.012" Third String

Ross Shafer · From: Petaluma, California

Anyone out there using a .012 for your G# (with a pull to A) on a longer scale than 24.25"? If so, how well do they hold up?

Chris Lucker · From: Los Angeles, California USA

I have an 0.012 third on every push pull for tone and 3/6 raise reasons. It holds up fine. Twenty five inch, I have not had success. I use Emmons strings and George Ls.
_________________
Chris Lucker
Red Bellies, Bigsbys and a lot of other guitars.

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

Ross,
I always use a 12 on the 2nd string.
It helps fatten up the tone.
On a long scale guitar, you might need it to be keyless in order for it to stand up.
You have to keep in mind that on a keyed guitar, you have to stretch that portion of the string to the left of the nut when you raise it. On a keyless guitar, that portion of the string is considerably shorter.

Chuck Blake · From: West Virginia, USA

Ross I play GFI guitars and they are both 24 " scale Having said that, I went to .012 3rd's at the suggestion from Bobby Knight. I like the tone and have not broken a 3rd string since switching. I know this isn't entirely comparing what equipment you use but thought I would chime in. Very Happy

Chuck
_________________
2010 Rains 3x5 SD10, 2006 Rains 3x5 SD10 Powered by Quilter Tone Block 202 and 15' and 12' Custom Speaker cabs

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

I used a 12 ga. on a couple Sierra Crown 25's. The biggest issue was getting a new string up to pitch within the travel of the little keyless lever.

Ross Shafer · From: Petaluma, California

Thanks guys, I'm aware of the problem potential on a longer scale and the advantage of a keyless tuner in such a situation. I'm also aware of the successful usage of this diameter on the more common shorter scale lengths as well as the tonal benefit.

I'm specifically seeking input form those who have experience using this string on longer scaled rigs. Anyone out there using a .012 on a longer scale than 24.25" (like a 25 or 25.5) with reasonable string life?

Jerry your post came in just as I was posting this one.....thanks for that info. Once you dealt with pre-tension/tuner travel issue successfully does the .012 hold up well? Do you change it often?

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Ross, I don't have either of those Sierras any longer, but as I recall, 12 ga. string life span was about the same as the 11.

Yes, I did change them often, but I broke thirds regularly in either gauge.

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

12's on my S-10 Show Pro, sounds great! Smile

Fred Justice · From: Mesa, Arizona

Ross I use a .012 on my 3rd
_________________
Email: azpedalman@gmail.com
Phone: 480-235-8797

Brad Issendorf · From: Lake City, Minnesota

I use a .012 on the third of both of my MSAs, even the Classic with the ultra long keyhead. Goes for months of playing and practicing without breaking.
_________________
06 MSA Legend or 75 MSA Maple Classic, Goodrich 120, Lemay preamp, with Profex II through Peavey Classic 50/50 through 1 Nashville 115e.

Roger Rettig · From: Naples, FL

I've used .012"s on my LeGrandes for a while now - no disadvantages, just a slightly thicker tone. I've had, if anything, fewer broken strings with these than with the old lighter gauge.
_________________
Roger Rettig: Emmons D10, Quilter TT-12 & TT-15, B-bender Teles and Martins - and, at last, a Gibson Super 400!
----------------------------------

Larry Allen · From: Kapaa, Kauai,Hawaii

I used to use the .011 for my 3rd on my Sho-Buds and went to the .012 for less breakage and more tone. The only problem I encountered was trying to get it up to a reasonable pitch on my Excel keyless guitars so I built this little device that fits under the changer and between the legs. I use it on strings 1,2 and 3. Larry

_________________
Excel steels & Peavey amps,Old Chevys & Motorcycles & Women on the Trashy Side

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

I've tried the .012's and .0115's. I'm more comfortable with a .011 on my Franklin.

Ransom Beers · Posted 16 Dec 2012 12:31 pm

Paddy Long · From: Christchurch, New Zealand

I've used .012's on all my guitars over the last 30 plus years Very Happy

_________________
14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases.

George Kimery · From: Limestone, TN, USA

For what it's worth, Jeff Newman was a believer in using .012 instead of .011. He said they had a less thin sound and didn't break as often because they were larger diameter and stronger. It always seemed to me that you would have to tighten an .012 string more than an .011. Since the .012 would have to have more tension on the string to bring it up to pitch, it just seems like the chances of breakage would about even out between the two gauges when tension is taking into consideration. After all, there is only 1/1000 of an inch difference.

I used .012 for years without any problem. Now I use what comes with the SIT's that I get, which are .011. Before their problems, I used Jagwire .0115 which never broke. The SIT .011's do break.

I am pulling for Danny at Jaqwire that he will be able to get his situation back to normal in 2013. It has been a long wait and I know he has had more than his share of problems, so I am praying that 2013 will be a much better year for him and that we will once again, have a steady and reliable source for the great Jaqwire strings.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Interesting device Larry Exclamation

Is your Excel a Superb or one of the long 25 or 25 1/2" scale guitars like Ross is asking about?

Carl Kilmer · From: East Central, Illinois

I sat down to practice last night and my .011 GHS
broke on the 1st song. I had some SIT .012's that
I always used in the early's before I quit playing.
I didn't think I could even get it tuned up without it
breaking, but all went well and I played for 3 hours
and at least 4 hours today and like it better than the
.011 and it sure has a better sound. I guess that's
why I used them back in my good old playing days. Very Happy

_________________
aka "Lucky Kay"--Custom built Rittenberry SD10 3X5, Walker S/S, NV-112, and Hilton Pedal

Larry Allen · From: Kapaa, Kauai,Hawaii

Jerry, I have both an Excel (2000) And a superb, (2010) both 25 1/2".. The little devise works on both. I love the keyless for several reasons except restringing. The aluminum strap is from Home Depot..Larry

_________________
Excel steels & Peavey amps,Old Chevys & Motorcycles & Women on the Trashy Side

Ross Shafer · From: Petaluma, California

Thanks for the input everyone. Larry, do you change that string often on your Excel's to avoid breakage, or do they hold up well enough to not be any kind of problem or worry?

Larry Allen · From: Kapaa, Kauai,Hawaii

Ross..once I get the Keyless Excel restrung it never breaks. I play several hours a nite for months and change them all when I work on the guitar or totally clean it. The only problem I've had was with the Live Steel .012 breaking as I put them on. I used Cobras for 12 years and only broke them after hours and hours on the ShoBuds. I change the .012 on the ShoBuds when I hear it thinning out. I'm going to stick with the Live Steel as the sound and harmonics are awesome. I also use the .012 on my keyless GFI U12 with no breakage. Larry
_________________
Excel steels & Peavey amps,Old Chevys & Motorcycles & Women on the Trashy Side

Forum Index > Pedal Steel		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic