Light Strings VS. Medium Strings DO THEY SOUND DIFFERENT?
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- / garagebandandbeyond
This was an interesting experiment, even though it wasn't as scientific as I would have liked.
#CZcamsrFail #GaragebandandBeyond #GuitarStrings
13's hurt my fingers. I'm an electric player.
The things that make heavier strings favorable: They do not break as easily, and they hold tuning and intonation better.
I think they last longer also.
I never break strings.
@@jimmy5634 I say I never do... but i had one or two old ones long time ago just snap on me while tuning strings.. think it may have been the E string, or was a G..
2:45
0:58
yeah i can hear the difference now
For me the light strings sounds more authentic and clearer. The medium strings sounds muddy. But hey I’m hearing from a set of headphones. Thanks. That’s my thoughts. I used Martin extra light string on my drj. Dreadnought junior.They sound nice. This has made me think about using lights 12 instead of the 11 on now? Cheers Brent
In my experience, heavier strings are gonna sound fuller and warmer. Lighter strings are gonna sound more crisp, bright and vibrant, as well as being easier to play. I play 12s almost exclusively.
Dreadnought guitars are happiest with medium strings. The higher tension of the medium strings will make the larger soundboard of the dreadnought vibrate more. Lights are suited for OMs or grand auditorium guitars
That's actually not really true, the more tension or pull on your bridge and bridge plate will make your top more rigid, making you loose volume and sustain
@@gretschbasher No. If what you say is correct, then guitars with shorter scale lengths, which have less string tension on the bridge than guitars with the standard scale length, would be louder and more vibrant than the guitars with the standard scale length, but that's not true. A martin 000-28 with a 24.9 inch scale length is not louder than the om 28 which has the 25.4 inch scale length.
Medium are better for flat picking( blue grass) and much more bass and volume. Lights are best for bending and light finger picking. IMO
Thank you so much for the video, Lewin! It's very helpful and in time actually! I was going to change my guitar strings! Don't worry so much that the mic moved. I trust your opinion one way or another! Peace and love!
Totally agree.. The medium strings sound fuller and richer.. great Video! 👍
Another consideration is what gauge string the guitar was intended to be used with. Martin recommends mediums for optimum tone and longevity on all their standard series dreadnoughts and come installed with those from the factory. But some 16 series dreads had light gauge installed. On Martin dreadnoughts lights may sound excellent for a few hours of playing and then rapidly lose the tones focus especially with aggressive rhythm playing. Martin has a new string called light medium: Martin MA545 SP Phosphor Bronze Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings Light/Medium 12.5 - 55. Gauges:12.5-16.5-25.5-33.5-43.5-55. Their light gauge are 12 - 54.
I have a Martin 16 series which you just explained what I’m experiencing. I went light strings, sounded good for a few days then went dull.
And here I am with my extra light strings 😂
Same and sound good
I actually prefer light strings. I switched to medium for a try and hated them. I think it’s more of personal preference
The heavy strings sound more purcussive , the light strings are more jingle jangle . Nickle strings are the bomb .
Yeah I order light strings feel like sound off .Need to order medium
I had some extra light ones recently and they made my guitar sound like a piece of trash and funny I’ve ordered some medium ones
I like the mediums on that guitar. Fuller, Rounder. I've had a similar experience with my Mahogony D-125 Guild. Mediums are awesome, while the light strings just dont have anywhere near the depth. Cool video! Its fun to play around with strings and hear for yourself. I may have to check out the Martin Strings....they do sound nice.
I'll add to my previous comment about dreadnaught guitars in general liking mediums better, to say that smaller body guitars like lighter strings better. The thing about medium strings, it takes a while to adjust and build up your strength to have the stamina to play them for a gig or jam session. It's also a lot harder to play complex chord voicings and hold them, so depending upon your style, it's a trade-off.
I use Elixir lights on my Martin guitars as well as my Taylor's. Sounds amazing unplug or ran through a PA No problem achieving whatever sound I'm going for While preserving the life of my guitars
Weird flex
@@bigphatty5298 because of what
@@raffaelbar4879 idk
Light strings aren’t preserving the life of your guitar unless it is extremely lightly braced.
The problem that I have with light gauge is I could hear some buzz or twang in high E string and B string but when I put medium gauge to my Taylor gs mini koa the buzzing and twang were gone. And I notice medium gauge has full and warm tone compare to light gauge.
So... does it mean that the microphone is most important factor for the tone?
With an EQ you can actually have pretty much any sound you want
2:04 BRILLIANT
For direct strumming comparison
0:58 light strings. 2:44 medium
Nickel bronze daddario medium is all I use. Super loud and just makes me smile when they ring.
I have the same guitar as the sample here and Tusq pins offered more sustain along with the NB strings.
