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Post by surfguy13 on Jul 4, 2021 10:16:20 GMT
Thought I would try (probably Newtone Heritage) low tension strings. I was wondering if you need to adjust your string gauge with a low tension string? Wasn't sure if the idea was that you went up a gauge due to lower string tension. I use phosphor bronze normally and 12-54 string gauge.
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Post by ocarolan on Jul 4, 2021 11:49:38 GMT
If you want to reduce the tension from your existing situation for whatever reason, then just stick with the same-ish gauges you are used to. Though I think the nearest ones to 12-54 are 12-51.
Newtone Heritage strings use thinner core wires for the wound strings than would be expected for the same gauge of other strings; hence lower tension, but same gauge. They also have a more balanced tension across the strings, ie they feel similar in tension, which you may or may not notice.
Keith
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Post by Onechordtrick on Jul 4, 2021 11:53:26 GMT
Thought I would try (probably Newtone Heritage) low tension strings. I was wondering if you need to adjust your string gauge with a low tension string? Wasn't sure if the idea was that you went up a gauge due to lower string tension. I use phosphor bronze normally and 12-54 string gauge. Depends on what you want to achieve? I play the same gauge as normal so that I can have lower tension. If you go up a gauge your tension will increase but as you’ll have lower tension strings it should be the same(ish) as you have now. Does that make sense? Also if you go up a gauge you may need your nut recut. My approach when messing about with stuff is to only change one thing at a time. So either go to a higher gauge version of your current set or the same gauge as you currently play in Heritage. Otherwise you won’t know whether the, hopefully, improved sound/playability is down to the change in tension or gauge.
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Post by surfguy13 on Jul 4, 2021 12:01:30 GMT
If you want to reduce the tension from your existing situation for whatever reason, then just stick with the same-ish gauges you are used to. Though I think the nearest ones to 12-54 are 12-51. Newtone Heritage strings use thinner core wires for the wound strings than would be expected for the same gauge of other strings; hence lower tension, but same gauge. They also have a more balanced tension across the strings, ie they feel similar in tension, which you may or may not notice. Keith Thank you Keith. Extremely helpful. I did look at the Newtone site and as you say, 12-51 sounds a little light on the bottom end. Does the thinner core wires translate into less volume? It does sound like they are very different and I wonder whether the drop to a 51 E and the similar tension across the strings. Maybe I just need to buy and try!!!
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Post by surfguy13 on Jul 4, 2021 12:09:23 GMT
Thought I would try (probably Newtone Heritage) low tension strings. I was wondering if you need to adjust your string gauge with a low tension string? Wasn't sure if the idea was that you went up a gauge due to lower string tension. I use phosphor bronze normally and 12-54 string gauge. Depends on what you want to achieve? I play the same gauge as normal so that I can have lower tension. If you go up a gauge your tension will increase but as you’ll have lower tension strings it should be the same(ish) as you have now. Does that make sense? Also if you go up a gauge you may need your nut recut. My approach when messing about with stuff is to only change one thing at a time. So either go to a higher gauge version of your current set or the same gauge as you currently play in Heritage. Otherwise you won’t know whether the, hopefully, improved sound/playability is down to the change in tension or gauge. Many thanks Onechordtrick. You make a VERY good point that if I went up to a 56 E then looking at the nut on my guitar it would have to be opened up a little. However, it does make perfect sense that a heavier gauge will feel very similar to the 12-54s I currently use. Also, I assume, more volume with the 56 E on the Newtones. I had to resort to a short scale bass about 4'ish years ago as arthritic lumps on my right hand weren't coping with 60-120 gauge strings and a 34" scale. That was the reason I though about low tension strings on the acoustic. Yes, totally agree re making too many changes at once. Dead wary of that. I have the guitar set up perfectly now so any changes as a result different strings will probably only require a minor truss rod tweak at worst.
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Post by ocarolan on Jul 4, 2021 12:35:17 GMT
If you want to make gradual changes, then you could try Newtone Masterclass strings - these are available in a wider selection of gauges than the Heritage series, and if, eg, you stick with 12-54 you may notice slightly easier playing. Even these do tune to pitch at slightly less tension than "other" 12-54s, but they feel more amenable as their round core construction results in a more flexible string than the usual hex-core. You notice this as soon as you uncoil the wound strings. I wouldn't worry too much about volume (you right hand is the best volume control) - I notice no difference between Newtone Masterclass 12-54 and 12-52 sets - I used to use 12-54 all the time, but tend to prefer 12-52 now as they (perhaps psychologically) feel a little easier. Onechordtrick's point about increasing gauge is certainly relevant, though I have never found this to be a real problem eg when changing from 12-54 to 13-56. The differences are minimal, and even if there should be something of a minor tightness issue, then using the string itself as a file on the sidesof the slots will sort it very quickly. (Obviously only applies to wound strings!) Whatever experiments you may wish to make with newtones may be limited by availability, though the makers do seem to fulfil back orders fairly quickly. Dive in and try - and do let us know how you get on! Good luck. Keith
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Post by Onechordtrick on Jul 4, 2021 12:37:13 GMT
The other option with Newtone is a custom set so you can choose your own gauges; you do need to be more patient as they’ll be made to order. Also you can’t choose Heritage on the set builder tool but if you email Neil he’ll sort you out.
