Larrivee String Gauge Question

[William2]

I was reading a post on AGF today about Larrivee guitars "Larrivee a Revelation". It involves an L model someone just got. Here is the comment: "This L-02 I received a few days ago arrived with .11 gauge strings. Sounded great. I changed them for my usual .12's and it sounded a bit dull and choked. Relief was still in spec, nut slots were ok. I took them off and put some new .11s on and it's singing again. Weird. I guess this guitar likes lighter strings." I've always used 12s on all my instruments. Could 11s work better on an L model size? I've never considered going lighter.

[BlueBowman]

I think the "choking" thing is mostly hearing fewer overtones, which is what can happen with heavier strings on certain guitars.

It's definitely guitar-dependent, but as a gross generalization: lighter strings are usually a bit brighter with more overtone content, while heavier ones seem to promote more of the fundamental. Sometimes it's subtle switching back and forth between the strings gauges, other times it's a day and night difference. Again, heavily guitar-dependent.

You should give the 11s a try. I know several happy players using 11s. If the guitar is still sufficiently responsive and you like the sound, could be a win for you.

[B0WIE]

I'll avoid going into an AGF rant and just say; we don't know this player, their ability, experience, etc. Not to put them down. Only to say that music and playing are subjective and just because it sings to them, doesn't mean it will for others. Many (most?) people have tried 11's and have found them to be thin sounding. I find they have poor note stability. They are great for compromised hands but it's uncommon to find acoustic players who prefer their sound. Being on a L doesn't change anything. I know that having tried them on an L myself. In fact, when I got my first L was when I realized I needed to stop using 11's and step up to 12's to get a full-bodied acoustic tone.

And, though sound is subjective, I think we can objectively say that if your L is choking with 12's, there's a problem with the instrument or the humidity. It was designed for 12's. If I had to guess, perhaps the player is having a harder time physically driving 12's and 11's are more their speed now? Or, maybe their ears just prefer the thinner, "string-sound" of the 11's, as they don't actually move the top as much. Could be any number of things. If you're curious, it's an inexpensive experiment and I think learning how the guitar reacts to different things is always a worthwhile venture.

And, again, no offense at all to that individual. I do suspect their guitar may have an issue but, if not, them preferring something is totally legitimate. I just don't think they found a secret that the rest of the world was missing out on. My ears think they sound weak on an L.

[StringPicker6]

I always play lights. Mediums feel like tree trunks. I'd only recommend extra lights for a brand new player.