Reduced tension strings?

Jetfire · March 2020

I know a shorter scale length means less tension but are there such a thing for acoustics?

telehack · March 2020

Newtone Heritage strings. https://newtonestrings.com/shop/heritage-series-acoustic-6-string/

I prefer their normal tension strings, but the Heritage are worth trying. Tradeoff is less overall volume, but they make for easy bends, etc.

brucegill · March 2020

I’ve got a set for sale on here

Newtone Heritage Series Acoustic - 12,16, 20, 28, 38, 51 Phosphor Bronze Round core - £7 posted

https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/175245/strings-acoustic-and-electric#latest

ToneControl · March 2020

Jetfire said:

I know a shorter scale length means less tension but are there such a thing for acoustics?

you mean "can you order a guitar with a shorter scale length?"

ToneControl · March 2020

If it's looser strings you want, I just bought a set of these, which are intended for older guitars that can't take full tension:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00162VV6S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

DB1 · March 2020

I can never really take to acoustic guitars because I find the action too high and the strings too tense. I bought some Newtone 11's for a Martin 000-18 the other day and they really are low tension. In fact, they're a bit too floppy and thin (sounds familiar!) so I'm going to change them tonight. I'm still impressed with the Newtone ones though, because they do exactly what they say they'll do and will order some more if this doesn't do the trick. It's enabled me to play the Martin like a lead guitar. Not sure that that's a good thing, though!

wrinkleygit · March 2020

I use Newtone Heritage 12-51 on my 000-28, work perfectly for me

crunchman · March 2020

On the scale length issue, there are different scale lengths. Most Martins are 25.4" scale length, although OOOs are normally 24.9".

Gibson are often 24.75" like their electrics, although I believe there a few longer scale models.

Funkfingers · March 2020

DB1 said:

I can never really take to acoustic guitars because I find the action too high and the strings too tense.

You're not bashing the Martin hard enough!

earwighoney · March 2020

DB1 said:

I can never really take to acoustic guitars because I find the action too high and the strings too tense.

Is it possible to have the action on your acoustic lowered? It could be as simple as filing down the saddle.

VimFuego · March 2020

I've been using the Newtone ones mentioned above for something like a year now, it seems to me I can feel a difference, I can certainly play for longer before my arthriticy hand starts to suffer. Doesn't seem to be a huge loss in volume or projection (if I play upstairs mrs f can still hear me half the house away, and they sound great tone wise.

paulnb57 · March 2020

telehack said:

Newtone Heritage strings. https://newtonestrings.com/shop/heritage-series-acoustic-6-string/
I prefer their normal tension strings, but the Heritage are worth trying. Tradeoff is less overall volume, but they make for easy bends, etc.

Based on this response I ordered a set of these Heritage Strings as I never play my Messer Lightning Resonator as it is so stiff and such bloody hard work, I had reduced string gauge to normal acoustic 11s.....it was still stiff as a board and essentially a big shiny ornament on the half landing, the only “playing” it got was when one of the dogs caught the strings with a wag of a tail....
So I ordered a set of Heritage 11s and bloody hell what a difference, the Resonator still resonates, but it is now a joy to play, all clanky and trebly and joyous! Being a Reso its loud anyway......I’m a convert!

Chances are I could go up to 13’s and still feel a difference, so next time I’ll do that...

I now realise how much I hate slotted headstocks, such a bloody faff to change strings!.....

DB1 · March 2020

Funkfingers said:

DB1 said:

I can never really take to acoustic guitars because I find the action too high and the strings too tense.

You're not bashing the Martin hard enough!

Well, you say that, but you should see the swelling.

DB1 · March 2020

earwighoney said:

DB1 said:

I can never really take to acoustic guitars because I find the action too high and the strings too tense.

Is it possible to have the action on your acoustic lowered? It could be as simple as filing down the saddle.

I generally do that, or give the truss rod a tweak, and the 00018 does have a pretty low action now. I think it might be thicker strings, or wound thirds, that I don't get on with. However, a set of Martin 12's (the Monels) and a set of Heritage 12's turned up yesterday from the ever reliable Strings Direct, so I'll give them a whirl. 11's sound and feel too thin, so maybe low tension 12's will do the trick and make me sound like Emmanuel. (In Soho).

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Reduced tension strings?

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