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Post by surfguy13 on Jul 4, 2021 13:32:15 GMT
If you want to make gradual changes, then you could try Newtone Masterclass strings - these are available in a wider selection of gauges than the Heritage series, and if, eg, you stick with 12-54 you may notice slightly easier playing. Even these do tune to pitch at slightly less tension than "other" 12-54s, but they feel more amenable as their round core construction results in a more flexible string than the usual hex-core. You notice this as soon as you uncoil the wound strings. I wouldn't worry too much about volume (you right hand is the best volume control) - I notice no difference between Newtone Masterclass 12-54 and 12-52 sets - I used to use 12-54 all the time, but tend to prefer 12-52 now as they (perhaps psychologically) feel a little easier. Onechordtrick 's point about increasing gauge is certainly relevant, though I have never found this to be a real problem eg when changing from 12-54 to 13-56. The differences are minimal, and even if there should be something of a minor tightness issue, then using the string itself as a file on the sidesof the slots will sort it very quickly. (Obviously only applies to wound strings!) Whatever experiments you may wish to make with newtones may be limited by availability, though the makers do seem to fulfil back orders fairly quickly. Dive in and try - and do let us know how you get on! Good luck. Keith I did see the Masterclass strings and yes, they do seem to have a wider selection of gauges. I wonder if this might be the best compromise option; slightly less tension but the gauge I'm used to. I had also seen the 12-52 gauge from a load of manufacturers so maybe it's worth giving that gauge a try. I had originally decided just to drop down to a 53 E from a 54 but maybe going to a 52 E would give me a more defined change. I will buy 2 or 3 different sets and give them all a try. Just got into a rut with the same gauge and sometimes a change can be just what is needed. Really appreciate all the advice! Guy
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Post by surfguy13 on Jul 4, 2021 13:36:30 GMT
The other option with Newtone is a custom set so you can choose your own gauges; you do need to be more patient as they’ll be made to order. Also you can’t choose Heritage on the set builder tool but if you email Neil he’ll sort you out. I hadn't even considered a custom gauge but that actually sounds really interesting. And time scales are not an issue at all. It would be just perfect to be able to choose a custom gauge in the Heritage as they have limited gauge options it seems. Also, I have to say, it's lovely to be able to buy from a UK maker rather than everything coming from the US!
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Post by vikingblues on Jul 5, 2021 19:11:51 GMT
Whether you lose volume on the lower tension Heritage strings maybe partly depends on your guitar and how responsive it is to gentler attack. I just went for 12-51 when I switched to Heritage as it was the same gauge and less strain on my joints having the reduced tension. It was less strain too. I noticed no deterioration in sound / volume. To my ears the Heritage don't sound so happy on all mahogany guitars but that might just be my two particular mahogany guitars. I just recently got some new sets of Heritage and I see they have changed the packaging and no longer show the string tension figures. But if it's the same tensions as it used to be we have :- (12's): .012 22lbs, .016 22lbs, .020W 21lbs, 0.028 22lbs, .038 22lbs, .051 22lbs : Total 131lbs (13's): .013 26lbs, .017 25lbs, .022W 26lbs, 0.031 26lbs, .042 26lbs, .055 26lbs : Total 155lbs And yes, I find the more evenly spread tension across the strings gives a much better feel. I have a set of D'Addario NB Balanced Tension strings I've yet to try - they're not low tension and as for balanced they still vary by as much as 3lbs on individual strings. I'm not sure why i bought them now. The 13's Heritage set is close to what a normal set of 12's would be elsewhere. Mark
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Post by surfguy13 on Jul 6, 2021 8:18:48 GMT
Whether you lose volume on the lower tension Heritage strings maybe partly depends on your guitar and how responsive it is to gentler attack. I just went for 12-51 when I switched to Heritage as it was the same gauge and less strain on my joints having the reduced tension. It was less strain too. I noticed no deterioration in sound / volume. To my ears the Heritage don't sound so happy on all mahogany guitars but that might just be my two particular mahogany guitars. I just recently got some new sets of Heritage and I see they have changed the packaging and no longer show the string tension figures. But if it's the same tensions as it used to be we have :- (12's): .012 22lbs, .016 22lbs, .020W 21lbs, 0.028 22lbs, .038 22lbs, .051 22lbs : Total 131lbs (13's): .013 26lbs, .017 25lbs, .022W 26lbs, 0.031 26lbs, .042 26lbs, .055 26lbs : Total 155lbs And yes, I find the more evenly spread tension across the strings gives a much better feel. I have a set of D'Addario NB Balanced Tension strings I've yet to try - they're not low tension and