Home › Forums › Discuss Your Gear › Hi tension strings
- This topic has 17 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 9 months ago by Bud G.
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July 6, 2020 at 8:43 am #181688
I recently bought (used) a Taylor 614 CE, maple w/ “brown sugar” stain, beautiful guitar. The dealer added new hi tension strings which I find very hard to play, especially barre chords in first position. Is there hope for relief in “low tension” strings? Does the sound suffer? Are there any brand recommendations? Thanks for any help offered!
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July 6, 2020 at 9:20 am #181689
Hi bud witch thickness does your strings have?
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July 6, 2020 at 9:37 am #181695
Im not sure i umderstand what high tension strings are, do you mean heavy guage strings?, if so then you surely can use a lower guage string set. I prefer 10 guage strings on my acoustics, but i would say that if 1st fret is hard or difficult to barr then it possibly suggests to me that the nut slots are too high, take it to your local guitar tech and chat over your concerns with him/her.
..Billy..
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July 6, 2020 at 10:45 am #181701
The dealer said they put on Elixir nanoweb 12ga. strings I may have used an improper term “hi tension” instead of referring to the guage, sorry!
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July 6, 2020 at 10:51 am #181702
Hi Bud,
Guitar strings are categorised by Gauge, Material and Finish. I’ve never met high or low tension strings. I can only assume when the dealer said high tension he meant heavy or medium gauge.Assuming your guitar is set up correctly, a good rule of thumb in deciding string gauges for your Taylor would be 10’s or Custom 11’s for fingerstyle or if you want slightly more resonance try 12’s.
Most of this is about personal preference but lighter strings such as 10’s are moderately easier on the fingers than 12’s but the trade-off is the 12’s might sound marginally louder and fuller. It really is a case of trial and error as to what your comfortable with.
Richard
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July 6, 2020 at 12:38 pm #181705
Thanks for your reply. I mistakenly used the term “hi tension” & should have used the word gauge! I have 12ga now on the guitar & part of the issue might be that I been playing a classical guitar with soft nylon strings for 6+ yrs & the move to the Taylor w/steel 12ga. strings will take some time to get used to. In the mean time I’m going to change to 10ga strings & work my way up to the 12 or higher, later on. Thanks to everybody that replied & tried to help.
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July 6, 2020 at 1:29 pm #181708
Guitar string playability is not just down to guage, yes it does make a difference but whether the string has a hex or round core before being wound can make a difference as round wounds are more flexible than hex cores which are wound tighter.
Martin Retro is round wound they also do a Silk and steel which many say feels easier to play though many prefer the bright sound of nickel steel hex wound. You need to play different strings and evaluate how you like them on that particular guitar 😁
https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/blog/hex-core-round-core-strings/
https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/blog/what-are-monel-strings/
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July 6, 2020 at 2:37 pm #181715
Thanks for your reply. I mistakenly used the term “hi tension” & should have used the word gauge! I have 12ga now on the guitar & part of the issue might be that I been playing a classical guitar with soft nylon strings for 6+ yrs & the move to the Taylor w/steel 12ga. strings will take some time to get used to. In the mean time I’m going to change to 10ga strings & work my way up to the 12 or higher, later on. Thanks to everybody that replied & tried to help.
Nothing to apologise for mate, this guitar lark gets very confusing at times.
Imho if your guitar is set up properly then you wouldnt have any issues doing barr chords no matter the string guage or for that matter which frets you are barring, course a couple of other factors like hand strength and skin toughness also come into play, so in theory the more you play/attempt barr chords the easier they should become.
Whats your guitar like when playing open chords, do any of the notes sound “sharp” or “out of tune” to your ear?...Billy..
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July 6, 2020 at 2:46 pm #181716
Hi Bud,
Guitar strings are categorised by Gauge, Material and Finish. I’ve never met high or low tension strings. I can only assume when the dealer said high tension he meant heavy or medium gauge.Assuming your guitar is set up correctly, a good rule of thumb in deciding string gauges for your Taylor would be 10’s or Custom 11’s for fingerstyle or if you want slightly more resonance try 12’s.
Most of this is about personal preference but lighter strings such as 10’s are moderately easier on the fingers than 12’s but the trade-off is the 12’s might sound marginally louder and fuller. It really is a case of trial and error as to what your comfortable with.
