the ones I do most of the fingerpicking... 10 is too thin to my taste in an acoustic guitar... Cheers Master! Thumbs Up!

[@RandySchartiger]

I played on .012-.054 for a long time and finally tried .013-.056 and loved the way they make the top vibrate so stuck with them and set my action extremely low because of my hands but if I didn't have this hand problem I probably would still be on the lighter strings. Thanks so much for stopping in Cesar and for your continued support is greatly appreciated!

[@ronperry9904]

This is the video I’ve been looking for thanks man

[@riztaurolatino4475]

Everything well explained , Thanks for The experiment Randy , now I know why mine is buzzing ...

[@burtcocain1986]

I went up 2 gauges yesterday on my solid top acoustic. I adjusted the truss (a little too much) and strung it. There's a slight deadening on the 12th fret on the low E but it's mostly fine. Tiny bit of buzz that I can more than live with. Know what I learned? Heavier strings move less but the wood moves more. The strings sustain better and the wood sings. They're easier to fret now, because of the truss adjustment. Wish I'd done it years ago.

[@josejcastaneda5826]

Thanks Randy. I like mediums for sure. But, they are harder on the finders. My new D16 said medium and came with the life span strings.

[@christopheranderson1968]

I've currently got 12 gauge on my acoustic. Will it cause any problems changing to 11s? They've been on a week. Will it cause problems if I change now? How about if I wait a while? Most advice says it won't.

[@myacousticblues]

Great info Randy! Thanks! I use extra light strings on alot of my guitars and I've had to change the set up on almost all of them when I dropped down!

[@RandySchartiger]

Yep almost every time the gauge of string it changed the set up will need tweaked, some of those old Harmony's and other that were built like a tank don't move as much but the didn't sound too good because they were built so heavy. Thanks for watching mate!

[@AlbertD711]

Great video Randy. Thanks for explaining this.

[@HeROsiNhEaVeN]

I use 10's on an inexpensive Korean acoustic ( Antares ) from the 80's that I picked up at a garage sale for $30 and is built like a tank and came with a bone nut and saddle....it seems to agree with the lighter gauge and didn't lose much bass....but the action seems to lower itself from time to time when it's not in use so I have to adjust the neck a little...the lighter gauge in my opinion are easier on the fingers as well....I use Martin SP bronze...I swear by them....and Thanks for the big laugh once again!

[@blkjckgtr3075]

Makes perfect sence and thank you for the Q-fix!!Hooold!!Onnn!! Cheers

[@RandySchartiger]

haha Q-ball stole the show! :D Thanks for checking it out brother! Cheers! Hold on!

[@brucelevine6517]

I play nylon string classical guitar the problem is that low tension strings dont give sound I put some high tension strings on and the bow in creased over night you made your point excuse me while I change those strings to normal tension strings thanks this is the first video dealing with this issue

[@thrasher305]

Thank you for the video. I was fighting my guitar wondering why my extra light gauge was buzzing all around the neck. Thought maybe I put the bridge pin wrong but know it needed some adjustments in the truss rod. Not enough sustain in the sound either so I reverted back to medium gauge.

[@RandySchartiger]

Glad it helped! thanks for checking out my videos!

[@loucapilla840]

You might want to loosen the trust rod a bit (counter clockwise) after changing to lighter gauges as the stings doesnt have the much higher tension/stress produced from your previous medium gauge so it backbowed the neck thus the string buzzes

[@morbidrockgod]

Thank you for posting and sharing you knowledge!

[@darrenw.taylor2084]

Great video! Especially the very end....LOL.....Love it!

[@pierremcnicoll9938]

Did it affect the intonation? And if it did, after adjusting the rod would the intonation be back to where it was?

