Page 1 of 1

Medium Gauge Strings

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2019 8:06 pm
by djcarolino
I know the Collings recommends only light gauge strings for smaller bodied guitars, but would it be harmful to use medium gauge (13-56) strings on my 01 or C10 when tuned a half step down to Eb standard or a full step down to D standard tuning. Thanks in advance!

Re: Medium Gauge Strings

Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2019 3:01 am
by Derek
C10 with belly bridge you can safely use mediums on a couple of strings (say on the unwound strings). I would not use a full set of mediums.

C10 with a straght bridge probably you should stick to a full set of lights.

You can always give a call to Collings customer support at (512) 288-7776.

Re: Medium Gauge Strings

Posted: Tue Sep 03, 2019 11:57 am
by ogradyboy
I have asked this very same question to the folks at Collings and the short answer is-yes. Great customer support and they will get back to you quickly with any concerns.

In general, the string tension across all six strings represents the total tension on the neck/bridge/etc of the guitar. As long as the TOTAL string tension does not exceed the manufacturers recommended settings you can (reasonably) increase and decrease individual strings. D’Addario has a link on their website to a “string tension calculator” that allows you to choose individual strings or string sets and mix and match them to your chosen tuning that will tell you both the individual and total string tensions.

I have read on other forms that alternate tunings that remain at or below the recommended string tension, while safe for the guitar, shouldn’t be left in an alternate tuning for more than several days. Not sure if that is based on real experience or lore. Hope that helps.

Re: Medium Gauge Strings

Posted: Tue Sep 03, 2019 8:49 pm
by law
Hopefully not hijacking your thread too much because it's semi related....

I string my CJ 35 with mediums (13-56) and tune it a whole step low (DGCFAD)


Most guitars Ive tried it with get sloppy and buzzy...

This CJ 35 sounds INCREDIBLE with it tuned that way....

welcome any thoughts or response

Re: Medium Gauge Strings

Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2019 1:33 am
by elambo
law wrote: Tue Sep 03, 2019 8:49 pm Hopefully not hijacking your thread too much because it's semi related....

I string my CJ 35 with mediums (13-56) and tune it a whole step low (DGCFAD)


Most guitars Ive tried it with get sloppy and buzzy...

This CJ 35 sounds INCREDIBLE with it tuned that way....

welcome any thoughts or response
I'll second that thought.

Re: Medium Gauge Strings

Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2019 2:52 am
by Larry McClain
I have an O1A and I asked Collings about using medium gauge strings. Their answer was that belly bridges should handle medium strings without issue.

Re: Medium Gauge Strings

Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2019 10:02 am
by Cumbrian
I always use mediums on my CJ35SB. It plays and sounds great along with showing no problems tuned to concert. Even though it's a straight bridge model, I know that Collings ship the CJ35 with mediums as standard. I once tried mediums on my OM2HK and true to my experience with smaller body guitars and mediums, it seemed to lose articulation with little increase in headroom.