Comfortable Playability

[Dazzy]

Ok so im reasonably new to playing steel strings acoustics as i come from a spanish/classical background, I can play well and advanced.

 

I have a TW1000, but im not happy with how it plays, the strings even ater a few months of playing on it seem really tough to play, (d'addario lights). I fingerpick and strum with my thumb, and it really feels that i have to put a lot of force into the strings to get a nice sound out, which frankly isnt to comfortable and doesnt feel too natural for me to play.

 

So i would like to know how i can get the guitar playing more comfortably, im considering fitting extra light guage strings to see how they feel, bet then ive heard the sound might be crap?

 

Cheers:)

[AK47]

Check the Freeman Keller sticky, "Is my Guitar sick" to see if your over all setup is OK. Steel strings and nylon do have a different feel. Steel strings require a little more of an aggressive attack and are harder to push down due to greater tension. As long as your guitar checks out OK comfort will come with time. Keep playing

[recordingtrack1]

I don't know what a TW1000 is but I agree with Ak47. Heck, he would shoot me if I didn't. Mainly, if you've only been playing steel strings for a few months, I would say that you've got a few more months to go. Eventually they will become more natural to you. You might be able to get the guitar set up to play with a little lower action but something tells me that is not the real answer.

 

I personally am not an advocate of extra-lite strings. I prefer mediums first and light gauge second. I use both on different instruments.

 

Just hang in there and keep on playing.

 

Good luck,

 

RT1:thu:

[EvilTwin]

Once an acoustic "settles down" after a restringing, it's going to naturally feel stiffer.

 

However, if it's been a few months, check your truss rod, as well. A forward bow is gonna raise your action and make it a bit harder to fret the strings.

[JasmineTea]

Have it set up by a good luthier, tell him how you want it to play, and switch to 11-50 guage strings. Any lighter than that and you'll lose too much volume, IMO.

[Freeman Keller]

One other little trick is to tune down 1/2 or 1 step to lessen the tension a bit. But a good setup will work wonders too.

[riffmeister]

 

Originally posted by Dazzy I have a TW1000, but im not happy with how it plays, the strings even after a few months of playing on it seem really tough to play, (d'addario lights).

 

 

What is the string height at the 12th fret?

 

What is the saddle height above the bridge?

 

What is the string height at the 1st fret?

 

Fret the 1st fret and 12th fret simultaneously and then what is the height of the string above the 7th fret?

 

 

These are all measurements I use to figure out if and how I will modify the setup of the guitar to make it play easily without any string buzz.

[nylon rock]

You could try a pick. Lot of fun.

[Dazzy]

Cheers for the advice guys.

 

I think its set up right, i reckon its just me not used to higher tensions strings with my strumming hand!