on a larrivee parlor (P-05)...

since they are SLIGHTLY lacking on the low end,

could you use lights for the first 3 strings and meds/heavies for the lower 3?

would this mess the guitar up? it seems to me like a really good way to increase bass, while leaving the upper 3 notes as they are. thanks!

~Logan  :ph34r:

some folks use med gauge strings on their parlors as i have, essentially to improve bass response and to give the guitar a more hefty, less boxy tone overall.  the parlors are braced to handle med gauge strings so it shouldn't be a problem but i certainly wouldn't use heavy gauge strings.  i've also tried mixing med and light strings but i don't remember how that worked out.  lately i've been using regular lights on mine but will try meds again at some point i'm sure.

in other words...could i use mediums on my parlor?

>_<

Certainly. A lot of folks have reported improvements after installing mediums. You could also mix guages if that is the tone/feel that you are looking for.

I think thats what "bluegrass' string sets are.

or just use mediums.

One thing that I've learned over the years is:

If I want a guitar or sound, I have to get an instrument that will provide that sound. If I want rumble, I would need to get a dreadnaught; if I want brightness and honk, I need a mid-size or small axe. (I prefer mid-range honk, so I favor small-mid guitars like '0' size or OM)

I've done all manner of mods to guitars to make them do sounds that they are not quite built to do (different material in the bridge pins, all nickel strings, heavy gauge strings, TUSQ saddles, bone, whatever. I've observed that most of the tonal change I have 'rassled out of a guitar came from the way I played it.

Having said that, I don't think that you are going to get thumpy bass out of a Parlor... but you will get a good tone and bass that is relative to the size and build of that guitar.