Author Topic: Recommendations for light gage strings on a new GS-Mini Koa  (Read 2493 times)

montevista23

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Recommendations for light gage strings on a new GS-Mini Koa
« on: August 06, 2018, 06:41:12 PM »
Hello,

I would love some insight on peoples favorite light-gage strings for a GS-Mini. Thanks for any suggestions. I appreciate it.

Here's a pic...
« Last Edit: August 06, 2018, 06:43:21 PM by montevista23 »

zeebow

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Re: Recommendations for light gage strings on a new GS-Mini Koa
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2018, 06:49:35 PM »
i think it needs medium bc the small body
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mgap

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Re: Recommendations for light gage strings on a new GS-Mini Koa
« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2018, 11:19:49 PM »
The factory default string is the Elixir mediums.  If you want to switch it up a bit you might try the Elixer HDs or Elixer lights.
The mediums feel great because of the body size and string tension. 
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TaylorGirl

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Re: Recommendations for light gage strings on a new GS-Mini Koa
« Reply #3 on: August 07, 2018, 05:49:40 AM »
With the short scale and lower string tension, stick with mediums to maintain optimum sound, volume and feel. Give them a try, you might be surprised.  :) I'm a light gauge player on my full sized guitars, but don't even notice these are mediums on the GSM. If you feel you have to give lights a try, my suggestion would be Elixirs.
Susie
Taylors: 914 ● K24ce ● 414 ● GSMeK+ ● BT-K
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donlyn

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Re: Recommendations for light gage strings on a new GS-Mini Koa
« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2018, 07:35:17 PM »
+1 to susie, zee, and mgap posts
* The Heard:
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99 Taylor 355  sitka/sapele 12 string Jumbo
06 Alvarez AJ60S  englemann/mpl lam m Jumbo
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05 Taylor 512ce L10  all mahogany Grand Concert
09 Taylor  all walnut Jumbo
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16 Taylor 458e-R  sitka/rosewood 12 string GO
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montevista23

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Re: Recommendations for light gage strings on a new GS-Mini Koa
« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2018, 10:19:34 PM »
Thanks all...

SoCalSurf

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Re: Recommendations for light gage strings on a new GS-Mini Koa
« Reply #6 on: August 09, 2018, 04:25:41 PM »
I certainly respect the knowledge of everybody who has replied already, but I'll add that I have experimented with light strings on my GS-Mini Koa and believe they are well suited for the guitar if you prefer lighter strings.

I am in the unique situation of owning two GS mini koas, and when I got the second one in January I thought I would experiment with different gauge strings. So I put some Martin Acoustic Sp Custom Lights (.011-.052) on my older mini. I have fell in love with those strings and they are on all of my full-sized guitars. On my new mini were the factory Elixir medium strings. I recorded a video of me playing the exact thing on both guitars to compare the difference. First I did fingerstyle, then I strummed.

Surprisingly, I found no volume differences between the strings. And I did not detect any difference in tone. Because I prefer the light gauge strings I ended up putting them on my new mini and I have not changed back to medium strings since.

So I believe that, if you prefer light strings, you should at least give them a chance.
Taylor: GS Mini (koa), 517e, K24ce
Gibson: Hummingbird, SJ-200, SJ-200 12-string, SJ-200 parlor, Woody Guthrie J45 Southern Jumbo
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Preston Thompson O-Koa