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mahimahi
Aloha
USA
43 Posts |
 Posted - 01/12/2007 : 3:59:33 PM
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not sure if I'm posting in the correct message board, but I'm wondering if different tunings may have any adverse long term affects on the neck...Also I'm using a Taylor 414 with light strings and wondering if medium strings may function properly or cause buzzing...I have yet to use the truss rod as I may need to consult with the dealer on this function....mahalo...James
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jlsulle
Lokahi
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2007 : 07:13:32 AM
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James,
I have five Taylor guitars and have used medium strings on all of them in mostly open G and open F tunings and have no problems with the necks. I have never made a truss rod adjustment on any of them and I have not experienced any buzzing. Should be fine. Jerry |
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javeiro
Lokahi
USA
459 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2007 : 07:49:17 AM
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| I have had the same experience as Jerry on 6 different guitars. Most of the open tunings I use put less stress on the neck than standard tuning which was my reasoning for using the heavier gauge strings. The other reason is I like the sound of them better too. |
Aloha,
John A. |
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chunky monkey
Ha`aha`a
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2007 : 09:09:35 AM
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| Ditto with Taylor 615CE and 814CE. Mediums in TaroPatch F or Open C (Open D dropped 1 step). My guitars like these lower tunings and the mediums work well |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 5:12:09 PM
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I haven't had any problems on my Taylor steel string. I had it in the factory for other work and told them I play with light strings if Open D, Open G, C Whine, and F Wahine and they reset the neck for me. Now the action is a perfect as can be for slack key tunings.
This is related to the old "Should I take all the strings off my guitar at the same time when changing a set of strings?" The CW used to be "No, it might damage the neck". The current thinking is "Go ahead - no harm - no foul". |
E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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Fingerpickin
Lokahi
117 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2007 : 6:36:55 PM
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After nearly 3 decades of playing I THINK I have this right...please feel free to correct me if you disagree.....
I agree with what has been posted about open tunings. Most open tunings put much less stress on the neck and are therefore less destructive to your guitar, particularly if it is a 12-string.
As for medium vs. lights, the general concensus is:
1) Mediums sound better than lights, which sound better than extra lights
2) Lights make it easier to play the instrument
The reason that lights make it easier to play the instrument is as follows: bear with me, I'm throwing in a tad of theory here--the pitch of the note played depends on three things: the thickness of the string, the fret being pushed donwn (ie, the length of the string) and the amount of tension placed on the string by the tuners.
Light strings have less mass. To create a low note, lights strings are under less tension since their lower mass must be under lower tension to create a certain vibration speed. Put another way, medium strings have more mass, therefore they naturally vibrate more slowly. To "slow the light string vibration down" they need to be under lower tension.
Generally speaking, this makes light strings easier to play as they are under less tension and therefore easier to compress. However, under the already low tension slack key tunings, the tension may be inadequate to keep the string off the frets, and therefore create buzz. Even though the light string is thinner, the lower tension often causes the string to vibrate enough to cause buzzing, no good.
Some slackers have their action raised to compensate. A good set up by an experienced luthier should solve any issues in this area.
Thanks for letting me go on and on about strings. If I bored you, I'll buy you a frosty one at the next Kanikipila!
-Lance |
"Hey Lance, try watch." -Ozzie |
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mahimahi
Aloha
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2007 : 6:33:25 PM
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| Thanks to all for your time, patience and undertanding...all info is appreciated sincerely.....shall be attending a class taught by George Kahumoku in Berkeley in March...and Lance you weren't boring at all....now about that frosty I ought to buy you a few---James |
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javeiro
Lokahi
USA
459 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2007 : 7:39:32 PM
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Great summary of the theory, Lance!
Incidentally, I lived in Kailua from 1957 until I moved here to Olympia, WA in 2002. |
Aloha,
John A. |
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Fingerpickin
Lokahi
117 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2007 : 12:50:42 PM
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Thanks for the kind words, guys. Glad I could be of help.
As for the frosty's, James, howze about I get da first round, an you get um da second, ya?
-Lance
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"Hey Lance, try watch." -Ozzie |
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