A sense of humour is so important in todays world….great video and comparison my friend! Well done! 🇨🇦👍🏻
Here is the truth.
My theory is, the medium strings ring out more, they have the ability to push the output volume of the body of the guitar.
The light strings allow for more flexibility and therefore have a more balanced tone, allowing for more low end and shimmer.
So the mediums will be a bit louder and ring out more when you hit them harder, but they also boost the mids, which can take away from the clarity.
If you like that slightly scooped sound with more tonal balance, go for the Light Gauge.
It’s what i prefer.
yes i also prefer 12-53 gauge over any other 10-47 or 11-52 which has a better bass and the treble is thin you listen mostly to the bass and treble range and the mids are a bit too low for me then 12-53 is the most balanced gauge in sound and on your fingers (still NOT a beginner's gauge) and then the mediums have much of a fatty less treble sound with overpowering mids and trebles keep sustain too little so they cant cope pretty nice with the bigger strings.I tried HD Lights too from Elixir 13-53 yes it is a very good strumming option maybe slightly better than standard lights but still it looses much of its previously balanced and nice playability like in std Lights while doesn't worth this loss of playability for me.Best option for me clearly 12-53 next best 13-53 i don't like 10-47 and 11-52 and the mediums are not of my taste too.
Could you please tell me the gauges rather than light vs. Medium? 13s on my D 18 are phenomenal but I'm actually using elevens now because I'm a light player the action at the 12th fret is a couple millimeters closer. The tone is compensated for by adjustments in the PA system. Thanks for the video
it was super minimal in sound-- it probably felt a lot differnt but most wouldnt even notice the tone difference
Yep, medium or thicker strings work great on less responsive instruments. I used put a custom set .013-.058 on my plywood campfire guitar for 2 good reasons;
1- great loud sound for everybody to hear
2- when better players tried to snatch my guitar... I always got it back quickly after one song 🙉
Instead of.. “oh can I play” and let another dude steal the show 🙄
😂😂😂👏👏👏
hahaha ! Heavier gauge string !! thats a good trick not too loose your guitar around the campfire!!
Bruh if had it in you nobody would wanna take your guitar from you, im a lead guitarist btw fck .12s n .13 one bend on my .9s can sabotage your entire tonal range
@@maddogmorgan9034 9s on an acoustic? Bleeewwww…
unless you can build a robot to exert the exact same amount of force on the strings, they will never sound the same. With mediums vs lights, the heavier gauge string you can attack the strings harder and you have to fret harder. Switched my elecrics to 8s and it took me a year to get the feel for playing them. If I could find 8s for my acoustic I would do it in a heartbeat.
1:30 when you can't play blackbird for copyright reasons but you have to get the point across
Well actually.... I can play Blackbird, teach it all the time!! AND this is actually one of my songs called "I Could Be With You" which you can hear on my Music Monday playlist.
@@GaragebandandBeyond I didn't mean it at all as an insult haha I loved the video, just reminded me of it a bit cus of the little chord changes. definitely a nice chord progression though, shows the difference of the strings nicely too.
@@sfm199 I don't think the guy meant offence haha. It was a jab at CZcams and their strict copyright rules 😉
Mediums do sound better but harder to bend, so up to your playing style. I do fingerpicking a lot so prefer light than having to drop the tuning half a note.
I have a Taylor 514 ce, a Martin D15M, and a Gibson J200. Love them all.... I keep lights on the Taylor because it has a cedar top and I don’t want any more tension than necessary. I like the lights because they are easy on the fingers and I can play longer. I decided to change both the Martin and the Gibson to lights.... big mistake. I actually took the J200 in to have it looked at because I was unhappy with it.... the guy took one look and said “yeah it sounds like crap because you can’t put lights on this guitar”. I went back to mediums and I love it again.... lesson learned.
I always use medium gage strings on all my guitars. I really like how they sound. I could imediately tell the difference in sound. The lights didn't sound bad, but to my ear, the medium strings were louder and I could hear more detail in the playing and the notes instead of the lights.
you wouldn't even notice any difference if you didn't know there were 2 different string sets
It depends on the guitar. Some guitars dont gain much more volume with higher string gauge than other. And also depends on your playing Style.
0:57 light
2:45 medium
2:50 light
2:58 medium
3:05 light
I never believed the light ones would sound so much better,but you say it's because of the mic distance only?
i can simply see the difference by simply looking at his facial expression and the way he strums i dunno it seems medium strings cause so much pain on our finger tips
I'm going for comfort soft string's 👍🏼🎸. Been through heavy medium since the 60's . Just strung up a dobro excellent 👍🏼🎸
Can you try some magma ultra light acoustic strings?
i have come to realise that even though i play heavy handed my guitar works and sounds better with light strings
I agree! Same here!
