does the F-20 sound better with lighter strings

[chazzan]

Since I bought my 83' F-20 about 2 years ago I have used 12-54 light gauge strings on it. I was wondering if I changed strings to the 11-50 set if the guitar would sound more resonant?

I have heard many acoustic guitar makers use 13's on the dreadnought guitars and 12's on the auditorium guitars because heavy strings can deaden the top/ cause it not to vibrate to its maximum. My f-20 sounds good with 12's but it is a very tight, dry sound, and wonder if going down a gauge would open it up a little. The scale length is as a normal Guild, 25 7/8. Before I try some new strings, wanted to get some input first, I'd hate to waste a good set of strings if I don't have to. It would be nice to hear from some of the "techies" to weigh in here as well!

What strings do the other f-20 users use? Do I have to change the saddle for the strings to intonate better?

Finally what about a case for the f-20........... just kidding on that one

 

[kostask]

It really isn't possible to say whether it will sound better or not. Guitars are designed to work best with a range of tensions; above that, and the top seems to "choke" or the higher than optimum tension loads the top, and doesn't allow it to vibrate to its maximum; below that, there isn't enough string energy to vibrate the top hard enough to get the best sound. I don't know if any factory guitars have ever been made for strings with less than light tension in mind. Guitars certainly can be made for extra light (.011) or ultra-light (.010) strings, but they are handbuilt instruments as the tension tolerances for guitars like this are fairly narrow if they are well optimized for tone with the extra/ultra light strings.

I would expect that the F20 would work best with light to medium light strings. However, keep in mind that you can only hear with your own ears, and even if the guitar is intended to use light strings, you may have some preference for extra or ultra light strings. Volume will decrese, but you may like the tone better. Only you can judge that.

Kostas

 

[adorshki]

HI: I gotta point out here that the later vintage F65ce's were spec'd and equipped for .010-.047 "ultralights". Guild called the body style "Grand Auditorium". I kept mine strung with standard lights for many years but just last year went back to the factory spec'd gauge simply 'cause I wanted to get a little better "bendability". I noticed no loss of volume, in fact it may be subjective perception but it does actually seem to sound a little better, in sustain at least if not actual volume. I also have a pet theory that the lighter strings may allow for bigger oscillations and make up for the volume normally associated with heavier strings.

 

[twocorgis]

Since I bought my 83' F-20 about 2 years ago I have used 12-54 light gauge strings on it. I was wondering if I changed strings to the 11-50 set if the guitar would sound more resonant?

I have heard many acoustic guitar makers use 13's on the dreadnought guitars and 12's on the auditorium guitars because heavy strings can deaden the top/ cause it not to vibrate to its maximum. My f-20 sounds good with 12's but it is a very tight, dry sound, and wonder if going down a gauge would open it up a little. The scale length is as a normal Guild, 25 7/8. Before I try some new strings, wanted to get some input first, I'd hate to waste a good set of strings if I don't have to. It would be nice to hear from some of the "techies" to weigh in here as well!

What strings do the other f-20 users use? Do I have to change the saddle for the strings to intonate better?

Finally what about a case for the f-20........... just kidding on that one

Chazzan,

I remember reading somewhere (might have been here) the the shorter scale of the F20 means that strings play "lighter" than their actual gauge. I have been using bluegrass gauge (12-56) DR Rares on my F20, and I like the sound of them. Now that my hands are in better shape after a few years of not playing, I've gone to that gauge on my dreads and jumbos. I may go to regular mediums (13-56) sometime in the future.

I'd try the 12-56 on your F20, and see what you think.

 

[chazzan]

thanks for the replies!

adorshki, my F-20 is a regular Guild 25 & 7/8 " scale, (as are the 70's and 80's models)

currently I use 12's on it. The top's size is very small, much smaller that the f-30 (which sounds great with 12's) The top is somewhat of averedge Guild thickness, so it is not too thin. The small top is why I considered moving to a lighter gauge- in this case going down to 11's. I agree with kostak that too light strings have less volume and tone, but maybe different guitars have a particular sweet spot, which is why I am asking the following question.................................

What gauges are the other f-20 players using?

 

[Jeff]

I'm currently using Medium Light Dean Markley Blue Steel 12-54 cryogenic strings on my F20.

I tried mediums once & felt there wasn't enough gained by the added tension on the top. I tried lighter strings 10-47 as well, & other than the fun bending, prefer 12 -54's. They seem to give some needed shimmer & overtones to my F20.

Mine's maple laminate, short scale & very sensitive to dull strings, I change them often.

 

[plaidseason]

It'd be worth trying some silk & steel strings, I used on a Seagull Grand I used to own and it really mellowed things out nicely.

-Chris

 

[adorshki]

thanks for the replies!
adorshki, my F-20 is a regular Guild 25 & 7/8 " scale, (as are the 70's and 80's models)
The small top is why I considered moving to a lighter gauge- in this case going down to 11's. I agree with kostak that too light strings have less volume and tone, but maybe different guitars have a particular sweet spot.

F65ce has the standard 25-5/8" scale and has a small top, coming standard with ultralight gauge. I was really just trying to show that there's precedent for using ultralight gauges in Guild's regular production.