Medium gauge strings

[acme97]

What are general feelings about using medium strings on Taylors?

I have an older 110 that sounds way better with mediums.

I'd like to try mediums on two older 400 series Taylors.  The're not pin-bridge on theses, but rather through.  Like a classical guitar.

I keep guitars tuned down a whole step anyway; I just like that sound better.

I've learned over time medium gauge strings don't always sound "better" on every guitar, but I'd like to give it a try on these Taylors.  The older 412 particularly, it is a thin-sounding guitar, but plays nice.

Thanks!

[Craig]

I think they sound best on all of mine but you'll probably get as many opposite opinions.
It's like that with strings.

Craig

[theonemanband]

Depends what your definition of "medium" is.

Different manufacturers seem to have differing parameters. I go 12-54 on my 6 string (classed as "Light") and 10-48 on my 12 string (classed as "regular"), whatever they both are, both seem to sound right and play comfortably.

[sergeko]

Medium strings are recommended on Taylor dreads like your 110 but not for grand concerts like your 412.

[DennisG]

You could easily put mediums on your 412, tune down a full step, and you'd end up with the same string tension you'd have if you used lights.

[Vindibona1]

It all depends on the guitar, what you like yours to sound like and how and what you play.

As an example, on the AGF there was a fellow inquiring about Maple Taylor 214ceDLX maple.  I listened to the recordings of that model and realized that the bass on those guitars had little projection and the brighter were...well, bright.  13's would probably have done that guitar a lot of good, increasing bass presence and tamping down the excessive brightness.

I've tried lots of combinations on my 614 and 814 and always look for balance and the right sound. On my 814 I found that both 12's and 13's provided a good balance, but I (at this moment) like the zing of the 12's, even though the 13's provide more projection.

The best way to know is to test for yourself.

[N+1]

As an example, on the AGF there was a fellow inquiring about Maple Taylor 214ceDLX maple.  I listened to the recordings of that model and realized that the bass on those guitars had little projection and the brighter were...well, bright.  13's would probably have done that guitar a lot of good, increasing bass presence and tamping down the excessive brightness.

I was part of that conversation. I have a 214ce-QM DLX, and I fitted a set of 13/56 Elixirs for precisely this reason (it comes from the factory fitted with 12s). The overall 'maple-ish' sound is preserved, but the balance is closer to what I want: the brightness is restrained, while still leaving the treble bell-like and clear. The bass is somewhat improved - though it doesn't extend as far as the bass of the koa or rosewood 214 DLXs that I've played,* and remains a little 'flabby'.


[*I realise that some will question this, given Bob Taylor's statement that these layered 214s all sound the same regardless of the tonewood veneers used. But that's not what my ears tell me.]

[acme97]

You could easily put mediums on your 412, tune down a full step, and you'd end up with the same string tension you'd have if you used lights.

I'm going to try mediums (.013-.056) tuned down a whole step and see what happens.  I was just making sure, since it's not a pin bridge and I don't want to add any extra pull on the top.  Lots of times, I tune down even past a whole step.

Thanks.