[@joq702]

Randy - excellent once again. I really enjoy your work, advice, and especially the humble, goofy sense of humor. It’s my preference. I’m currently fixing up a 1980 Yamaha FG-331, which is in mint condition other that the belly bulge. It is an all laminate guitar, grand concert size. It recently had lights (D’Addario XS 12-53 PB). I am going down to extra lights 11-52. Because it is a laminate and not an all solid wood or even soundboard being solid, in your experience, will there be any noticeable change in the sound? I would think minor if at all. My action is way too high now with the lights (12-53) as the belly bulged and I am installing a JLD Bridge Doctor first before the strings go in. The neck is straight and no twists in it. It should come down 2 - 2.5 mm on the saddle end once the top becomes more flat I’ll let it settle a day or so, put on a few old strings to see what the action is at various points. I can then put on the new strings and tweak the bridge doctor device again. Any tips to the planned order or other steps would be helpful. Keep up your work. You’ve become the equivalent on KZbin, of that guy named Scotty (Rev Up Your Engines) for real-world guitar repair tips and practical approaches to repair. You are not overly technical or stuffy. Much appreciated.

[@AvaPxiaO]

This physics problem on @2:12 is very hard. If we remember the measurement @2:12 and write it down, on our time, and at @5:00 we have to remind you of it on your time, at what warp speed must we travel? Einstein are you there? Spok, anyone, ...? Hold'on!

[@brandonlievano1329]

Hey Randy very informative video! I was hoping you could shed some light on my current issue regarding the matter of putting lighter strings on my acoustic. As it stands, my guitar has 12s, the intonation is fine but the action is a bit high, but not too bad. I'd like to switch to 11s, and was going to get my guitar set up at Guitar Center, but the tech told me that my guitar would require more work than a standard set up. Thing is, I don't have the money to pay for more extensive service to my guitar, much less to buy a new one. Will my guitar be significantly affected for the worse if I go ahead and place the lighter 11s without making any adjustments to the set up?

[@RandySchartiger]

lighter strings pulls less stress on your guitar, so in theory should lower your action a bit, dropping from 11's to 10's you probably won't have to do a thing, it sounds to me like the guy was just trying to charge you more money. thanks for checking out my videos!

[@brandonlievano1329]

@@RandySchartiger thank you for the reassurance!

[@craigkennedy1093]

Never get a set up at guitar center. If you are uncomfortable doing it yourself go to a local music store or Luther. Chances are you will get the owner or someone with 30 years experience rather than the first 20 year old kid who kind of knows what he is doing to walk into guitar center. You can get your action as low as 2.0mm, get a luthier string action gauge check the height at the six feet, let's say it's high and is at 2.5mm, meaning you can bring it down .5mm, the formula is sand half the desired height you wish to have subtracted from the height of your action from the saddle. So in this case you would sand .25mm from the saddle. It's pretty simple, but it's also not worth messing up a nice guitar if you are uncomfortable. Check out some videos on sanding the saddle to lower your action

[@tdkrei]

Nice work Randy I'll give that stuff a try on a couple of guitar s that need attention. I am using Mequires fine scratch polish for many final polishing on pens and some furniture projects, but I will try again to find Simichrome in stores in town before using the damn internet again. Also thanks for the tip on humidifying and boiled linseed oil, I know all my axes need both.

[@PaArmyVet]

Good tips Randy. I tried xl's on mine in the past and went back to reg lights & Light mediums now. Surprisingly after awhile the light mediums became easier to play after I set my relief properly. Live & learn I guess. Now, if I can just learn to play better LOL

[@RandySchartiger]

Yeah I have .013-.056 on my dreadnoughts and have the set up much like an electric guitar, I guess once you get used to them if they are set up properly they do seem very easy to play. Thanks for tuning in!

[@tattyfowl]

Makes sense. Interesting video as usual - saves me having to do it. I'd never put 13's on though as 12's hurt enough :) I use D'Addario 10's easy to play and my very solid old Eko Ranger sounds great. Cheers

[@Zoso981]

I only play electric guitars, but I've noticed that even changing from .010 to .009 will change the neck relief sometimes. Even in my big, fat, heavy Les Paul.

[@CristinaS]

Interesting video and nice playing, Randy :-) Have a great day, my friend! Cristina

[@RandySchartiger]

Thanks so much Cristina for tuning in and commenting is always very much appreciated! :)

[@wj9518]

I want to change from 12s to 11s by myself for the first time. Im so nervous. I hope it all went well and i dun need extra set up

[@roberthancock2563]

Great video,Randy! I use the Daddario .012- .053 80/20 acoustic strings. What's your opinion on Yamaha acoustic guitars? I might get one soon.

