String Choices for D55

jklemm18

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Hello, what are you all using for stings on your Guild Dreds. The D55 that I bought about 6 months ago came with Elixir PB's in light gauge. They were in good shape so I didn't immediately change them. Did a string change this week to Martin uncoated PB in Light gauge and now she sound amazing. Just curious what you all are using. Thanks
 

Brad Little

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D'Addario EJ16s, used to be 17s, but age has taken its toll. Recently put DR Sunbeam lights on another dread, like them and will probably put them on my D55 next string change.
 

Westerly Wood

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DR Rares. Just put a set on the Br. Light gauge. .12-.54. Really strong. I would give them a nod over EJ16s. And Amazon has them for $5.94 a set. I got to say I dig their packaging too. Guess what: They are full, rich and loud. 😀

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Westerly Wood

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Wood, you are making me curious to the point I might get a set my next string purchase. Just bought 10 sets of EJ16s so might be a while.
Shelby, I would consider that a committed relationship. 😀

Still, hard to go wrong with EJ16s. Such a classic.
 
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adorshki

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Wood, you are making me curious to the point I might get a set my next string purchase. Just bought 10 sets of EJ16s so might be a while.
Yeesh, that almost makes me wanna come back to the fold. :D

Throw in something before you use 'em all, you might like the new flavor. Just for the change of pace. :)
 
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I see most of you are using lights on your D55’s. The Guild website also states lights.
Has this changed over time as my first D55 came with mediums back in roughly 2006.
I’ve also just got my hands on a 2017 D55 and I’ve fitted some EJ24’s.
Is there any issue using mediums and are the gains over lights worth it in your opinions?
 

adorshki

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I see most of you are using lights on your D55’s. The Guild website also states lights
Has this changed over time as my first D55 came with mediums back in roughly 2006
Yes it's changed over time. For most of Westerly history the guitars were shipped with lights, an exception being the period from late '70's-approximately mid 80's when the builds were heavier too. Corona and Tacoma also used lights.

An '06 would be a Tacoma and my memory says they shipped D55's with lights according to their lit.

New Hartford did use mediums, but they also changed top radius to accommodate the higher tension.
I’ve also just got my hands on a 2017 D55 and I’ve fitted some EJ24’s.
Is there any issue using mediums and are the gains over lights worth it in your opinions?


Guitars are designed from the start with a certain top tension in mind, and the top is braced to yield best response at design tension.. It's actually possible to "choke" a guitar designed for lights by putting mediums on it, not to mention the absolutely heavier stress on the neck joint.

My opinion, not worth the extra stress on the neck joint for potential volume gain, and likely loss of some of the subtler overtones and sustain due to top being "too tight". ;)
 
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Yes it's changed over time. For most of Westerly history the guitars were shipped with lights, an exception being the period from late '70's-approximately mid 80's when the builds were heavier too. Corona and Tacoma also used lights.

An '06 would be a Tacoma and my memory says they shipped D55's with lights according to their lit.

New Hartford did use mediums, but they also changed top radius to accommodate the higher tension.



Guitars are designed from the start with a certain top tension in mind, and the top is braced to yield best response at design tension.. It's actually possible to "choke" a guitar designed for lights by putting mediums on it, not to mention the absolutely heavier stress on the neck joint.

My opinion, not worth the extra stress on the neck joint for potential volume gain, and likely loss of some of the subtler overtones and sustain due to top being "too tight". ;)
Seeing as the Guild website is stating lights and your replies, I think I’ll loosen the strings and replace with lights tomorrow.

If it was not designed for mediums then I would rather not run the risk of potentially damaging the guitar.

Thanks guys, much appreciated
 
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