suggestions for strings- F30 mahogany

[learnintoplay62]

Hi guys, gals. I bought this Gad F30 a few weeks ago and I really liked the bluesy sound I was getting out of it. The strings started to sound dull so I put a set of Martin 80/20 bronze lights on and the sound changed dramatically. It is much more even , chorus y? if you will. Sadly, I don't know what strings where on it. Does anyone have suggestions on strings that have a more warmer, bluesy sound. It's an F30 mahogany.
On a different note (combining 2 topics )
I like the guitar, feel , looks etc. however, lots of saw dust came out when I pulled the strings out of there holes which I had never experienced before. The pins where very hard to seat when restringing, they kept popping out, which could've been me.My biggest complaint or concern is that the high E string keeps popping out of the bridge. I am pretty sure that the grove is not cut deep enough .
Anyway, thanks in advance for your suggestions :wink:

 

[dapmdave]

Hi guys, gals. I bought this Gad F30 a few weeks ago and I really liked the bluesy sound I was getting out of it. The strings started to sound dull so I put a set of Martin 80/20 bronze lights on and the sound changed dramatically. It is much more even , chorus y? if you will. Sadly, I don't know what strings where on it. Does anyone have suggestions on strings that have a more warmer, bluesy sound. It's an F30 mahogany.
On a different note (combining 2 topics )
I like the guitar, feel , looks etc. however, lots of saw dust came out when I pulled the strings out of there holes which I had never experienced before. The pins where very hard to seat when restringing, they kept popping out, which could've been me.My biggest complaint or concern is that the high E string keeps popping out of the bridge. I am pretty sure that the grove is not cut deep enough .
Anyway, thanks in advance for your suggestions :wink:

I don't have a string recommendation, but I wonder about the bridge pins. Do they look like they've been replaced? It may be that someone replaced them with a set that were a bit too small.

Dave

 

[Ridgemont]

I had a GAD30 for a while. Honestly, it was a naturally warmer sounding than other GADs I tried. It always developed a dead thud in the strings when played. I spent some time trying to brighten it up with different strings, but after a few days...back to that dull thud. If I were you, I would try a set of PBs and let them age a bit. It will still give you a more full sound than 80/20s but the overtones will die out once the strings oxidize. This is a good combination in my opinion.

As far as the sawdust and the potential for strings popping out of the bridge, go get a small "mirror on a stick" from Home Depot and look inside the guitar. It could the that the bridge pin holes are too large for the pin. This could cause movement in the area over time. Sort of like a sandpaper effect. Just a thought.

 

[learnintoplay62]

I am not sure Dave. They look original. Part of my problem is that I can't find the specs on this year.
The serial # is GAD 50951. Any suggestions on where to find info. I believe it is a 2009. It is new and to my observation , unplayed.

 

[zombywoof]

Assuming your guitar has slotted bridge pins, I would first try turning the bridge pin around so that the slotted part is facing the tail block.

A question - do you bend the ball end of the string when restringing? It may be that the ball end of the string is hanging onto the end of the pin instead of under the bridge plate. Bending the strings willl help avoid this.

 

[learnintoplay62]

Thanks, I will try those suggestions.

 

[SFIV1967]

Part of my problem is that I can't find the specs on this year. The serial # is GAD 50951. Any suggestions on where to find info. I believe it is a 2009. It is new and to my observation , unplayed.

Actually that "serial number" is a random number, it does not tell you the production date, the date is in the second number that is on your neck block inside the body.
See here: http://letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtop ... ts#p340324
Ralf

 

[SFIV1967]

Today, the similar GAD model, which is now called F-130, is using D'Addario® EXP 16 Coated Phosphor Bronze (.012-.053 Gauges) from the factory, as you can see here: http://www.guildguitars.com/instruments ... Contained4

Ralf

 

[learnintoplay62]

Thanks Ralf. Will check neck block and give report.

 

[learnintoplay62]

Thanks again for the info. According to the # mine was made in February of 2011. The music store said it was made in 08 or 09 :shock:

 

[SFIV1967]

Here are the 2011 specs, assuming you have that standard model GAD-30:

"Guild GAD-30 Orchestra, or Concert, Body-Style Acoustic Guitar is perfect for any playing style. Guild GAD-30 delivers a full balanced sound thanks to its solid spruce top and solid mahogany back & sides. GAD-30 is also a real classy looker of an acoustic guitar, featuring an Indian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, plus Mother-of-Pearl DOT position inlays and Abalone side DOT inlays and neatly dressed off with wood body binding.

• Model Name: GAD-30
• Model Number: 381-0200-(Colour #)
• Category: Guild Acoustic Design
• Body Style: Orchestra
• Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Bracing: Scalloped Spruce
• Back: Solid Mahogany
• Sides: Solid Mahogany
• Scale length: 25.5" (64.8 cm)
• Bridge: Indian Rosewood Bridge
• Neck: 1-Piece Mahogany
• Fretboard: Indian Rosewood, 16" Radius, (40.64 cm)
• Nut: Bone
• Width at Nut: 1-75" (44.45mm )
• No. of Frets: 20
• Hardware: Chrome
• Machine Heads: Grover Vintage Style Open-Back Tuners
• Finish: High Gloss (Polyester)
• Colours: (821) Natural, (837) Antique Burst
• Unique Features: Dovetail Neck Joint, Mother-of-Pearl Dot Position Inlays, Strap Button with Internal Block Reinforcement, Abalone Side Dot Position Inlays, Mother-of-Pearl Headstock Logo, Ebony Bridge Pins with MOP Dots, Ebony End Pin with MOP Dot, Bone Nut and Saddle, Wood Body Bindings, Tortoise Shell Pickguard, Back Center Wood Mosaic Inlay
• Case: Includes Deluxe GAD Hardshell Case
• Strings: D'Addario EXP 16 Coated Phosphor Bronze (.012-.053 Gauges) "

Ralf