[@roberthancock2563]

Randy Schartiger Thank you!

[@joemcgraw5529]

I really like this video randy because i did this to a cheap guitar i got ,when i changed to 10s same thing lower action but no buzzing ofcourse the neck relief was probably a little to much ,I used GHS ultra lights same thing as those gauge wise be nice if someone stepped up the bass strings a little ,but what I noticed was how much easier it played but yours compared to this 1 is night and day but a guitar with bridge bulging issues would benifit from the lower gauge ofcourse

[@simosalexiadis3437]

Oh man what an ending to the video!!!hahaha. lovely dog!

[@RandySchartiger]

lol thanks for watching mate! cheers!

[@CJ-rf9jm]

Good stuff as always. Heard some blackberry blossom in there too n you can play it a lot faster than I do.

[@RandySchartiger]

Thanks mate! Yeah I used to be able to smoke Blackberry Blossom but with my screwed up hands now it usually smokes me! lol

[@CJ-rf9jm]

Randy Schartiger You still make it sound good.

[@guitarstruggles3140]

Good video man! I always go with the recommended gauge. How's that new right hand picking technique working for you? I've been switching mine up and it's giving me fits! Rock on brother!

[@RandySchartiger]

That's a very good idea and your guitars will hold together much longer. This new right hand technique is kicking my ass! lol After I've played for an hour or so it finally starts to feel right but I'm a loong ways from getting it down yet. Thanks for stopping in brother!

[@thomastommy1192]

A great video. I am so glad you did this video. I will save it. If you remember I have ask you for advice on this subject. Thank you for sharing your video.

[@RandySchartiger]

Yep I remember. I am happy to hear the video is helpful, thank you my friend for checking it out. :)

[@fernandogumba152]

Hello Randy, my name is Foy Gumba from Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.Your video on guitars acoustic and electric are worth more than the $5.00 subscription.I recently bought a used Wood Song Dreadnaught JCE-NA. I want to change the strings on the guitar. The person I bought it from never changed strings. the set I want to useElixir 11-52 Phosphor Bronze. Am sure I will have to make some adjustment on the neck.Too much relief on the 12 fret

[@RosaStringWorks]

Good information Randy. Light strings sound wimpy... I don't do wimpy. lol

[@krustybuzzard2477]

My wife says I'm playing to loud anyways maybe she won't dollar about not being able to hear the tv if I go to lights.lol I only play in my bedroom anyway so the volume isn't a problem if it's a little lower.

[@RandySchartiger]

They do! lol I go with .056 as my low E but know that Tony Rice uses a .057! That would really make a top move! Thanks Jerry!

[@krustybuzzard2477]

Jerry what do you think of those bridge des? Have you ever messed with them?

[@RosaStringWorks]

des? Sorry not familiar with that.

[@krustybuzzard2477]

Rosa String Works that was supposed to read bridge dr.i have a slight belly bulge in my 57 model d28 Martin it's not bad enough to need a neck reset .

[@LouieSalumbre]

Does changing string gauge make a fret buz? And also a old string can cause fretbuz?

[@redlinemando]

I have a question about neck sets. When you make your shims for the dovetail, do you match the grain of the shim with the grain of the neck?

[@pete9639]

Hey Randy, I dig your video's man! I'm a flatpicker and use primarily my D-28 with 13-56 gauge strings. I just picked up a used 000-15sm and want to use the same gauge as the D. I'm getting answers on line all over the map! yes,no,yes,no, blah blah blah! So I'm asking you. I think it's ok as long as you keep an eye on everything. What do you think? Thanks brother!

[@RandySchartiger]

000-15sm is a 12 fret body joint guitar, this means it's a shorter scale and that means string tension will be much less than that of a 14 fret body joint, so you will be fine as wine with .013-.056 gauge. :)thanks for watching brother! rock on!

[@pete9639]

Thanks man! One of the reasons I like you is you ALWAYS answer a fellow guitar geek back. Very cool!

