hi

im looking into trying D addario silk and steel strings as they look like what im after

my worry is that they only do them in 11-47 gauge and i usually use 12-47 would i need to make any adjustments or can i put them straight on?


mark

Mark,
Here's my thought. If the new set is .11 to .47 and you normally use .12 to .47, there's not much there but you need to check the gauges in between (strings 2-5) and see how different they are. If they are pretty much the same except for the first string, you may not need any physical adjustments to the guitar (unless you meant an adjustment to your way of playing). If the other strings have different gauges between the two sets, a tweak to the set-up may be necessary but I'd wait and see how it settles with the new strings first. Even that change on the first string from .12 to .11, as small as it is, makes a difference sometimes. I'd say try them and see. Good luck.
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Hello Mark:
Another thought is that first and second strings are usually made of similar materials even though the wound strings may be somewhat customized. If yuo wold like to stay with the 12's, you may want to try a couple 12 unwound ones and use the wound Silk ones. Going down a gauge may not cause any concern at the nut unless there is unwanted buzzing. I hope this helps.

Moses
Colligs OM2HC
Taylor Baby
No name nylon string

Speaking of Sting gauge, I have a question. When I am playing a lot and my hands feel strong, I like medium gauge strings on my D2HSB.
When I am not playing a lot, I like to play with light gauge strings.

Will I do any type of damage to the neck of the guitar or guitar itself by switching from mediums to lights and back again without doing any type of adjustments or tweaks to the set up.

thanks.

Based on my interaction with guitar shops, the small change in gauge does not seem to harm the neck. If the action does not change significantly then there shoule be no problem.
Other feedback is welcome.

My opion:
Switching strings from one gauge to the next one below or above usually does not pose a problem and my not require tweaking of the truss rod or saddle. The difference in the gauges are not so drastic, in fact a couple of the strings may remain the same. I just switched from Elixir Custom Lights to Lights. I could feel that the strings a little stiffer and harder to press but not due to change in the action. The guitars sound more alive so I'm sticking with it.

Now if the change is more than just the next level up/down, that may need necessary tweaking. I have not done this one yet though so I don't know.

"Damage" should not occur due to string gauge changes although some guitars have a "recommended" gauge sometimes.

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