12-53 Gauge on a 516CE

[FDHog]

My new 516CE is arriving on Wed.
I know it comes with 13-56 med gauge.
Is anyone playing a GS with light gauge strings?
I've always used 12-53's even on my Dreds.

[Craig]

My feeling and I think it's a common feeling around here is that GS's really do work best with 13-56's
There just seems to be something missing when you put lighter strings on.

Craig

[Harley]

I've always gravitated towards lights, regardless of the guitar, whether it be a Jumbo or a Parlor.

[FDHog]

Also thinking of the D'Addario 12-56 EXP's.
Prefer the D'Addario EXP phosphor bronze to the Elixirs.
I do a lot of bending, and just think the Medium set doesn't bend as well.

[coreym1970]

I put lights on my 716ce twice.  The first time I used Martin SP's which I did not care for and I accidentally bought a set of lights instead of mediums on Amazon another time.  They just did not have the sound that the Mediums had.  I do a lot of strumming and not a lot of finger picking.  I only will use the Elixir Mediums anymore. 

[greg947]

I have a GS8e (equivalent to 816e).  I started out with mediums, then went to bluegrass strings.  Then I purchased two sets of Martin Lifespan SP phosphor/bronze 13-54(lights).  When I didn't like them on my Grand Auditorium (GA7), I decided to try the second set on my GS8e.  The Lifespan P/B's are the only string I use now on the GS8e.  They have the balance and brightness I like.  There is no loss of bass.  In fact, the only thing I notice is a little less volume.  When plugged in, that's easy to fix, and around the house, my wife likes a slightly quieter guitar.  Actually, when I use a pick, it is plenty loud.  I suggest giving them a try.

Greg

[FDHog]

I have a GS8e (equivalent to 816e).  I started out with mediums, then went to bluegrass strings.  Then I purchased two sets of Martin Lifespan SP phosphor/bronze 13-54(lights).  When I didn't like them on my Grand Auditorium (GA7), I decided to try the second set on my GS8e.  The Lifespan P/B's are the only string I use now on the GS8e.  They have the balance and brightness I like.  There is no loss of bass.  In fact, the only thing I notice is a little less volume.  When plugged in, that's easy to fix, and around the house, my wife likes a slightly quieter guitar.  Actually, when I use a pick, it is plenty loud.  I suggest giving them a try.

Greg

My whole point on going lighter, is that I usually play solo. The GS is great for strumming, but I need a lighter gauge on the top strings for lead work.
I think I'm gonna give the D'Addario EXP Bluegrass a shot.

[Edward]

On two different GS guitars, I've tried lights, then med-lights; and on one I've tried the HDs. Every single time I've gone back to mediums.  Sure it has been said many times that the GS is designed/braced for the extra tension of a medium set.  But it is tone that trumps all.  And for me, what the factory "recommends" seems to really play out in this case, to my ears.  But given that you're already using lights on your dred, you may prefer the lights on your GS.  Like all things tone, you've got to make that determination. 

Edward

[guitarsrsoawesome]

When I had my GS8, like these other guys, I found the lights to be anemic in comparison to the mediums (which made the guitar thunder), but I didn't like playing a set fully consisting of mediums (I finger picked quite a bit), so I settled on the medium lights (blue grass)...medium bass, light trebles.  I actually thought they sounded better than all mediums because the light trebles brought out a little more of that Taylor jangle I liked while maintaining the bass tone.  I found it sort of increased the breadth of the tonal spectrum. 

But if you're primarily playing plugged in, as others have said, you can play all lights and eq all the bass you want. I know a guy with several GS that gigs three nights a week and he always runs lights because he's always amplified.

[Edward]

Excellent point about being amplified: string guage (and body size, guitar's body size, that is ) matter less when going through a PA.  A GC with lights can sound big and full in a house mix when EQd well.

Edward

[Craig]

I think the bottom line FDHog is that you're going to have to see for yourself, there's been lot's of threads like this and there's never a clear cut winner, just lots of personal preferences.

I've had my 816ce over a year and I still put something different on every time I change strings, one day I'll make my mind up and buy in bulk :-)

Craig

[FDHog]

I think the bottom line FDHog is that you're going to have to see for yourself, there's been lot's of threads like this and there's never a clear cut winner, just lots of personal preferences.

I've had my 816ce over a year and I still put something different on every time I change strings, one day I'll make my mind up and buy in bulk :-)

Craig

Yeah, took me awhile to settle on D'Addario XL's for my electrics. I like the D'Addario EXP PB Lights on my GA's. Especially the 814CE

[eljeffe58]

I stay with mediums with my 516-ce as well. For me, tone trumps all and that's where I am getting the best sound as has been suggested before.

[FDHog]

Well the guitar came in today. Played it for awhile with the mediums, then changed over to the D'Addario EXP Bluegrass PB's.
It sounds great, and it plays much easier on the top strings.
So far I'm happy with these.

[guitarsrsoawesome]

Well the guitar came in today. Played it for awhile with the mediums, then changed over to the D'Addario EXP Bluegrass PB's.
It sounds great, and it plays much easier on the top strings.
So far I'm happy with these.

Glad to hear it!  That's where I fell when I had my GS8.  But there'll still be plenty of time to experiment.  Enjoy!