[@mikemagnum7987]

Thank you Sir Randall of the HTNS.... My little "chibanez" came with 11-52s and has a nearly spot-on set-up right now. I'm not sure about the quality of the nut and saddle that came on it, but she sounds pretty good to me. If you have the time to answer this kind of question, I would appreciate it. What might I expect to happen with my sound/tone if I were to go with TUSQ in nut and saddle along with a set of 10-48s in a coated string? If I had another guitar, I would go on and change things out but this little "chibanez" is the only git-fiddle that I have right now!

[@RandySchartiger]

Well if it's a plastic nut and saddle you'll see a huge difference in tone and volume, if they are bone you'll still see a big difference, usually if a guitar already has a lot of bass then tusq will bump that up a notch but going down in string gauge would decrease the volume because they wouldn't make the top move like heavier strings do, and smaller strings will add highs and maybe a little more mids. I hope that makes sens lol thanks for viewing mate!

[@stephentyndall159]

Hi Randy, love your channel. There's a really cool vibe with your videos, it almost feels like we're actually sat in your workshop. I know that this is quite an old video but I'm thinking of swapping light gauge to medium on my dreadnought. I'm confident of adjusting the truss rod but I've heard some people say I might need to make the nut slots bigger. Is that true? I don't really want to start messing with the nut, could get messy. Thanks.

[@RandySchartiger]

the nut slots should be gauged to the size string you're using, if you do switch try tightening and loosening the new heavier gauge strings a few times, this will wear out the slots to the proper size, if you ever want to go back to light gauge tho you'll have to fill the slots and re-file them to the proper gauge.

[@stephentyndall159]

Randy Schartiger Thanks for the reply Randy, I know how busy you must be and I appreciate it. I changed them and so far no problems. In fact, the guitar has come alive! More bottom end and resonance. Thanks again Randy.

[@liquidsmokemustang1537]

What happened to the intonation when dropping 2 gauges? Have you had to make a new saddle?

[@8T8Keez]

HAHAHAHAHA.... without even watching your video .... I subbed ... simply cuz you seem like a cool musician!!

[@superpianogirl]

Dude..You Da REAL Guitar Man for sure Brah!! really your a wealth of knowledge !!!! thank you. great video here on the string change effects. What would you do with this martin to get it to eliminate all that fret buzz besides putting the medium 13/56 strings? thx in advance . i ask because i have the same problem on my martin

[@RandySchartiger]

Thank you Superpianogirl! One way to ease fret buzz is adjust your truss rod to put a slight bit more relief in the neck, if it measure .012 maybe set it at .014 and see if the buzzing is gone. Many thanks again!

[@superpianogirl]

Super Cool!!!

[@michalzaw5575]

quick question. if bottom of guitar right below the saddle, should the top bump? how can you tell if the bridge is about to pop off?

[@steveharris2589]

Good video Randy, I use light on all my guitars. I would be careful to put 13s on a new guitar now days!!!🎸🎸🎸👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😊

[@RandySchartiger]

I use .013-.056 on all my dreadnought guitars but you're probably right about putting that heavy of string on a new one, they are building them very light these days. Thanks Steve for tuning in! :)

[@joen.8364]

How did you take the strings off (all at once), or did you put on the new strings one at a time? Thank You

[@ianson3]

Really helpful, thanks for the advice.

[@AmIonArock]

I try to support KZbin and will patiently watch "A Short Commercial* but I was very close to giving a thumbs down for reason of SO MANY COMMERCIALS. You seem like a good guy but I was to distracted and lost attention I could not finish video. Just wanted to know the answer my question. If I switch from 9's to 10 or 11's, will guitar become sharp or flat?

[@cuntrydude1]

Great stuff again, Randy, I prefer mostly 12

[@RandySchartiger]

Thank you Wank for viewing! Your guitars probably will last longer with 12's.

[@misi6misi659]

I went from 9’s to 10’s on my Strat. The action changed way high. Will it return to old setup if I switch back?

