A25

[Redwood Lover]

Hi Jim,
I need some help, I a A25 Redwood which I bought from you guys about a year and a half ago. I changed the strings on it to 11s and you guys checked it out for me (thanks again). I have been playing on that gauge for about a year and still find that it wrecks my hand and the tension seems to be very high.
Can I go down again to 10s? Would it need adjusted? Is the string tension meant to be quite high.
It is much different to my other guitars, a nylon classical and a fender strat. I can move easily between those 2 but not to my Avalon.
What should I do?

[frankhond]

I'm not Jim, but here are my 2 cents: There is a major difference between a steel string acoustic and a nylon string. Also major difference to an electric. You cant expect the steel string acoustic to have that kind of low tension. I would suggest two options: (1) put on 12 gauge strings and detune them 1 whole step. This will give you the fat tone but a lot less tension. (2) get a short scale acoustic guitar, this will have a little less tension.

The final and best option is to train your hands to play at higher tension. Do this slowly, perhaps with the help of a teacher. Best of luck!

[MIKE 450]

Been there wore the TShirt--Throw your strat and classical in the bin--play only the Avalon--no pain no gain--as a x lead guitarist who played strat/tele I had the same problem--don't go lower than 11 gauage strings learn to get out of your comfort zone--you'll love it!

[JB]

Although you could go to 10's you may need to have the tension adjusted in the neck, I was favour 11's and tune down slightly.

[Redwood Lover]

Thanks guys. Think i will stick with what i have got and build up the finger strength.
Another question- what would anyone recommend for cleaning the body. Currently i just wipe it down with a dry cloth. I know lemon oil for the fret board although i haven't done that yet on that guitar. What can i use on the body though?

[Ross A]

The recommended cleaner for an Avalon guitar is, amazingly, Punch suede shoe cleaning spray. Not sure if that's it's exact name, but I've got some somewhere, so I'll check and confirm.

[JB]

Ross is correct regards the 'Punch' Leather Care but you can also just use a damp cloth and dry off with a soft cloth.