guitar strings

[lazybones]

just bought some elixar nanoweb  custom lights  and put them on my(NEW TO ME)  510e but they are really tight and hard on my fingers any suggestions to looser easier stings  and am i putting the right strings on...the action is low  and easy to play but my other guitar has got martins on and seems easier.

[Earl]

The custom lights are 11-52 in gauge (150 pounds total tension), whereas a regular light set is 12-53, (162 pounds total tension, per the Elixir web site).  www.elixirstrings.com/guitar-strings/phosphor-bronze-guitar-strings.html

Not clear why they feel so "tight" or are harder on your fingers.  They should have noticeably lower tension overall.   Some sets feel easier than others, even for the same gauges and tensions.  You are sure that you are tuned to the correct pitch, right (E-E)?  It's an easy mistake to make.

If other string sets feel more comfortable to your hand, then you might have your answer....

[lazybones]

yep re tuned the guitar several times with a stark tuner ,the same one i use on all my guitars

[mgap]

One thing to consider is, the 510e comes with medium Elixers.  Are a experienced acoustic player?  Reason for me asking is a acoustic guitar strings feel much different than electric guitars strings.  People often complain about how acoustic strings hurt when they have not played them much. 

[lazybones]

i usually play bass in a band so you have a good point.i wonder what tension martin strings are?i may           have to try martin strings if they have less tension

[Earl]

Of course the easiest way to reduce tension is to just tune down a half or whole step, say D-D.  That would loosen the strings and would likely feel better.  You would have to capo (or transpose) to play along with others.  Then you could gradually tune back up to standard pitch as your fingertips toughen with practice.

[lazybones]

tuned it down to d,much better thank you,would have been swapping strings forever, now i know that i am tempted to tune back up to e ..see if i can get used to the higher tension..lol

[Earl]

Play it in D-D for a while, then move up to D#-D# for a week or two, then finally back up to E.  that way you can condition your fingers slowly and comfortably.

[lazybones]

theirs no substitute  for wisdom,  i like things to be perfect,so i know i would have to eventually have to return it to E,but i can do it slowly now

[Herb Hunter]

• A guitar strung with medium gauge strings and tuned to, D, will have a string tension close to that of the same guitar strung with light gauge strings and tuned to, E.


• Because the vibration amplitude of thicker strings is shorter, medium-gauge strings can be set lower, closer to the fingerboard than light-gauge strings before the onset of buzzing.

[thomasabowden]

Consider silk & steel strings (made by Martin, Ernie Ball, others) -- much softer and easier on the fingertips, less tension.