[@allanpennington]

Hi my 74 D35 runs extra light and I still have a little excess relief. Did I here you say you set up your Martins with 12 thou neck relief? That seems a lot? If I tune down a step even with the extra lights I get better relief so I assume the neck may be a little flabby. What do you consider ideal as far as nut relief, neck relief and action? I tried medium strings on my D35 once and I reckon it would have pulled the top off. I didn't leave them on for a day. It needs a re-fret which I will do first so I can introduce a little back bow with a few thicker tangs in selected frets. That way I should avoid a neck reset and running extra lights doesn't cause excessive belly. However I might try and go up to Lights as I do feel the tone is a little thin with the extra lights. All the bracing is in tact and glued well but I dont want to cause any damage by going too heavy on the strings. Although by re-fretting and introducing some back bow I think the neck would become stiffer thus transferring more pull up behind the bridge. Its a try and see I suppose as each axe ages differently. Any advice?? Thanks for the vids

[@RandySchartiger]

New frets with a slightly wider tang will introduce a bit more back bow in your neck. I'm assuming your guitar doesn't have a truss rod, I know many Martins from that time period and before didn't have them. Yes I set nearly every guitar at .012 neck relief and nut action at first fret I set to .018 on every string, this allows you to just touch the strings to make notes. And action at 12th fret Martin recommends 7/64 - 3/32 on the bass E and 5/64 - 1/16 on the high E, if the radius of your saddle matches radius of the fretboard all the rest of the strings will fall in just right at the 12th fret. I generally set 5/64 on the bass E and 3/64 high E at the 12th fret.

[@RP-dy5mu]

Is it bad to go one gauge down or up (so from .10 to .09 for example)? I bought a really expensive guitar and I'm still paranoid about doing anything slightly bad to it. Kinda hard to get a clear answer online, but I think mine is stocked with .10 (PRS Custom 24 Wood Library Satin Fire Red Burst). I'm definitely not adjusting anything because I'm such a clumsy idiot I'll just break it, so I'd rather just get stock gauge strings for this one. Not too hot on getting it adjusted either, best to just keep things the way they are imo as I'm content with the setup.

[@coysmorris72]

Hi I just got a Yamaha LL16 Dreadnought Acoustic guitar its all solid wood with a solid Spruce top an solid Rosewood back and sides and with a 5 piece mahogany neck it got a set of Elixer 80/20 Bronze nanoweb 11/52 on it I'm a rhythm guitar player like to pick an strum too I like put a set of Medium/light gauge strings on it to give me more sound I know haft go to a music store get the neck set up for this have you try medium/light gauge strings on your guitars did it give you more sound I been use to useing Elixer light-gauge strings for years I thought since I got me a solid wood guitar I want to try medium light gauge strings on it if don't put them on I'm looking at these Elixer 80/20 Bronze 13/53 Hd light gauge strings not for sure I'm puting them on my guitar have you done any reading on these or have you try them just seeing what your opinion on them think you Coy Morris

[@jjccllgg]

ARMY STRONG!

[@bearjmu]

What an informative video...I am always scared to change the gauge on my Martin.

[@RandySchartiger]

It can change and even damage your guitar if you go too far in changing gauge. Thanks for checking out my video!

[@benaaronmusic]

They should call you the mad guitar scientist.

[@RandySchartiger]

hahaha that's a name that would fit! :)

[@benaaronmusic]

Randy Schartiger always entertaining and educational, Randy. :)

[@mikejmardis]

How much of that change can be attributed to the thinner strings sitting lower in the nut as opposed to guitar flex?

[@iainbrennan5606]

Interesting video Randy,what gauge strings would you recommend fitting on a Guild JF-30 six string?

[@RandySchartiger]

I would go with .012-.054, they are heavy enough to really get the top vibrating yet light enough to play very easy if set up properly.

[@iankyoko]

Hi, I'd like to ask a question of you Randy. I have bought an Yamaha fg180 and I'm wondering what string gauge to use. Some of these early fg Yamahas were built with light construction. I need to go light gauge but how light should I go?

[@RandySchartiger]

You're right some of those FG series guitars were built very light, I would recommend getting in touch with someone at Yamaha or see if you can find the manufactures specs on that particular guitar model online. Medium lights probably would be too heavy.

