String Gauge and Playability

[georg1947]

Hi, I have an Eastman 603c Jazzguitar with Thomastik JS .12 (flatwound) and I am full happy. For learning out of my cellar music room I bought an Eastman OM accoustik with the same measure and use 80/20 .12 recommended Western strings. After some months this full wood guitar needed, it sounds very good, but not the easy playability of the other. I am 72 old with not so strong fingers.

So I ask for .12 accoustic strings with more easy playability or change to .11? Perhaps I should try the Thomastik JS .12 too?

Best regards Pinot

[marcwhy]

Hi Pinot,
Take a look at this video and string gauge calculator; another gauge may be easier on your hands!

Marc

[dhd]

It the string action higher on the Eastman OM acoustic ?

The Thomastik Infield website has the tension values listed for it's guitar strings.
You could compare the tension values of the Thomastik JS .012 and the 80/20 Bronze Western Strings.

[georg1947]

Thank you very much! The Bronce 80/20 have a lot more tension then the Jazz set. A found an acoustic .11 set which seem to be right for me, a little less tension then my jazz set, but made in this direction. .11 Plectrum.I will try very soon.

But I am not clear about these calculations becauce this should differ depending on scale lenght?

Kind regards Pinot

[dhd]

I think the Thomastik Infield string tensions are based on 650mm scale.

[sgosnell]

Action on a flat-top acoustic is much more difficult to adjust than on an archtop. I would guess that the flat-top has higher action, and that may be difficult to fix. The perceived tension will also be higher because there is no string length beyond the bridge. Lighter strings may be the easiest approach.

[MarkRhodes]

Hi Pinot,
Take a look at this video and string gauge calculator; another gauge may be easier on your hands!

Marc

Whoa, I'd never heard of a string tension calculator! I sent them (Stringjoy) my specs and they'll send me a reccomendation within a day or so. Doubt it will be much different than what I have. Just curious, really.

[sgcim]

Whoa, I'd never heard of a string tension calculator! I sent them (Stringjoy) my specs and they'll send me a reccomendation within a day or so. Doubt it will be much different than what I have. Just curious, really.

I did, too. They seem like an aggressive bunch of boys; we'll probably be giving them our life savings after a few weeks...

[neatomic]

might want to look into thomastik plectrums..combination bronze flat/round set..very light tension!...not huge sounding, but great for fingerpicking and very easy on fingers

Thomastik-Infeld Acoustic Guitar Plectrum Bronze Flat Wound/Bronze Round Wound Light, .011 - .050, AC111



they come in 10, 11,12 & 13 gauge sets as well!!


cheers