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Changing action for low-tension strings?   You are logged in as Guest
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britguy

Posts: 712
Joined: Dec. 26 2010
From: Ontario, Canada

Changing action for low-tension strings? 
I'm curious to try some really low tension strings on a couple of my guitars. Just to see what differences it might make in playability.

Will I need to change the action somewhat to avoid excess buzzing?

Raise the bridge saddle half a milimetre, maybe? Anything else?

What do you builders think?

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Fruit farmer, Ontario, Canada
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Mar. 5 2013 14:43:56
 
etta

 

Posts: 342
Joined: Jan. 20 2010
 

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Post has been moved to the Recycle Bin at Mar. 5 2013 19:02:53
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Mar. 5 2013 15:44:13
 
Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: Changing action for low-tension ... (in reply to britguy) 
Not a builder but I play I tend to do all modifications myself, so far with success.

I think it depends exactly where your action is set now. You may be able to go to lower tension with no problems and modifications at all. If it were me I would play guess and check, start with doing nothing. If you get buzz loosen the strings up and fit a flat toothpick sized piece of wood underneath, tighten up the strings and see if you need to go higher...............

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Mar. 5 2013 15:56:21
 
Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006
 

RE: Changing action for low-tension ... (in reply to britguy) 
quote:

What do you builders think?


Put a set of ultra low tension strings on and see what you think.

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Mar. 5 2013 15:57:05
 
keith

Posts: 1108
Joined: Sep. 29 2009
From: Back in Boston

RE: Changing action for low-tension ... (in reply to britguy) 
britguy--depends on which low tension strings you use. hannabach superlow tension strings are actually slightly higher in tension than la bella 2001 classical medium tension strings. on the other hand, aranjuez 200 are low tension strings in description and in "practice". i have used aranjuez 200 and luthier 20 in sequence and did not require any adjustment either way. of course, actual results will vary
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Mar. 5 2013 16:21:24
 
Sean

Posts: 672
Joined: Jan. 20 2011
From: Canada

RE: Changing action for low-tension ... (in reply to britguy) 
Ya thats the problem, there is no set standards for what defines the different tension ratings. What strings are you using right now?

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Mar. 5 2013 16:33:14
 
britguy

Posts: 712
Joined: Dec. 26 2010
From: Ontario, Canada

RE: Changing action for low-tension ... (in reply to Sean) 
quote:

What strings are you using right now?


(britguy--depends on which low tension strings you use) (from keith).

Yes, I do understand that there are no precise standards of "low,low tension".

I was thinking of trying the Hannabach Green or maybe Yellow low tensions, and maybe Luthier 20's. (Any others I should consider?)

Presently I use mostly Savarez Red Card 520's, and Hannabach Medium 827's. And occasionally Hannabach Goldins on one guitar. I dont mix sets as a rule. Too confusing. . .

What are the really low tension strings available? And what rationale for using them, if any ???


Always willing to experiment. . .

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Fruit farmer, Ontario, Canada
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Mar. 5 2013 21:18:21
 
Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: Changing action for low-tension ... (in reply to britguy) 
Those are already really low tension strings in the Flamenco world, I'm not sure why you would want to go lower............

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Mar. 5 2013 21:59:02
 
keith

Posts: 1108
Joined: Sep. 29 2009
From: Back in Boston

RE: Changing action for low-tension ... (in reply to britguy) 
brit guy--the hannabach green label (low tension) have a total tension of 89 pounds on a 650mm scale and the savarez red cards have a total tension of 88.7 pounds. the hannabach yellow label (superlow tension) has a total tension of 83 pounds. i do not know what scale savarez uses to determine tension but i suspect it is 650mm. luthier 20 do not give numbers but they seem to me to be in the same ballpark as hannabach yellow label.

as for rationale--the standard answer is easier fingering and more flexibility with ligados. as to sound--that is the $64,000 question. i find lower tension strings to give a more earthy and old school type of sound. luthier 20 seem to be a good string at a great price with good longevity.

note: hannabach data is from their website and the numbers were converted from decanewtons to pounds. savarez data is from sbm.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Mar. 6 2013 1:37:14
 
kintla

 

Posts: 9
Joined: Dec. 4 2011
 

RE: Changing action for low-tension ... (in reply to britguy) 
I would try the LaBella flamenco strings, or maybe their 10PH's which are classical strings, but I wonder if anyone would know the difference.
Sherman
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Mar. 9 2013 0:18:48
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