Does Acoustic String Gauge Make a Difference?

I only just discovered that Rick has a second channel. Missed opportunity to name it Rick Bea-two

I switched to lighter gauge strings to ease the load on my arthritic hands. A significant improvement in my ability to play, and to the length of time I can play. I've recently put d'addario 10-47's on my Taylor 114ce. Never sounded better to my ears. I was stunned that the lower frequencies cleaned up, plus much more even across the spectrum. Plus, F/B/G/C barre chords much easier on my fingers.

What an excellent comparison! So well organised and recorded, with clear, expert and interesting discussion. Really helpful! Thank you.

I'm a preacher of the D'addario NickleBronzes (NB). Not many people realize, nickled strings were a standard for 60's acoustic guitar so if you're looking for vintage tone, bronzes are not the way to go! I play a 90's Yamaha and OMG what a difference it makes. ALSO nickel is softer and easier to play and get's oxidized way slower than bronze, so they just LAST and, to my ear, sound their best after at least 2 weeks worth of playing. Last but not least, they are a studio producer's dream. Record and mix seamlessly.

Great video, guys! As someone who prefers 80/20s to PH/BRs, I like the sound of 12-53s best to get plenty of depth while still retaining brightness. I find this is especially important when playing higher capo positions, such as many of Jethro Tull's tunes with the capo at the 5th fret.

Whatever gauge pulls the bridge off my Martin is perfect!

Great video ! Love these field tests !

You guys are so dedicated and knowledgeable. It's a beautiful thing.

Great test, thanks! As far as it's possible to hear the differences accurately on YouTube-compressed audio, I completely agree with everything you all said here. I did expect the strumming to be pretty consistent across stering sets, but I had predicted that the .012 set would sound best when fingerpicked. I was way wrong! Not only was it clearly easier for Rhett to play the lighter strings, but the attack and crispness of each note was spunkier enough to matter. Very interesting. Cheers!

When Covid hit, my daily and weekly playing dropped considerably, so when I started doing acoustic gigs again I switched from .12s to .11s on my Martin OM-28. The change was so much easier on my hands and I didn't notice that much of a change in the performance of the guitar. Great Video!

GREAT video, I needed this one!! Thanks for doing this....

Thats one of the reasons I love so much Ricks videos. ALWAYS posting such new stuff we (musicians) thought off, talk about with other musicians or with nobody at all and always wanted to hear or talk about. Thank you very much for this, for taking the time it takes to produce this and get a wonderful masterpiece of information and entertainment at the same time. I left stoped using 13gauges looooong time ago. But till this day I switch between 10s and 11s depending of which Guitar Im putting new strings, which set of gigs Im having next and also if the guitar will be used right away or takes a brake for some weeks. Playing duo acoustic gigs (two guys guitar) with my Acoustasonic, I use Elixirs 11 or 12. Playing a full acoustic rock band gig with the Acoustasonic, I use Dadarios 11. Playing the full rock band and with the Acoustasonic (Im second guitar guy there playing both acoustic and electric sounds), I use Dadarios 10. For my acoustic Yamaha always 10s. Elixir. I just cant play a full gig in that guitar with something heavier. And the Godin A6, for that one 11 Dadario

It's been more than 15 years since I play only on nylon strings, but maybe my input can be of any help: I think string gauge affects the sound since it affects playability, mainly. I used to play on hard/super hard tension strings and my left hand used to hurt a lot. When I switched to normal tension, I never looked back. My sound really improved, just by feeling more comfortable.

Fabulous playing, my favourites are the 10s as well... great idea to do something like that, too, thanks a lot!!

Thanks for this outstanding video! I have recently been having some hand problems in my left hand. And have been contemplating a switch to tens, but was a bit reticent to do so. I think you guys have convinced me that that will be OK. Thanks a lot!

Great stuff! Strings have always been a mystery to me. Thanks, Rick!

I’m so glad you did this episode b/c I play more acoustic than electric, although your electric show helped out a lot. I actually thought that the 13s sounded muddy, especially on the fingerpicked song. It was hard to differentiate between the others, though, which would suggest that going with the lighter gauge is a better option b/c they are easier to play. I thought you might show the variation on the computer - because frankly, why even show it if you’re not going to present the results. In any case, helpful video as always. Thanks.

Found this video so informative Rick thank you for making it. I had 13's on and as I'm a beginner I wanted to know if a lighter gauge would help after watching this I decided to put 10's on. I found it so much more comfortable to play and barre chords became easier to play helping me become a better player . Love your videos, thanks again!

Dope guitar, nice gear - good knowledge shared - Love Rick & Rhett's content! Very very useful video here - Even for bedroom guitar enthusiast - Always interested to understand differences in tone for string gauge - Both recorded and acoustic...

I was going to buy a new string set and have been looking for a vid like this.. Thank you!