adorshki
Reverential Member
Sooo, I went searching for what gauge string Songbirds came with and I can't find it anywhere.
Also, should one string their songbird with electric strings or acoustic strings?
Like F65ce's, they actually came with .010's. most likely to give as close to an electric "feel" as possible:Thank you…
Just out of curiosity, would you happen to know what string gauge they came standard with?
Those XL300 strings would be D'Addario EJ15's
EJ15 Phosphor Bronze | Acoustic Guitar Strings | D'Addario
EJ15 is an extra light gauge Phosphor Bronze string providing lower tension ideal for vintage instruments and playability. Since D'Addario introduced Phosphor Bronze guitar strings in 1974, they have been synonymous with warm and well-balanced acoustic tone.
www.daddario.com
D'Addario was Guild's string supplier at the time, "private labeled" 'em in Guild packaging.
12's are fine for most acoustics but it all depends on the the top. They were definitely too much for my F65ce although 11's seemed to work ok (D'A EJ26 Custom lights)I was gonna try to keep it to original specs… the guy who sold it to me seems to have have 9s or lighter on it and theyre definitely electric strings… Ive been putting 12s on my acoustics… you think thats too heavy?
The first thing to be determined in any new (good) guitar design is what string gauge (tension) the top will be built for. Using heavier than design spec strings can put stress on the top which actually inhibits its ability to vibrate, besides just stressing the wood into warping (bellying), and puts additional stress on neck joint.
Too little tension can make a top vibrate about as well as a slice of bread, but in practice going up or down one gauge from the design spec usually works out ok.
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