Richard
Richard
Until recently, I had the same thoughts about guitar strings – strings are categorised by Gauge, Material and Finish. I’ve never met high or low tension strings.
I came across strings by the Santa Cruz Guitar Company that offers low & mid tension strings. Does it make a difference? Don’t know but Santa Cruz guitars are exceptional quality guitars so I think that the strings might be worth a try – providing that you want to pay $18 set for them.
https://santacruzguitar.com/santa-cruz-parabolic-tension-strings/
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July 6, 2020 at 4:35 pm #181725
Hi Keith,
I didn’t know about those Santa Cruz strings but when I mentioned ‘material and finish‘ I glossed over the many and varied string manufacturing details. I certainly would expect a different sound and feel outcome, perceptive or not, from differing ‘core to wrap ratios‘ It’s a science in itself. Whether they’re trying to baffle us with the bullshine or not is difficult to decide.
But now you’ve mentioned it, I’d be keen to know how you get on with a brand new set of Santa Cruz strings fitted to your favourite acoustic.Great topic……
Richard
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July 6, 2020 at 5:41 pm #181729
Elixir Nanowebs are what I use on all my acoustics, but I would never put on 012s. I would never be able to make bar chords. 012s are for singers who stand up on stage and sing while strumming chords in the first 3 frets. They need the volume of 012s. But for those of us who mainly want to play all over the neck, we need 010s. Volume is not so important, because we can either mic our guitars, or plug into an amp if our guitars have a pickup. Note that even for slide guitars where heavy strings are needed, the slide experts recommend not going above 011s.
Sunjamr Steve
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July 6, 2020 at 5:41 pm #181730
Bud Many here would consider a 12 gauge string to be medium gauge. CF Martin the famous acoustic guitar makers consider 12 gauge to be their light spec. In all probability 12s are in my way of thinking right for acoustic. Its worth knowing that Brian use 12 d’addario on all his acoustics, but they take a bit of getting used to. So I think dropping to ten for your first set won’t do any harm but basically the sooner you use the strings that you intend to settle on the better. Martin might have felt them selves a little out on a limb because they have recently introduce a string which is supposed to be easier to bend called flex core. Tommy Emanneul has put his name to them MA54FX and says he loves them so that has to be a good recommendation. I have a set about to go on my Martin when I do get hem on I will post a comment on how I find them…..
RegardsJohnStrat
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July 6, 2020 at 6:36 pm #181733
We have to keep in mind that everyone’s hands are different – some have much stronger hands than others and heavier strings aren’t an issue for them
Playing styles and approaches plays a part of it all as well – what works for one player won’t work for someone else.As far as 12s and 13s are concerned, those gauges are useful for open tunings. For those that tune into Open C and what is know as Orkney Tuning (CGDGCD) – used by Celtic players, 13’s are a must. Lighter strings won’t tune that low without causing problems
I’ve tried 10’s and quickly replaced them with 11’s due to so much string slap against the fingerboard. 11’s are OK for DADGAD and Open D – for now. If I were playing in Open G more, I would consider 12s
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July 6, 2020 at 10:49 pm #181744
Thanks to everybody’s input! It helps to hear from folks w/ experience. I’ve ordered a set of 10’s & will use them for a while, until my hand gets used to the steel strings. I have every intention of going back to the 12’s as soon as I can! Again thanks!
