It's like a whole new guitar!
Jun 4, 2018 8:22:51 GMT -7
Maddog, Mark (Basement Enthusiast), and 5 more like this
Post by John on Jun 4, 2018 8:22:51 GMT -7
I bought my Marting 00-28 a few months ago. It came with light strings (12's)...the Martin webpage for this guitar says to use 12's. I emailed Martin asking if I can use mediums (13's) on this guitar. I received a one word response back from Martin: 'NO'.
The thing is, this is my first short scale guitar. Shorter scale guitars have less string tension. So my frame of reference is a long scale dread with mediums on it. (like Martin says to use on this guitar!) A long scale with mediums has far more string tension than a short scale with lights. The result is the short scale guitar's strings feel like rubber bands. WAY too loose for me. I have a very very short scale parlor that I have mediums on. I like it.
I wasn't sure if Martin's string recommendation for the 00 is based on tone, or whether the structure of the guitar can handle it. (both the website and the email response.) So I've left it with lights. The action is higher than the dread (Martin D-18), and yet I'm getting more fret buzz. Very discouraging.
Then I found another section of the Martin website where they stated every guitar they make can handle mediums. ...so we've got potentially conflicting advice.
The local GC had a 'Martin Experience' seminar last week, and I went. About 20 Martin's in stands around a guy who played. (one of the 20 was the actual 00 I have) I don't think the guy who played was a Martin employee, but his real life brother was the actual Martin rep. At the question/answer session at the end, I asked about putting mediums on the 00. The player was worried about my fingertips, and the rep asked why I wanted mediums. I explained my desire to get rid of the rubber band feeling, then said I was worried if the guitar can structurally handle it. The rep immediately jumped in and said with confidence the guitar can handle it.
So this morning I put mediums on it, did a little truss rod adjustment. (also shaved the saddle down a little) and bam...it's like a new guitar! All that rubbery/ loose string feeling is gone...action is lower, not fret buzzing. THIS is what I've been looking for!
I may even bring it to Z-fest.
00 on the left, D-18 on the right