011 instead of 012

[Lentin]

Again here.
I don't know if this is the right forum for this.
My L32 came with 012 gauge strings,
I 'm used to play 011.
Is there any problem with it? Will I loose some sound?
Have you ever tried it?
Thanks´.

[Shaun]

I believe Avalon use D;Addario EXP12 strings on their guitars.
Like you,I prefer to use an .11-.52 gauge as opposed to .12.-.53.
I play in a gigging acoustic duo.I play an Avalon L-360 and my partner plays an L-32(both fantastic guitars)
My partner uses .12-.53 gauge,so I am able to make a direct comparison with his L-32 and my L-360 in terms of what difference string gauge has on tone.
My experience is that you will lose a little bit of the fullness of the treble and the bass will not be as resonant if you use .11-.52.and your attack can not be as aggresive as you are using lighter strings.
However,I feel that Avalons are such great guitars that they would sound good with .10-.46 's.
The benefits of using .11-.52 are ease in string bending when soloing (.12's can be a bit stiff when doing a long gig).
I play for several hours each day and I find it much easier on my hands and fingers using .11-.52 (although having a low action also helps).
I also plug in to a p.a.or an acoustic amp when I gig and do not feel I lose any tone when we use our sound systems(Roland AC-60 amps and a Mackie p.a.)
Try a set of .11-.52's and see how they sound.At the end of the day,you have to be happy with your tone.
I use D'Addario EJ 26 and EXP 26,.-.11-.52 and I really like the way my L-360 sounds.I use these strings for both flatpicking and fingerpicking.
Enjoy your L-32.