as for balanced they still vary by as much as 3lbs on individual strings. I'm not sure why i bought them now. The 13's Heritage set is close to what a normal set of 12's would be elsewhere. Mark Many thanks for that Mark and for taking the trouble to include all the specs for the 12 and 13 gauge Heritage strings. Really interesting to see the difference between the two gauges in lbs. It is quite significant. I've never seen string tension figures on strings (or maybe I haven't looked hard enough?) but I'd be fascinated to see what an equivalent set of standard D'addario 12s would be in terms of tension. You also touched on a really important point for me....how different woods respond to the Heritage strings. My only acoustic is an OM with spruce/mahogany and although it is an incredibly bright and responsive guitar I wasn't too sure how the Heritage strings would work with mahogany. I read a really interesting user review on Heritage strings and the guy made the same comments that you did; that he found the Heritage strings sounded a little dull on his mahogany acoustic but sounded perfect on his spruce/rosewood guitar. I guess the only way to be sure is to buy a set and give them a whirl! Keith mentioned the Newtone Masterclass strings and I think I might also buy a set of these to try. They sound like an excellent option and not a million miles from the Heritage strings. I hadn't stumbled across the D'addario Balanced Tension strings but will check them out too. Big fan of D'addarios and used them on electric bass for decades and they used to be my go to string for acoustics too until I found the Martin SP phosphor bronze strings which are superb. Certainly for a standard tension string. The biggest positive is that the Heritage strings have helped your joints and that's really good to know. Fingers crossed I find they have the same benefit!! Guy
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Post by Onechordtrick on Jul 6, 2021 8:33:00 GMT
Whether you lose volume on the lower tension Heritage strings maybe partly depends on your guitar and how responsive it is to gentler attack. I just went for 12-51 when I switched to Heritage as it was the same gauge and less strain on my joints having the reduced tension. It was less strain too. I noticed no deterioration in sound / volume. To my ears the Heritage don't sound so happy on all mahogany guitars but that might just be my two particular mahogany guitars. I just recently got some new sets of Heritage and I see they have changed the packaging and no longer show the string tension figures. But if it's the same tensions as it used to be we have :- (12's): .012 22lbs, .016 22lbs, .020W 21lbs, 0.028 22lbs, .038 22lbs, .051 22lbs : Total 131lbs (13's): .013 26lbs, .017 25lbs, .022W 26lbs, 0.031 26lbs, .042 26lbs, .055 26lbs : Total 155lbs And yes, I find the more evenly spread tension across the strings gives a much better feel. I have a set of D'Addario NB Balanced Tension strings I've yet to try - they're not low tension and as for balanced they still vary by as much as 3lbs on individual strings. I'm not sure why i bought them now. The 13's Heritage set is close to what a normal set of 12's would be elsewhere. Mark Many thanks for that Mark and for taking the trouble to include all the specs for the 12 and 13 gauge Heritage strings. Really interesting to see the difference between the two gauges in lbs. It is quite significant. I've never seen string tension figures on strings (or maybe I haven't looked hard enough?) but I'd be fascinated to see what an equivalent set of standard D'addario 12s would be in terms of tension.You also touched on a really important point for me....how different woods respond to the Heritage strings. My only acoustic is an OM with spruce/mahogany and although it is an incredibly bright and responsive guitar I wasn't too sure how the Heritage strings would work with mahogany. I read a really interesting user review on Heritage strings and the guy made the same comments that you did; that he found the Heritage strings sounded a little dull on his mahogany acoustic but sounded perfect on his spruce/rosewood guitar. I guess the only way to be sure is to buy a set and give them a whirl! Keith mentioned the Newtone Masterclass strings and I think I might also buy a set of these to try. They sound like an excellent option and not a million miles from the Heritage strings. I hadn't stumbled across the D'addario Balanced Tension strings but will check them out too. Big fan of D'addarios and used them on electric bass for decades and they used to be my go to string for acoustics too until I found the Martin SP phosphor bronze strings which are superb. Certainly for a standard tension string. The biggest positive is that the Heritage strings have helped your joints and that's really good to know. Fingers crossed I find they have the same benefit!! Guy The answer is 160lbs for a set of EJ16's .012-.053 And before you ask I don't keep these figures in my head, most days I consider myself lucky if I can remember my name , this website web.daddario.com/StringTensionPro/Search# is a great resource. Obviously biased towards D'Addarios but can be used to give an indication of relative changes for other brands.