[@dalepal]

Most new acoustics come with 12’s like mine did. I use the recommended gauges except switched to extra lights on one guitar that is nearly 50 years old.

[@RandySchartiger]

Yeah even most Martins now are coming new with 12's instead of 13's like they used to do. Going down in gauge is definitely safer than going up especially on very old guitars. Thanks for viewing my friend!

[@mikiegood]

Very interesting. Thank you Randy

[@RandySchartiger]

You're welcome Michael, thank you for checking it out.

[@iainbrennan5606]

What I thought,I had 13's on it originally,bit too heavy for me though,now I've got 10's on and their a bit too light for my liking,thanks for your input.

[@RandySchartiger]

Maybe try 11's or 12's, 10's are too light for me too. Thanks for watching.

[@Carlos-zj9ev]

Randy, do you think that if i go from 11s to 12s i will have to adjust the truss rod? I usually play with slide so 11s are a bit light for me.

[@RandySchartiger]

You probably won't have to adjust the truss especially since you play mostly slide it might work out in your favor if it does pull more relief into your neck by the heavier strings and raise the action which is better for slide guitar.

[@Carlos-zj9ev]

+Randy Schartiger alright! thank you very much for answering!

[@d3et1roi3t]

Randy I cant find the right strings. I've recently strung up the 12-53 stock gauge nanowebs. The D

[@RandySchartiger]

check those two strings at the nut and at the saddle and make sure they are fitted into the slots tight, you may need to move up to a med gauge .013-.056 to get your top to vibrate more, sometimes it takes this to get the guitar top loosened up and moving properly. thanks for watching!

[@TheDrgreenthum]

I'm curious what your trying to put forth here. The nut establishes the plane so if you have a thinner string you will undoubtedly be closer to your frets to an extent dependant on the adjustments made. So u know I'm not done with your video but I'm curious what you are showing us here...

[@TheDrgreenthum]

thicker strings make more tension

[@ScreamingReel500]

It depends on the tone of the guitar that you want to achieve, the main reason. Then you have the guitar that is picky of what brand, then the gauge (saddle and bridge material to be considered). Unless you have at least 3 brand and 3 gauge of each brand to experiment with, you can not find the tone that you are looking for. As the saying 'you got what you paid for' hold some truth. premium brand is of high quality than generic ones, but not all premium will work with your guitar. The nylon classical guitar will take up to 2 weeks to fully stretched and every time you play you need to tune it, not like the steel string guitar it will settle in 24 hours. Other factor is how easy to play with the harder string, especially the acoustic guitar. You can't play if the string hurts your fingers. That is why the guitar at the store sounds better than the one you just replaced the string. You should ask the sale clerk or check the website of the guitar to see what string/brand they put on your guitar if you are buying new one. Best of luck.

[@Plottman]

So if I went to 14 / 59 would that damage my guitar? It’s got 13 56 on it now

[@RandySchartiger]

I would never recommend heavier than .013-.056 on any guitar. Thank you for checking out my videos and commenting.

[@LVGaryD1]

Damn. now I'm all screwed up. (Well, of course I am screwed up this time of night, but that is self-induced.) My extra-light strings (Elixir poly-coated) buzz too and I thought my action was already too high. I just bought Elixir medium-gauge thinking it would help the buzz, but now you have me afraid I won't be able to fret the strings very good because my left hand is weak from an old broken neck injury. Makes no sense to me that my action is too high, but the strings buzz.

[@RandySchartiger]

With high action and still buzzing it sounds like either your first fret nut action may be too low or the truss rod needs tweaked to get proper neck relief. I'm usually like that around that time of night too, lol and also self induced! =D

[@LVGaryD1]

I wish you were in Las Vegas!

[@TheVoodooVegetable]

I have 12s on my Gibson J-45. Considering going lighter. Any advice?

[@StoicTrader-]

I have a d18 modern deluxe, had it set up with 11's but its just too light for my taste. The action is set up perfectly. If I swap out to 12's do you think it would mess up the setup?

