Acoustic 7s: What string gauges?

darren wilson · #1 01-04-2003, 11:41 AM

Hey, folks

For those of you out there using Acoustic 7's, what strings are you using on them?

I just got an Ibanez AJ307, and right now it has 13-56 Elixirs on it, and i put a 10 on the top. Feels pretty great, but i might like to go a bit heavier for a more robust tone.

I haven't had much luck finding many acoustic strings over .056. There are a couple, though... La Bella makes baritone sets that go as thick as .070 and .080, and Elixir has a baritone set with a .068.

On my electric 7, i'm not as concerned about trying heavy gauge strings on it, because solid bodies are really built like tanks. (I'm currently using .010 to .060 on my Dean EVO 7.) But on an acoustic, i'm hesitant to go too heavy, because i don't want to run into problems with the bridge or the top.

At any rate, i'd like to figure out what i'm going to do with strings and settle on a set i'll end up using consistently, so i can get a custom compensated bridge saddle made to fix the intonation.

Any thoughts?

Jim Soloway · #2 01-04-2003, 01:24 PM

I use 12's on mine with the same D'Adarrio nickel steel XL .072 that I use on my electrics for the low string. At that weight and given the tonal limitations of the instrument, I don't think bronze would make much difference.

trajectory fish · #3 01-04-2003, 01:35 PM

check out http://juststrings.com and look at d'addario single strings.

Jim Soloway · #4 01-04-2003, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bchaney

check out http://juststrings.com and look at d'addario single strings.

That's where I get mine as well.

darren wilson · #5 01-04-2003, 03:12 PM

I love juststrings.com.

I've never been a big fan of D'Addario strings, though. Dunno why. I'm thinking of trying a set of La Bella baritone strings, .014 to .070, with a .010 or .011 on top. I like having a plain G string... less squeaking.

I really like the feel of the Elixirs that are on it currently, but nobody makes coated strings heavy enough, unless i get an acoustic bass string, which costs more than an entire set.

Drew · #6 01-07-2003, 04:40 AM

http://juststrings.com/elx-13159.html

an Elixer Nanoweb .59. That and a 10-47 or 11-52 ought to do it for you. just a hunch...

-Drew

darren wilson · #7 01-07-2003, 09:21 AM

Thanks, Drew

I'm not sure if a .059 is going to be heavy enough. It rattles quite a bit overall with a .056 on it right now. I'm thinking i'd have to go with at least a .065 to get that clear, bell-like tone.

Jim Soloway · #8 01-07-2003, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darren wilson

I love juststrings.com.

I've never been a big fan of D'Addario strings, though. Dunno why. I'm thinking of trying a set of La Bella baritone strings, .014 to .070, with a .010 or .011 on top. I like having a plain G string... less squeaking.

I really like the feel of the Elixirs that are on it currently, but nobody makes coated strings heavy enough, unless i get an acoustic bass string, which costs more than an entire set.

Remember, if you get a bass string the ball is way bigger, so you're either going to have to drill out the hole or fingure out a way to securely change to a guitar size ball end.

I don't like D'Addario either, but they are the only ones I know of that make a heavy enough string. I'm actually set up on an artist deal with Thomastik Infeld whose strings I really love. They made a .072 in very limited quantities and I was one of the testers for it. It was WAY better than the D'Adarrio. Unfortunately, for whatever reason they decided not to manufacture it so I ended up back with the D'Addario.

darren wilson · #9 01-07-2003, 12:00 PM

Yeah, so far the La Bella baritone set is my best bet so far... i might order a set from juststrings.com to try them out.

I've emailed Elixir to see if they might consider doing an acoustic baritone set. They have an electric baritone set that goes from .012 to .068, but no acoustic baritone set.

stretcher7 · #10 01-08-2003, 01:45 AM

For what it's worth. I love elixir's too. I put a set of 11's on with a daddario 70 for the B. Works fine. I am intrigued by the baritone idea though. I may steal your idea!!

trajectory fish · #11 01-08-2003, 08:54 PM

About five minutes ago I slapped on a .070 that came in the mail today. Moving up from a 66, it does realy well. It feels great, and matches the tension of the other strings very well. The tension rating matches the rest of the strings also. Highly recommended.

darren wilson · #12 01-08-2003, 09:14 PM

Excellent. Thanks for the update, bchaney!

This afternoon i went to juststrings.com and ordered a set of La Bella baritone strings (.014 to .070) and a plain steel .011 for the high E.

I'll let you guys know how it turns out.