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Posted by: JunkII Feb 2 2009, 12:39 PM

hey everybody

i tried changing my strings from a regular 10 gauge to a 11 gauge, i like the extra thickness on the strings.
is there i big differences between 11 and 12 gauge strings and what effect would if have if i changed to 12 gauge?

don't know very much about it so i hope to find someone in here who can help

any further information about string thickness is welcome!

Posted by: Mandos Feb 2 2009, 12:45 PM

A general rule is that thicker strings are harder to bend. You can usually buy hybrid packs where the first three strings are normal gauge and string four to six are thicker.

You also use thicker strings to be able to detune your guitar.

Posted by: berko Feb 2 2009, 01:45 PM

Well, if you switch from like 10 to 11 or 11 to 12 even though you'll experience difference this 1 step in gauge is still easier to get used to. However switching from 10 to 12 is a BIG difference. In gauge 10 the B string is around 12 in thickness - now in gauge 12 you'll get this thickness on the high E!

So it depends on what you're heading for. If you want to tune you axe 1 whole step down then i could advise even a 12 gauge string set. You can then try drop C from there. Other than that, 12 gauge strings really make soloing difficult (bend, vibrato) in regular tuning. But as Mandos said: if you buy a hybrid package like gauge 10-11 on the higher strings and 12 on the bass strings then I think you're alright. Be sure to adjust your bridge if you have a trem and set the truss rod in the neck if you do so!

hope this helps

Posted by: David Wallimann Feb 2 2009, 02:03 PM

Also make sure your guitar can handle it...
I know that my Parker Nitefly can't take anything more that .10 for the high e-string...

Posted by: Toni Suominen Feb 2 2009, 02:04 PM

If you are only playing in E standard tuning, I would suggest that you stick with the 0.11 gauge strings. But if you plan on detuning a lot then the 12 gauge set would be the way to go.

Posted by: Fran Feb 2 2009, 04:19 PM

Also keep in mind that when changing string gauge you'll need to set-up your guitar, both intonation & bridge height and maybe even truss rod in some cases, to avoid fret buzz etc.

Posted by: Wyldedime Feb 2 2009, 04:41 PM

And you have to remember that with a hybrid set you get som uneven balance between the high E string and the low E.
I`m using 010 to 052 on my Les Paul and it fits perfect to Metal, Hard rock and Rock, heavy riffs are really powerfull and palm muted powerchords blows you away.
But to play some really nice clean fingerpicking tunes can be a bit harder to do since the bottom end of the E,A and D strings can easily overpower the other strings and make things a bit muddy.

Posted by: JunkII Feb 3 2009, 01:33 PM

QUOTE (David Wallimann @ Feb 2 2009, 02:03 PM)