[@RandySchartiger]

it probably will a little bit, you have to consider all the other strings also are going to be heavier and pulling more stress, some guitars change more than others so it may or may not change. thanks for viewing!

[@angelcastellanosmartinez2412]

I wanna buy a Maton Ebg808 artist. It comes with gauge 12. I will change to gauge 13 because i play always in open D. Will open D tuning relieve the extra tension? Will i have to adjust the rod, considering that tuning down already does what the rod does? I mean balancing tensions between rod and strings Is there sets of strings made for Open D tuning? Thank you?

[@RandySchartiger]

Maton makes awesome guitars! by going to a heavier gauge string and tuning down to an open D you probably won't have to adjust your truss rod. it really depends on how the guitar is set up to play, very light easy touch set up may require a slight adjustment but with high action you probably won't need to do anything. I don't know of any strings made for D tuning. thanks for checking out my videos!

[@reverendmississippi]

Hi randy i own a d28 2017 it was shipped with 13 s they are hard on the fingers but sound great. What about 12s

[@minder4u1]

why didn't you go to 11's? from 13 I think the 10s are too light and usually best for nashville tuning or 12 strings

[@ahhimary3475]

Is there way to find out the guitar strings gauge if it is not written on the packet?

[@turnerthemanc]

Micrometer or vernier caliper, or as we called them when i was in engineering, a very-near caliper

[@RandySchartiger]

Micrometer as mentioned, you can measure your string with that. Thanks for viewing!

[@pamhurt7126]

Hello,love your site,,have learned a lot,,I have a 1968 Gibson J-45 use .013-.056 on it,seems to handle it great,,my question is a cheaper guitar I have ,a Washburn ,Rraewood ,Flint Hill ,SITKA SPRUCE top,,Solid Mahogany Back & sides,,,,maple binding on body & neck,,mahogany neck,,rosewood fingerboard,,it is a great solid guitar,stays in tune no matter how much ya thump it,,sounds Great,,for a $650.00 guitar ,,bought it new about 10 years ago,,,,starting to get fret buzz on the top e heavy e string,,in the 3rd ,,cowboy chord position,,nwever have ,but would a little truss rod adgjustment help,or whats your thought,,Thanks from Southern Ohio !

[@RandySchartiger]

check the frets for any fret ware, buzzing on the 3rd fret usually is indication of fret wear, buzzing towards the middle of the fretboard can sometimes be cured by adjusting the truss rod but if you're buzzing on the third fret it probably needs frets dresses, try loosening your truss rod slightly it may help until you can have the frets dressed.

[@pamhurt7126]

Thanks ,,will try that,,just got a bone saddle & nut in the mail today,,kinda timid about the nut change,,Thanks

[@RogwinMusic]

Love your style man, you know your stuff....wish we could hang out in that shack and BS and jam a little, Hope you're OK haven't seen you reply in a while......God Bless

[@scottkunz6365]

is there place to look to find the exact string gauge a guitar was built with. aquire a few that didn't have originals and had whatever in them

[@RandySchartiger]

Just find out the maker of the guitar and model number and any other numbers you may or may not need and search for the guitars specs online and usually you can find them, they'll usually tell you the manufactures recommended string gauge.

[@miamistomp]

10's are usually marked extra light

[@RandySchartiger]

I was surprised they didn't mark it on the package, after I opened them I saw it. Cheers!

[@yessure5291]

Won't a slightly thicker saddle make it right ? Maybe 5 thousands thicker.

[@suzannacrawford6447]

Great demonstration. I usually use 11 ga. strings on most of my guitars or the silk and steel martins @ 11.5 ga. less tension & easier on the ole fingers (and neck). I've set all of my guitars up for that string gauge target. But that's the trade off for ease of playing versus better tone. Give Q-ball a big hug for me and have a great evening:D

[@RandySchartiger]

I've got a new set of those Silk and Steel strings of the same gauge you said and have just been waiting for the right guitar to come thru here to put them on, I've been wanting to try those strings for a long time now. They are a lot lighter than I use and I couldn't find them any heavier but really am anxious to play on them. Q sends her love! Hold on! :)

[@philmiller99]

Hey man. I really appreciate your videos'.