Question: I've been playing about 6-7 months, and just switched over to light strings as an experiment. I was using heavier strings. I was wondering if my perceptions are right. Light strings = less volume, duller tone, easier to press down, more buzzing when trying to get more volume. Heavier gauge = more volume, clearer tone, harder to play, less buzzing. Does this seem right to you? What types of strings do you prefer?

Answer: It sounds like you have it right. Also heavier strings wear longer than light strings. I like Martin medium gauge strings because I like to do a lot of alternative lower tunings and I strum hard sometimes. Light strings buzz too much for me. It depends a lot on how your guitar it set up and adjusted also. Other guitarists hate mediums and will only use light gauge. I guess you just have to decide for yourself. NOTE: Be careful about using heavier strings on guitars with scalloped bracing. See my Tip 42 for further information on the subject.

Gman ( o )==#