Parlor-Size String Recommendations

[Sauerkraut]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a 2003 Larrivee O-01, which I believe is the same size as the P series. It's the mahogany model with spruce top.

In the past few years, I've realized the monumental difference that strings make when it comes to the sound of a guitar.

Do y'all have recommendations for me?

FWIW - I used Elixir Lt 12-53's on my Gibson, but it can be on the plunkier side, so I like to open it up with some bright, light gauge strings. The Larrivee with be used for a lot of Mississippi John Hurt style fingerpicking.

Thanks in advance!

[peteralanrush]

Just bought a T model (travel) smaller than a P or O. I have D'Addario 12's, Phosphor/Bronze which sound warm, clear, even across the board. 13's are too loud for mine.

[B0WIE]

Depends what you want out of it. I personally find small guitars to usually be on the bright/thin side of the tonal spectrum so I will use just about any string, but let the strings "die". That makes the brightness fade and then the instrument sounds a bit fuller. Like I say though, it really depends on what sound you want. The tried and true method is trying a different type every time until you find the set that speaks to you.

[Sauerkraut]

Thanks for the comments yall!

[teh]

First, welcome to the Larrivee Forum.

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that my 2004 flamed maple parlor came from the Vancouver factory with medium gauge strings.

Over the years, I have strung most of my guitars including the parlor, with light gauge strings. The most consistent strings I have found are D'Addario Phosphor Bronze EJ16, .012-.053). They are much easier on my hands for bending notes, hammer ons and pull offs. When writing this, it just occurred to me that if I switched to mediums, maybe I wouldn't have to call my 13 year old grandson to open a jar of pickles for me.

My son plays a lot of Mississippi John Hurt, Rev. Gary Davis and slide guitar and loves my Maple Parlor for these tunes.

[StringPicker6]

For the last 3 years I've always put medium strings on my parlor. I just bought some Martin retro medium strings to put on it this weekend. They seem to sound more mellow and warm to my tin ear.

[Queequeg]

Over the years I have owned three different Larrivee parlor size guitars, and I always strung them up with mediums.
Following a few years of experimentation long ago, generally speaking, I prefer light strings on my other guitars.

It has been noted on this forum a few times in the past (and more recently by myself) that string tension is approximately equal when comparing medium strings on a 24.9 inch (short scale) guitar to light strings on a 25.5 inch guitar.

Larrivee parlors (and this goes for their 0 size) are shorter yet at 24 inches and Larrivee ships them out with medium gauge strings.
Very low tension. Light gauge strings on parlors are just too slinky for me anyway, but to each his own.

And teh mentioned Mississippi John Hurt. My favorite acoustic blues artist.
This style of acoustic blues really sounds great on parlor sized guitars.
They also record beautifully.

[Sauerkraut]

For the last 3 years I've always put medium strings on my parlor. I just bought some Martin retro medium strings to put on it this weekend. They seem to sound more mellow and warm to my tin ear.

I ended up following your recommendation and I agree. The medium strings add more clarity and really bring out the woody tone of the guitar. Appreciate the advice!