Ultra Lights on a 12 String

[hojo199]

Hi All:
My JF30-12 sounds wonderful. However, the saddle is down all the way. I had the low "E" peg holes slotted on the bridge and all is very well in terms of resonance. The action is 4/32" at the 12th fret. The guitar is playable but gives me cramps after a while.

I don't want to sand the bridge (yet). I would love to lower the action but .... I am not interested in resetting the neck, given what I have heard about Guilds and glue and the way the guitars are finished and being without the guitar for MONTHS.

Alas, I think I may have found a solution. Ernie Ball makes a set of Earthwood, 80/20 12 string sets gauged .009-.046/.26. I ordered three sets and am very excited. This guitar (as you all know) has tone to spare. I really doubt that the lighter gauge string will lessen tone as much as sanding the bridge (and diminishing the integrity of the instrument).

Here's a link:
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/ ... sku=100710

Thoughts?

 

[Brad Little]

I don't think you'll have a problem with the lighter strings. You might also consider silk and steel strings, although they will definitely change the sound, these for example:
http://www.juststrings.com/dad-ej35.html
Brad

 

[chazmo]

hojo... Alternate solution... Don't know if you've tried just down-tuning the guitar (say 4 1/2 steps to C) and then capoing up four frets... You could get away with heavier strings in that case, but of course you have less playability up the neck.