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Post by surfguy13 on Jul 6, 2021 8:52:06 GMT
Many thanks for that Mark and for taking the trouble to include all the specs for the 12 and 13 gauge Heritage strings. Really interesting to see the difference between the two gauges in lbs. It is quite significant. I've never seen string tension figures on strings (or maybe I haven't looked hard enough?) but I'd be fascinated to see what an equivalent set of standard D'addario 12s would be in terms of tension.You also touched on a really important point for me....how different woods respond to the Heritage strings. My only acoustic is an OM with spruce/mahogany and although it is an incredibly bright and responsive guitar I wasn't too sure how the Heritage strings would work with mahogany. I read a really interesting user review on Heritage strings and the guy made the same comments that you did; that he found the Heritage strings sounded a little dull on his mahogany acoustic but sounded perfect on his spruce/rosewood guitar. I guess the only way to be sure is to buy a set and give them a whirl! Keith mentioned the Newtone Masterclass strings and I think I might also buy a set of these to try. They sound like an excellent option and not a million miles from the Heritage strings. I hadn't stumbled across the D'addario Balanced Tension strings but will check them out too. Big fan of D'addarios and used them on electric bass for decades and they used to be my go to string for acoustics too until I found the Martin SP phosphor bronze strings which are superb. Certainly for a standard tension string. The biggest positive is that the Heritage strings have helped your joints and that's really good to know. Fingers crossed I find they have the same benefit!! Guy The answer is 160lbs for a set of EJ16's .012-.053 And before you ask I don't keep these figures in my head, most days I consider myself lucky if I can remember my name , this website web.daddario.com/StringTensionPro/Search# is a great resource. Obviously biased towards D'Addarios but can be used to give an indication of relative changes for other brands. Yes, ditto, brain is definitely on the way out! That is quite extraordinary; there is 30lbs difference between the Heritage 12-52 and the EJ16s! Great to have the link to the D'addario website, I shall go and have a look now. Thank you! One thing I didn't understand on the Newtone website, looking at the specs for the Heritage strings, is that they do a 12-52 set in the DADGAD specific sets but the nearest for standard tuning is 12-51. I understand the difference between DADGAD and standard tuning but can't quite get my head around why there are specific DADGAD sets. I assume these can't (shouldn't?) be used for standard tuning?
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Post by Onechordtrick on Jul 6, 2021 9:39:36 GMT
The answer is 160lbs for a set of EJ16's .012-.053 And before you ask I don't keep these figures in my head, most days I consider myself lucky if I can remember my name , this website web.daddario.com/StringTensionPro/Search# is a great resource. Obviously biased towards D'Addarios but can be used to give an indication of relative changes for other brands. Yes, ditto, brain is definitely on the way out! That is quite extraordinary; there is 30lbs difference between the Heritage 12-52 and the EJ16s! Great to have the link to the D'addario website, I shall go and have a look now. Thank you! One thing I didn't understand on the Newtone website, looking at the specs for the Heritage strings, is that they do a 12-52 set in the DADGAD specific sets but the nearest for standard tuning is 12-51. I understand the difference between DADGAD and standard tuning but can't quite get my head around why there are specific DADGAD sets. I assume these can't (shouldn't?) be used for standard tuning? They can (although why you'd want to use a weird tuning like so called "standard" is beyond me ) I've had my DADGAD set in standard on occasion and they're fine, it increases the overall tension by about 15lbs. Newtone aim to have similar tensions across all strings but I don't really notice the difference when I've put a set in the wrong tuning. Of course that could say more about me and my fingers than the strings
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Post by surfguy13 on Jul 6, 2021 11:27:06 GMT
I asked because the OM I have (which looks almost identical to yours in your profile photo, same sunburst too) was used by the original owner for 8 years exclusively in DADGAD. I use standard 99.9% of the time and all I needed to do was adjust the truss rod a little and it was perfect. I will now definitely get the 12-51 in the Heritage strings just to be on the safe side!! I very much look forward to trying them.
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