Light strings are better for the overall health of your guitar
The medium sound better but its noticeably killing your fingers. I have 12's on my ovation and If i dont play often the first few days back is painful
Just wondering how to get a string sound of The Goo Goo Doll ' Iris Song' , I felt that that is the best acoustic strumming sound to me,thanks
Iris by goo goo dolls is in non standard tuning it's BDDDDD that's the original tuning of the song. You can't replicate the exact sound without that unique tuning, that is why when you play it in standard tuning it sounds kinda off and you can't get that deep rich sound.
For most players, light strings are adequate. The make and model of your guitar can effect your choice. How you play, ie. strumming, fingerstyle, etc. can make a difference.
How your guitar sounds with a given string- a Martin HD 28 has more bass and sounds fine with lights.
Your preference, more bright, less bright and the guitars basic personality, will influence choice.
Finally, strain on the neck. Mediums are likely to cause the necessity for a neck re-set sooner than later.
That slope shoulder dreadnought sounds very much like a Gibson to my ears! Maybe not quite so J45 jangly but definitely similar
And here I am playing with 15s on my acoustic guitar.... and 13s on my strat and Les Paul
Good god XD
I need to feel what your handshake feels like
@@themagicminstrels476 😂😂
What's the point of worrying about strings if position of mic affects sound?
I was hot on the whiskey sunset till I saw this video now I want the black smoke
I know what you mean. They're both good looking guitars, but the black Smoke is special.
GaragebandandBeyond They sound different alright
Light gauge strings really soft without mic or amp but easy to play..I just changed to EXP 16 light from the stock strings..
The mediums sounded louder, stronger...or is it my beginner's ear?
Really depends on the guitar if we are talking acoustic. Some acoustics get restricted if the gauge is too high and the instrument can’t resonate or “sing” like it was designed.
Dreads are made for mediums imo. You hear the wood, the percussive nature of the guitar. You get that top moving. Especially on martins, and yes on golden era bracing. Yes on foward shifted bracing. Especially imo with Adirondack or Swiss alpine spruce. Stuff is stiff.
I can understand using lights on like a d35 with with that 1/4 inch bracing. That I can see. But hey, it's JMO
More consistent fretting pressure with thicker strings.
End of debate...lol.
Daddario sells bluegrass strings: lights for the 3 high strings and medium E A D.
You are the best judge on tone as your ears tell you the truth plus you “feel” the difference. Just the video I was after thank-you, I have a Blueridge BR 60 ooo with light rock and blues and although great, very tinny top end.
12s are what I am used to playing. I had 11s for a long time before getting 12s. There is just more low end and a little less highs the fatter the strings get.
so the difference between lights and mediums are what gauge strings? I've heard that 12s are 'lights' and 13s are 'mediums', right?
Lights are typically .012-.054 and mediums are typically .013-.056. peace ☮️
@@ChristopherFreedom thanks for the tip jack! pcp lol
@@ChristopherFreedom Thank you!
My D-35 sounds way better with the same medium strings as well. Will only use these from now on. Great video by the way.
It depends on where you want to sit in the mix. Use the right tool for the job.
I have started using hd lights. The first three are medium with the top three are lights. They have more volume than lights. Something different. Elixir offers them. Worth a try.
Nevermind, I just came across the other video.
I think all mahogany wood is better in a gauge 12 for full round mellow tone.
ey no Heart Feelings the video was nice to watch, I didn't mind that mic was changed
I play my dad’s Sigma DM-3 (Sub brand of Martin) from the 80’s. Used to buy only medium strings, but after trying the Martin Custom Light’s, i’m hooked. At least for this non-expensive guitar. Just spruces it up well IMO. Sounds great if you don’t really use a pick, and use a capo a lot.
I did not hear the difference
funny, i like rhe sound of the light set much better...
I been using earnie ball earthwood Medium strings, and i been considering going to the light strings. Why I'm video surfing . . .
Not sure what exactly the difference is. Or if it makes the strings flex easier.
But nice video.
I prefer the light guage. The medium sounds a little muffled.
Thanks for the demo.
Why not just redo the video with a set mic position? There are other variables to consider. Though it may sound better to you from your listening position, it may sound different from the audience perspective being in front and center of sound hole where as you as the player are above and behind. Another variable is how they sound after recording. The one that sounds the best in the room may not be the best for recording with the same mic in the same position. As you know moving the mic changes the recording. So you would have to test and listen to the playback, try different mic positions and listen to the playbacks etc. Then there are all the adjustments you can do with programs like EQs and such. Hopefully you can produce a similar sound after recording that sounds like it does live in the room from in front of the guitar. When I play a simple song it sounds different than when a friend plays it and I listen to it from in front. With electric, it sounds very different directly in front of the speaker than off from say, a 45* angle. The highs go away. The mid and treble have to be increased to bring them back. The same happens to an acoustic. It will sound much different depending on where the listener is in relation to the sound hole.
