On the subject of strings…

[DimEyeGuitarGuy]

While I’m waiting to hear back from Taylor, I thought I’d ask here to see if anyone knew definitively.

As I start to experiment with strings… are mediums okay/safe to put on my 914?

[SDTaylorman]

Of course.

[DimEyeGuitarGuy]

Of course.

Thanks. There’s a lot of divided information on the web.

[Earl]

Yes.  I have not owned anything above the 600 series, but you'll be OK.  Worst case you might need a 1/4 turn on the truss rod, and medium strings can actually be set up lower than lights (more tension leads to less circular motion during vibration).  My Taylor guitars have often worn medium gauge strings tuned at standard tuning, with no ill effects.  I got into heavier strings when needing to tune down for altered tunings, and liked them just fine for standard too. 

The thing about the interweb is that if there are 20 people, you'll see at least 21 opinions on any topic.   

[Edward]

Earl is right on with the mediums. With the guit set up well, you may even think/feel like there is no difference, or at least merely a slight one.

That said, also try medium-lights.  FWIW, I use the elixir PB med-light set on a GC-sized guit and it's fabulous.  And if you want a warmer tone, go with non-coated brands and see/hear what you get.  Happy hunting!

EDward

[crashcup]

If you're "experimenting," then give Santa Cruz Parabolic Tension strings a run.  After a decade of Elixir only, I began "experimenting" with non-Elixir brands of strings about 8 months ago.  Without rehashing my experience with all the popular brands I've tried (and most have good qualities) I believe I have settled on what I believe to be the most balanced sounding strings I've ever played.  Yes, it's all subjective, but I bring it up because I play in a lot of drop tunings and Santa Cruz just recently introduced light and medium DADGAD sets of parabolic tension strings.  Tuning my grand auditoriums or my grand concert 12 frets down to a CFCGCE tuning was doable, but I really had to adjust my playing to compensate for the lighter tension.  The new DADGAD sets handle all my crazy dropped tunings. So if you're looking for slightly heavier, this is something you might consider.  They also sound fabulous in standard tuning!

Teja Gerkin from Peg Head Nation reviewed them here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pnl7Q87A4R0

Best of luck!

[donlyn]

On the subject of strings…

In the past, Taylor has mentioned that most of their older model guitars can handle both Lights and Mediums. When in doubt with a model, it would be worth a call to Taylor to check it out.

At one point they were shipping Grand Concerts and Grand Auditoriums with Elixir PB HD gauge (.013 - .053). Basically Medium treble strings with Light bass strings. I like this gauge so much that I use it on both my Grand Concerts, my Grand Orchestra, and all three J-200 Jumboes.

Note this gauge is the opposite of Medium-Lights. I fingerpick all my instruments using my nails as picks. I like the bump given to the trebles strings and the big boys don't need that much bass to sound real good.

Don
 

[donlyn]

* *

The thing about the interweb is that if there are 20 people, you'll see at least 21 opinions on any topic.   

Exactly. And that covers those who don't offer an opinion on one hand and those who equivocate, and can't make up their minds on the other hand. Thus planting a foot firmly in both opinions. 

Don

[Earl]

If you're "experimenting," then give Santa Cruz Parabolic Tension strings a run.

A guitar that I bought used came with SCGC strings on it, and they were fine.  I have used several types on it since then.  Right now that guitar is wearing Straight Up Strings, a similar balanced-tension concept, but at about half of the SCGC price.  They have been on that guitar for 3½ months now and are still sounding fine.  Weekly play is 4-8 hours, including two hours being pounded at a bluegrass jam.  www.straightupstrings.com

[crashcup]

If you're "experimenting," then give Santa Cruz Parabolic Tension strings a run.

A guitar that I bought used came with SCGC strings on it, and they were fine.  I have used several types on it since then.  Right now that guitar is wearing Straight Up Strings, a similar balanced-tension concept, but at about half of the SCGC price.  They have been on that guitar for 3½ months now and are still sounding fine.  Weekly play is 4-8 hours, including two hours being pounded at a bluegrass jam.  www.straightupstrings.com

Good to know.  Thanks for sharing. The "experiment" continues!

[Guitarsan]

That said, also try medium-lights.  FWIW, I use the elixir PB med-light set on a GC-sized guit and it's fabulous.  And if you want a warmer tone, go with non-coated brands and see/hear what you get.  Happy hunting!

EDward

I second this, the Elixir Light-Mediums are the sweet spot. A bit easier to bend than mediums and I think will sit right in the string slots in the nut.