Strings? Just HOW BIG the difference.

Kettleson

Hi all.

Might sound a naive question.

Just how big a difference can strings make to an instrument?

I have several acoustic guitars, but one in particular, I just changed to light Martin strings. I'm hoping its just the strings, but its sounding limp, and out of tune up the neck....perfectly in tune open but capo'ed, not sounding right to my ear. Very pitchy.

Neck as straight as it can be and no lifting at the saddle etc..

So can strings transform a guitar to one I avoid playing at the moment, to one I'd delight to pick up. (Its a quality guitar too...vintage).

Thanks

martinedwards

gauge of strings, definitely.

metal of strings, definitely

brand of strings...... not so much, but still there.

to give you an idea..... https://www.martinguitar.com/strings/acoustic/

that site shows the difference in string tension depending on gauge.

Martin Extra Lights put 130 pounds of tension on the bridge

Mediums put 181 pounds on there.

thats 50 POUNDS difference.

nearly 4 stone.

that's going to make a serious bit of difference with the sound.

and as to pitch, intonation etc?

yes.

one gauge might not make much difference, but two gauges will need an intonation reset. so a new saddle.

Kettleson

Thanks Martin.