Low or Mid Tension Strings

[JohnnyI]

Hi everyone!

I recently started using Santa Cruz Parabolic Tension strings and am really enjoying them. I am positing as I am undecided whether the Low or Mid Tension Strings are my preference for my Gibson J45.

I have a history of using lights (12-54) on my Gibson J45 and mediums (13-56) on my Martin D28. The Mids are the obvious choice for me on my Martin, but the Gibson I’m not sure which I prefer.

I believe Santa Cruz recommends Mids on Dreads and Lows on Smaller bodied guitars, and ships their Vintage Southerner (similar to a J45) with Mids.

Wanted to ask the forum if any other J45/Vintage Southerner players have a preference for Lows or Mids and what they’ve found.

Thanks for chiming in!

[indexless]

Welcome,

I would try a set of each, I used low tension on my VS, because of the equal tension, low’s might drive your J45 top just fine. Let your ears and fingers be the judge.

[BOWIE]

I use the lights on everything. Even a 12 fret dread tuned down a whole step and they still sound clear and powerful, unlike other brands of lights I’ve tried.

[pto]

for the price, the low-tensions don’t do much for me over my forever-go-to, D’add lights (similar tensions – at least as published). Price wins, there, for me.  BUT, i do LOVE the mid-tensions because they are significantly lower in tension (at least they feel that way – i don’t put much stock in the numbers as we have discussed year after year ad-nauseum). The mid tensions don’t give up any volume or quality in tone, but they are significantly easier for me to play on the TR Pros.  been using them religiously since 2015, about.  The mid-tensions, for me, have been worth the higher price on the TRp.

[pto]

as usual, when i edited the above, it didn’t take.  very frustrating to put so much care into what i try to say…:(

[indexless]

I’m not sure what the editing answer is. It might take a minute before you can edit, I tried it, and it works for me. It sure can be frustrating. Thanks for your continued participation.

[Author]

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