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So close and yet so far... Which strings for short parlor?
http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=18440		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Dave Livermore [ Mon Aug 18, 2008 3:00 pm ]
Post subject:  So close and yet so far... Which strings for short parlor?
Hey all,
I'm going to set up a parlor this evening that has been on the bench for WAY too long.
As I was on the way home today, giddy with anticipation, I realized I probably got the wrong strings on the way out of town.
The instrument has a 24.5" scale length and I'd like to get as nice and crisp a tone out of it as possible and I'm used to light gauge on a 25.4" scale guitar.

Does that mean I should put Medium or Extra Light gauge strings?

As always any help is appreciated.

Thanks

Dave
Author:  meddlingfool [ Mon Aug 18, 2008 3:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: So close and yet so far... Which strings for short parlor?
Medium...
Author:  Michael Dale Payne [ Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: So close and yet so far... Which strings for short parlor?
custom lights .052-.011
Author:  BobK [ Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: So close and yet so far... Which strings for short parlor?
Probably depends on how heavily it's built. I just built a parlor with a 22.875 scale 12 fret neck based on a Stella body shape and used mediums. According to the formulas listed on Daddarios website, total string tension was about 152lbs. That's about 35lbs lighter than a 25.4 scale with mediums due to the much shorter scale still it didn't sound like it was strung with rubber bands.

25.4 scale
PB Lights ~ 162 lbs
PB Mediums ~ 187 lbs

24.5 scale
PB Lights ~ 151 lbs
PB Mediums ~ 174 lbs

Given that your scale isn't that different that "standard" and you prefer lights, I'd try lights first and see how well they drive the top.

Daddario link http://www.daddariostrings.com/Resources/JDCDAD/images/tension_chart.pdf
Author:  BobK [ Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: So close and yet so far... Which strings for short parlor?
Sorry for the dupe post...
Author:  Dave Livermore [ Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: So close and yet so far... Which strings for short parlor?
Thanks guys.

I'll have to take the extra lights back the next time I go to town.

I'll try the lights and see how they sound. If it doesn't feel or sound light I'll start bulking up on heavier strings.

dave
Author:  Colin S [ Tue Aug 19, 2008 5:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: So close and yet so far... Which strings for short parlor?
MichaelP wrote:
custom lights .052-.011


I use custom lights on all of my standard tune guitars, usually at a 24.9 scale. These will do you just fine on a 24.5".

Colin
Author:  Dave Livermore [ Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: So close and yet so far... Which strings for short parlor?
I ended up experimenting with light, medium bottom/light treble and medium. The mediums by far sound the best and don't seem to be stressing the top.

I'll put an audio clip soon on the Parlor guitar post.

Thanks for the help and suggestions. I don't usually look at the data of the string tension but I did in this case and am running a few pounds heavier than a light gauge set on my longer guitars. But it doesn't seem any heavier.

Dave
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