CV-1C String Gauge

[kiwi]

Wondering if anyone can help me out here. I have a Guild CV-1C Contemporary F-40 Acoustic Electric Guitar fitted with D’Addario light strings 12-54. Since I am fairly new to playing the guitar I am finding the 12-54 gauge a bit of a challenge on my fingers. Can you put extra light strings on this guitar 11-52 gauge?

 

[Brad Little]

Probably. Actually, you can definitely put the lighter strings on it, the question is if it will buzz because the action becomes too low. I'd try it and see what you think of the playability and sound.
Brad

 

[cjd-player]

Absolutely, you can. You'll loose a bit of volume, and you might need to adjust the truss rod to remove a little relief (less intentional bow in the neck), but you can certainly use the extra lights.

You might also want to try using silk-and-steel strings until your fingers get stronger and the tips toughen up. You probably won't need to reduce the string gauge, but they will be easier to play. They're great when your starting to learn to play.

Also, try to play 15 minutes every day rather than trying long marathon sessions once or twice a week. Scales are no fun, but are a great way to strengthen fingers and toughen tips.

 

[Ian]

Welcome along fella, dont think I've seen you round these parts before, although I have seen a couple of Guilds for sale in the naki ( A 1974 D35 and a more recent D4 I think....). Where did you get your civic from ?

Cheers, Ian

 

[kiwi]

Thanks for the responses folks.

I got my CV-1C off Ebay and my brother brought it back to NZ with him when he came back home for a visit.

Oh by the way. I'm not a fella, I'm a sheila. :roll: :lol:

 

[Karl Teten]

Welcome Kiwi.

I finished high school at Spotswood College in New Plymouth. I was a yank abroad. Played rugby both years I was there. Dad (Bechtel) helped build the Motunui refinery. I lived out towards back beach down Ngamotu Rd off of Herekawe Dr. I spent a lot of money on guitar strings at Bremners and Colliers back in the day. :!:

 

[kiwi]

Hi Karl Teten

I also attended Spotswood College and lived around the same area as you, in Findlay Street. It sure is a small world :shock: I grew up swimming at Back Beach between the islands. Still swim there and it is still just as beautiful but more crowded since they have improved the access to the beach. I remember Bremners and Colliers well.

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

Welcome from another 'not a fella' :wink:

You might try a set of 'custom lights' on it.

And have the setup checked.

Different brands of strings in the same gauges have a different 'feel' as well...try some out to see what suits you.

And, I always tune all my guitars down a whole step...leftover from playing 12 strings...really softens it up, though it helps to have it set up for that to avoid buzzing.

Happy music!

 

[adorshki]

Absolutely, you can. You'll loose a bit of volume, and you might need to adjust the truss rod to remove a little relief (less intentional bow in the neck), but you can certainly use the extra lights.

You might also want to try using silk-and-steel strings until your fingers get stronger and the tips toughen up. You probably won't need to reduce the string gauge, but they will be easier to play. They're great when your starting to learn to play.

Also, try to play 15 minutes every day rather than trying long marathon sessions once or twice a week. Scales are no fun, but are a great way to strengthen fingers and toughen tips.

Absolutely 1000% agreement on all points. ESPECIALLY daily playing to develop calluses.