Question re: string gauges

[dougalanwilcox]

Hello - I've been off the forum for quite a long while but should be checking in more frequently now.
I'm about to take possession of an original S100 (2002) and am really looking forward to it.
My question(s) to the amassed wisdom here: Is the concert body braced strongly enough to handle medium gauge strings and, in fact, will I be better off with lights anyway?
Will lights allow the sweetness of the small body to shine through better?
I'm a solo singer/songwriter and recently started playing accompaniment exclusively fingerstyle. I don't like the guitar to overpower my vocal but none-the-less require as large a sound as is feasible to help fill out the solo format.
Any thoughts will be appreciated.

[boombox]

No doubt jb will chime in here with the word on whether the saddle can take the added tension, but speaking as someone who has just gone up a gauge from from 11s to 12s on my Collings OM, which is similarly sized, be prepared for a big leap in volume if you put on mediums. Also, if you have similar experiences to me, the action may change a bit, which will screw up your fingerstyle until you give the trussrod a tweak.

[dougalanwilcox]

Thanks boombox - Volume is a good thing in this case.
The tweaks I can handle.
The guitar should be here on Wednesday and I plan on gigging with it this weekend.
I'll share my experiences.

[riverdog]

Hey Doug,
I have an Avalon Concert as well (S201 cedar/eir) and it sounds lovely with Martin Marquis PB 12-54. I believe mediums would be ok cuz they are built so solid, however tonally I think they would be too stiff and wouldn't ring as beautifly IMHO on the smaller body. JB will be able to give you the most definitive answer. I love this guitar and most any PB 12's will sound wonderful, I don't care much for 80/20's unless its a dread. Enjoy!
riverdog

[dougalanwilcox]

Riverdog - Yes, I've had guitars that most definitely sounded BETTER with light gauge - a heavier string deadened these instruments instead of making them stronger.
It's always an adventure..................

[holly9000]

Is the concert body braced strongly enough to handle medium gauge strings ?

I was wondering the same thing..can anyone help with this question?

[JB]

Sorry chaps, I missed this original post but yes, our concert sized guitars can take medium gauged strings, a tweak on the truss-rod may be needed if the action comes up too much.
Mediums will drive the soundboard harder and help with bass.

[the greypicker]

Hi Holly

I am not sure where you live, but if it happens to be humid where you are, take care to keep an eye on the levels. High humidity and increased string tensions is not a happy combination!!

Welcome to the Forum

John

[riverdog]

As I posted earlier I have been happy with the Martin Marquis pb 12-54 on my Avalon Concert cedar/eir, however, I recently tried some ghs L. Juber True Medium pb's; 13, 17, 24, 32, 42, 56, and JB is right on. I am liking it thus far after almost a week of them settling in cuz they were too buzzy at first. Seems a little louder and fatter and the tension feels good. I had tweaked the truss earlier so she is straight as an arrow now. Like Greypicker John said you gotta keep an eye on humidity and mine hovers in the mid 40's on avrg.
I may try some DR Rare pb in the same gauge, but for now I'm diggin' these. I've used ghs LJ pbl's on my Lowden for over a decade and love 'em and recently started using them on my Goodall as well. Maybe these old ears are changin' a bit too.