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July 7, 2020 at 3:28 am #181754
Not sure if Martin Retro is Round wound Martin don’t say and some reviews say hex and others round wound🤔
Santa Cruz and Martin new flex string appear similar in they both reduce the inner hex core diameter and use a thicker wrap, another string I came across but have not tried with good reviews on low tension for old guitars and old hands with easier playability a round wound string
PRODUCT REVIEWS FOR NEWTONE HERITAGE PHOSPHOR BRONZE LOW TENSION ACOUSTIC GUITAR STRINGS 11-47
Return to Newtone Heritage Phosphor Bronze Low Tension Acoustic Guitar Strings 11-47 ›Newtone Heritage Phosphor Bronze Low Tension Acoustic Guitar Strings 11-47
Have been using these strings for a couple of years now and the lower tension makes a huge difference in terms of my left hand getting less fatigued. Sound is great too so I’m very happy to stick with these strings. If you like to play a lot of barre chords up the neck you will find these strings a lot easier to play than those with standard tension.June 12, 2017
James A
Newtone Heritage Phosphor Bronze Low Tension Acoustic Guitar Strings 11-47
Sound great and easy to play.May 26, 2017
Customer
Newtone Heritage Phosphor Bronze Low Tension Acoustic Guitar Strings 11-47
strings look and feel great. Haven’t actually fitted to my guitar yet but will do soon.May 20, 2017
Frank
Newtone Heritage Phosphor Bronze Low Tension Acoustic Guitar Strings 11-47
I’ve played Newtone strings for years. These are excellent strings if you have a vintage guitar which is fragile, you have problems with your hand strength or you have a guitar with 25.5 scale and want easier string bending. They are too soft and cause intonation problems on guitars with a scale length of 24.75 or less.April 21, 2017
Andrew Ridland
Definitely worth trying
This the second time I’ve used Newtone Heritage strings and it certainly won’t be the last. The round core really does make a difference producing a nice low tension feel and a much easier action. Highly recommended.June 22, 2015
Dave Scott
Newtone Heritage Strings
These strings are really great. They sound nice and clear, and the low tension allows you to speed around the neck, which is a lot of fun, especially if you like to plug your acoustic in as I do. I should add that the strings don’t sound thin or weak though when simply used acoustically though, on the contrary, they ring out. All in all I am very pleased that I discovered these great strings.June 19, 2015
Dave Merrick
COMFY AND LONGER LASTING
I’ve used a few sets of these on a Taylor 412ce. Usually play through a PA. Found them easy on the laft hand and light enough to add a bit of vibrato without sacrificing tone or volume. One precaution to note, DO NOT CUT THE STRINGS BEFORE TENSIONED. The base strings go dull. we are warned on the pack !!!June 17, 2014
Hi Bud,
Guitar strings are categorised by Gauge, Material and Finish. I’ve never met high or low tension strings. I can only assume when the dealer said high tension he meant heavy or medium gauge.Assuming your guitar is set up correctly, a good rule of thumb in deciding string gauges for your Taylor would be 10’s or Custom 11’s for fingerstyle or if you want slightly more resonance try 12’s.
Most of this is about personal preference but lighter strings such as 10’s are moderately easier on the fingers than 12’s but the trade-off is the 12’s might sound marginally louder and fuller. It really is a case of trial and error as to what your comfortable with.
Richard
Richard
Until recently, I had the same thoughts about guitar strings – strings are categorised by Gauge, Material and Finish. I’ve never met high or low tension strings.
I came across strings by the Santa Cruz Guitar Company that offers low & mid tension strings. Does it make a difference? Don’t know but Santa Cruz guitars are exceptional quality guitars so I think that the strings might be worth a try – providing that you want to pay $18 set for them.
https://santacruzguitar.com/santa-cruz-parabolic-tension-strings/
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July 7, 2020 at 4:38 am #181756
When you go to the Santa Cruz website they have a diagram showing a hex core and the wrap when you watch the videos it shows a diagram of a round core wire and the wrap wire so what is in the Parabolic ?🤔😊
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July 7, 2020 at 9:30 am #181778
The dealer said they put on Elixir nanoweb 12ga. strings I may have used an improper term “hi tension” instead of referring to the guage, sorry!
I use these on my Taylor and have no problems with bar chords.Many here use 10’s, but 12’s are still a pretty light string set for acoustic steel string guitars. It should get easier with time as you transition from nylon to steel.
Usually Taylor guitars are of good quality construction and come from the factory with the same strings you have on it. But I have a cheaper model called the Big Baby that needed a neck reset. So if the problem continues you may want to get it checked by a guitar tech.
Good luck and let us know how it works out. -
July 7, 2020 at 10:30 am #181781
I had the dealer check the intonation BEFORE I bought the guitar & checked it myself, first thing, when I received it & it was “spot on” so I assume the neck is O.K.! I believe my real problem is the many yrs I spent w/ a classical, nylon string guitar. I’ll put on the 10 ga. strings & play those for awhile, building up my hand & finger strength before switching back to the 12 ga. strings. Again, thanks for all the responses to my issue, I really appreciate it!
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