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strings for parlors
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Author:  pvg [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 3:12 pm ]
Post subject:  strings for parlors
What gauge strings are builders using on their parlors?
thanks
pvg
Author:  JJ Donohue [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 4:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: strings for parlors
I've used both lights and mediums. It all depends on what one is trying to achieve. Try both...feel and hear the difference.
Author:  SteveT [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 4:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: strings for parlors
I like the sound & feel of the D'Addario flat-top lights on my parlor.
Author:  pvg [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 11:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: strings for parlors
Thanks for the responses; by "medium gauge" I assume you mean .013"-.056" like I use on a dreadnaught (D-28)?
BTW, my question is not "what should I use on my parlor guitar". My question is what gauge strings do you builders of parlor guitars design your guitars for?
thanks again
pvg
Author:  Laurent Brondel [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 11:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: strings for parlors
Filippo Morelli wrote:
If someone here is designing to a string tension, I'd love to hear their thinking!
I do take into account scale length and string gauge when working on the top's flexibility.
You're correct, parlour = anything smaller than a single 0. A single 0 is a (small) concert guitar, at least that's the way Martin advertised it.
Author:  JJ Donohue [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 12:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: strings for parlors
It really all depends on what the player wants. I'm finding that more players I come in contact with specify mediums. This is a departure from what I found 5 years ago. With a parlor's shorter scale length, mediums seem to provide the tension and resulting attack feel that many prefer...and they also report that they can better control tone and volume.

So with a preferred tension specified, I indeed factor string gauge into the design equation.
Author:  pvg [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 3:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: strings for parlors
Thanks all for the responses.
BTW Filippo, back when guitar players outnumbered guitar builders laughing6-hehe anything from a 00 size on down was referred to as a "parlor size" guitar by players. At least the players of my acquaintance- and I've known a few from New York to California in the 45+ years I've been playing. Doesn't mean it's technically correct... ;)
My own personal interest (at the moment) is in the general Martin 0-28 size/shape; these were regarded as "fingerpickin' guitars" as opposed to the larger 000 and dreadnaughts which were "fer them country flatpickers." :lol:
regards
pvg
Author:  Darrel Friesen [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 5:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: strings for parlors
I built an 1-18 size for the $100 challenge on the MIMF using pine 1" x 4" for top, back, sides and neck. The plan is for a gut strung instrument. I made the braces 1/16" to an 1/8" taller than the plan and strung it with extra light strings which have about 5 lbs more tension than Silk and Steel strings. The sound is great. I may try lights next time I change strings which may be soon as it's my daily player right now.
Author:  Clay S. [ Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: strings for parlors
I like to build parlors (size 1) with scale lengths longer than 24.5 inches (generally 25.4 or 24.9). I build them lightly and use light gauge strings. They have thinner tops and probably couldn't handle mediums. The tops are easily driven and are for fingerpicking. I think having a thinner more flexible top improves the bass of small bodied guitars. I believe the longer scales and thinner strings give better overtones than the thick stiff strings used with short scales even if the string tension works out about the same.
Many of the cheaper older american parlor guitars had thick ladder braced tops. They usually don't have much low end.
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