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Topic: Does string gauge impact string volume? |
Joe Alterio
From:
Irvington, Indiana
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Posted 12 Aug 2004 5:04 am |
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I think I know the answer to this, but figured I'd check with the experts to make sure. If you are using a .10 gauge string for the G# (3rd) and move to an .11 or .12, will the string volume also be louder as a result? My guess is yes....
Joe |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 12 Aug 2004 5:09 am
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| Yes. |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 12 Aug 2004 8:05 am
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I've used a 12 gauge string for my 3rd string for quite a while and I get a fuller, richer sound out of it. I'm not so sure about the difference in volume, though.
Erv |
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Ben Slaughter
From:
Madera, California
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Posted 12 Aug 2004 8:19 am
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I use an 11.5 or 12 for that very reason.
------------------
Ben
Zum D10, NV400, TubeFex, POD, G&L Guitars, etc, etc.
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David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 12 Aug 2004 10:28 am
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| Oh yeah. Louder, thicker, richer. I guess there is some point of diminishing returns, and at some thickness you will get too much breakage. With low wound strings you get to a point where the thickness is hurting the flexibility and the string is dull. The cure for that is a longer string length. That is why concert grand pianos are way longer than the living room versions. |
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Joe Alterio
From:
Irvington, Indiana
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Posted 12 Aug 2004 5:39 pm
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Thanks for the reaffirmation, guys!
What prompted this was I had always used .10s on my last guitar. As soon as I got my new guitar, I put on a new set of D'Addario XLS490s (although...I'm wondering how old they were....they were awfully dusty at Guitar Center!). These had an .11 that, of course, popped right before I got it up to pitch. I had two spare .11s in the house, both coming from a set of Danelectro electric guitar strings (which are definitely a few years old...not that it matters). The first one popped, the second one lasted.
But, I noticed that the 3rd string just always sounded thin and was not very loud. I thought that it could be the gauge, but I knew that going back to a .10 would only make decrease the string volume more.
So, I went and bought a bunch of D'Addario .10s, just strung one up (took my time....stretched often...hit that B pedal while I was tuning it) and there is a BIG difference in volume!
Who'd have thought that string brand would make such a big difference? I think I'm about to chuck the rest of those Danelectro strings!!!
Joe
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