Hey! Awesome! What songs are you playing in te bagging?? They so beautiful
The pickguard is not matching.
excellent observations
How could you not redo this video? Why release it if the mic moved? Mic placement with acoustic is everything! You ALMOST earned yourself a subscriber but I just can't.
The truth is, each guitar is different and some ring better with light and some with heavier. The only way to truly know is to string your guitar with both and play, play, play.
I COMPLETELY agree with you on this! I was just trying to give people an idea of what kind of changes to expect.
@@GaragebandandBeyond Oh, yeah--I know you were. I was just trying to chime in on all the the back-and-forth in the feedback section....
Stop frontin! Daddario are the best strings. Period.
John Karen I’m not! Used EJ-16’s for over 2 decades! I’m trying something new and I LIKE IT!!
La Bella strings are the best
There is one problem with this strings test. New set of strings don't sound that good at the beginning. They need a few days. Or maybe it's me
Yeahhh if your fingers are strong and have a good Caluss on them then yeahh.... Medium strings are the unplugged way to go for more volume.... but yeah... to each his or her own.... Thanks for the Good Review !! :)
I suspect that your D28s will also sound better with mediums. I've yet to find a dread that doesn't sound better with mediums.
Most of the time yea - unless you’re using Thomastik Plectrums then it’s another story those 11-50s are amazing on my Collings 002h
But 9s are SO easy to play! There are a few ways to get 9s on your acoustic. Extra light 12 string sets come with 9s.
They do NOT have the beautiful bass of heavier strings...but as I said...they're SO much easier to play!
If you want to really hear the bass on your dread Martin...use 13s...it's what they come with. As you go down in gauge...so does the bass. I'm betting that the heavier string can move the bridge better than a lighter string. That's WHY it's harder to play...you're moving a lot more string...more mass.
I've done this test too...9s, 10s, 12s, 13s...all on the same guitar. Bass goes up with the gauge. Highs get louder. But...it also gets harder to play. Mine are set up like electric guitars...low action, light strings. I play it like an electric too. Lots of lead licks. Amps make it louder...you don't need the heavy strings to do that.
I find it's all about your guitar and the way you play. Try different strings. One of my acoustics loves the medium strings and my acoustic electric loves medium lights.
Try slapping a Fishman Rare Earth pickup on it. They really capture the character of the instrument.
ed rosa slapping?? you slap your guitar moron!!!
we take good care of our guitars we dont go slapping them around ✌️😎
Nice comparison.
I now use medium light aluminum core. My opinion is it depends on the guitar
I completely agree with your assessment that it “depends on the guitar” and I will add “depends on the player”!
Aluminum core?? Aluminum is too weak in general. What brand can I ask?
Waiting for you to do the experiment again now :)
I had a Yamaha fg 350 ? , I used to experiment with all sorts of strings, heavy gauge strings are really hard to press down but man are they powerful, light gauge yea they good, I even put electric guitar strings on with the cheapest Dean markley pick up plugged into a fender 10 or 20 watt cheap amp and it was a raunchy blues box totally turned some heads, but maybe my playing was better and faster after having super heavy strings on for soo long, warning heavy gauge strings are scary when you tube to pitch it feels like your guitar is gonna fold in half ! Lol no joke
Are light strings gauge 9?
D'Addario EJ24 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, True Medium, 13-56 im buying those strings
HUGE point you failed to mention about the Retros…..they last forever….that nickel blend is MUCH more corrosion-resistant….
I know this might sound silly... but medium strings... are 11’s ??!!!
13’s on acoustic
Acoustic guitars have thicker strings.
@@GaragebandandBeyond IVE BEEN PLAYING 13’S? Damn I’m an electric player who uses 10’s.
I just had this problem lights are easier to play but sound tinny so I'm going back to mediums
I use Elixer Phosphor Bronze Extra Light strings on my Ibanez AW54LCE and rely on the attack of heavier and sharper guitar picks.
Medium has more power rangers sound the Light, sounds like sesame street so i like medium kekeke😬
if i was singing with the guitar i would use the light strings
Can i use extra light acoustic strings in semi acoustic guitar?
Yes
So Sam Bradford went to guitars after the NFL ?
i haven’t seen you since about 5 years probably
To change tone is easier to use different pixs
The guitar came alive with the mediums or was it the mic contributing to the overall punchy "Alive" sound. Regardless, that Blackie is gorgeous.🤘
Had to experiment with each of my guitars. Some intonate better with certain gauges.
I like light strings best.
Me too
Yeah, mediums are where it's at. Doesn't take long to get used to 'em either, really.