Are Light Guage Strings Louder Than Medium Guage Strings?

[William2]

In the 1-minute video below JP Cormier says that light gauge strings make the guitar louder because they put less pressure on the top allowing the top to vibrate more. He says that changing the angle of your picking attack allows you to play harder and make the instrument just as loud without all the effort. What do you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tuuLZ6Xuso

[Queequeg]

I don't know about that.
I question whether this would withstand  scrutiny of some scientific measurement.

[B0WIE]

I haven't watched the video. As much as I respect the talents of JP, science isn't on his side here. It takes more effort to get medium strings moving, but they have a potential for greater volume.

What he may be hearing is the top end/high frequencies. Less tension allows greater overtones and a brighter sound. Also, if I'm reaching for things that support his statement, you can reach a point where strings will "choke" the tone. You typically have to go pretty heavy. But, mediums on a very lightly braced parlor could potentially do it. But, when we're talking about a normal guitar with lights vs medium, no. Mediums objectively have greater volume potential. I think he's just hearing the overtones and thinking that means louder.

[Silence Dogood]

Lighter strings are more jangly than mediums which can make them seem louder.  JP is a great player, but also just another person on the internet with an opinion (me included).
 

[unclrob]

Playing tones you will loses vol and tone.I've got lots of season player using them.Alsso there is no diff in vol and tone when plugged in which most do.

[teh]

I believe mediums would be louder but I think the player, their technique and setup make more of a difference. With one exception I use light gauge strings on all of my guitars including these body sizes: dreadnought, L, OM, 000, 00, parlor and 12 string. The exception?

My Alvarez Artist dreadnought is strung with mediums and set up so it can be tuned down a step and a half to get close to a baritone sound.

[William2]

I've owned two Martin DSS-17 instruments. They came with medium gauge strings. After switching them out with A 'Addario XS lights, I noticed no difference as a fingerstyle player. But those instruments are very light and responsive. I have read and wondered if this light construction combined with medium gauge strings leads to these neck resets, I hear about with Martin guitars. My Martin 000-15SM came with lights and I have read it has a different bracing than a standard X brace.

[Silence Dogood]

I do think guitars sound *different* with lights vs mediums.  Even if plugged in.  The TONE changes even if the volume doesn't.  I loved that big medium string sound for a long time, but these days I'm enjoying lighter strings again, both for the sound and the feel. YMMV.

[unclrob]

I play 14-56's have really low action and very little relief.

[StringPicker6]

I think it's interesting how Larrivee recommends medium strings on the short scale parlor. I put them on my parlor, but lights on all my other guitars.

[Queequeg]

I think it's interesting how Larrivee recommends medium strings on the short scale parlor. I put them on my parlor, but lights on all my other guitars.

Short scale string tension with mediums is approximately equal to light gauge strings on regular 25.5 inch scale.
And parlors are extra short at 24 inches.

[B0WIE]

Short scale string tension with mediums is approximately equal to light gauge strings on regular 25.5 inch scale.
And parlors are extra short at 24 inches.

Wow, I didn't realize their parlor scales were that short. That's mini size. I can see why they recommend mediums now.