Strings acoustic guitar

I've used medium gauge since i started playing in May this year. But i had my guitar re-strung recently, & thought i'd try out some lightweight strings to see if they'd help me get those rotten barre chords! They do seem to help quite a bit!  I have caught my thumb a few times on the high E strings & ended up with something like a papercut, because the string is so thin. Cheesewire comes to mind... lol

Elixir Lights and Mediums for the acoustics

Switching to Elixir lights nanoweb soon.  I had a set given to me and they were very nice.  When I next purchased, I went back to my less expensive (initially) favorite D'Addorio Silk and Steel, but they have worn out so quickly that I will return to the Elixir Light Nanowebs because while more expensive initially their longer life makes them less expensive in the long run.

- Zurf

I put elixir's on the last time I changed and have been impressed with the long lasting tone. My only beef is that the 6th string sounds a lot duller than the rest (even straight after fitting). Did I get a bad set or is this normal?

Alvee,
  Give a good close look at the string to guitar contact spots at the bridge and on the nut. A little pencil lead applied will create a smoother gliding surface and enable the strings to fit nicely in the grooves on the bridge and on the nut. This might do the trick???

I used ernie ball regular slinky 10ga. on my Strat and S&P acoustic. I like the feel and they last a good while before I need to change them. And they are fairly cheap in the U.S. I get them at guitar center for less than 5 bucks, and cheaper if you buy more that 1 set.

Thanks one and all! your input in this thread is very interesting and I like the pencil lead idea. I am on Slinky lights on my Babicz &
Martin phos/bronze lights on my seagull.
I tried Elixir nano's for a while but found them a bit dull. I buy strings on line from stringthis.com saves bucks.

I used to use Elixir, but I've switched to using D'addario EXP.  I think they have a better, fuller sound - no low end drop off, if you know what I mean.  I tried the DR's that 25Frankster refers to in this thread.  I thought they sounded pretty nice, but I really had trouble with the shape.  Yeah, I know that sounds wierd, but they really seemed to "roll" a lot.  Bending was very clumsy and hard to control.  They're too round.  I didn't like 'em.  But, hey; that's why there's so many different strings out there.  If we all liked the same strings, we'd probably all own the same guitar, too; and what fun would that be!

I confess to not changing my strings as often as I should.  I mean I just restrung about 3 or 4 weeks ago, and really I'd like to replace them again.  I'll have to wait a couple more weeks though.  They're only 12 bucks or so, but...you know, 12 bucks is 12 bucks.

Before the days of coated strings (aging myself, here) I used to use a Guild phospher bronze on my acoustic.  I think the coated strings are a little easier on the fingertips!

Great topic,
Thanks for reading,
Kurt

I also use the D addarios an exellent string for a good price,I also like too use the Elixers but the get a little pricy for my budget.

SouthPaw41L

I suppose if I would have read the original suggestion more carefully, I would've figured that out.  I'm square on the terminology for the various parts of the guitar, but the Wiki link is interesting nonetheless.  I do not currently have any issues with buzz, shortened sustain, or dull sounding strings, but I'll try your suggestion just to check it out.  It makes sense that the graphite would make for a smoother, more friendly surface for the string to rest upon.  Seems like a good idea!  I'll let you know....

Caracena

P.S.
How do you do the quotes in the box like that - that's cool and leaves very easy reference as to which posting you're addressing.