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Has anyone changed to medium gauge on the GT?

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BarbMaxey:
I have the 811 GTe with 12-53/54 gauge strings. Has anyone tried going to medium gauge 13-56 strings? If so, do you like them? Did you have to change the setup? Thanks.

DennisG:
I have medium-gauge strings on my 114.  If left in normal tuning (E to E) you can notice the thicker strings and increased string tension.  But I keep the guitar tuned to open D or sometimes D to D, both of which nicely offset the added string tension, and I haven't needed to touch the truss rod.  If you tune D to D, you can always put your capo at the second fret to get the equivalent of E to E tuning.

Earl:
Barb, the 24" scale length of the GT automatically means less tension than other models at 25.5" or even 24.8" for the GC.  The reduction is about 9-10% overall.  Mediums at 25.5" scale are about 180 pounds total, and at 24" scale they become about 162 pounds -- almost exactly the number for 53-12 light gauge on a longer scale length.  That is why the GS Mini (23.5" scale length) comes with mediums as standard.  It takes a heavier string to offset the shorter length.  As Dennis said, tuning down one half-step across the board accomplishes the same thing.  You are back to the tension of light gauge.  Tuning down a whole step is even looser. 

It is doubtful that you would have to change the setup unless the thicker strings are binding in the nut (pinging as you tune up or down).  Worst case, you might need a quarter turn on the truss rod, but probably not.  Most of my Taylors wore light and medium gauge, with no ill effects.

BarbMaxey:
Thank you so much for that info. I’m going to try it then!!

Edward:
Not exactly the same change, but I put on medium-light Elixir nano PBs on a GC body and I love it.  Had it like this for over a decade: sounds great, plays great, no desire to change.  Give it a whirl!

Edward

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