Normal vs Hard Tension Strings

[cdikland]

My new Alhambra 10C came equipped with hard tension (86.9lb) strings. My Yamaha GC15A which I have owned since 1984 has always had normal tension (81.4lb) strings. I must admit I like the feel of hard tension strings better and would like the try them on my Yamaha.

Anyone have any sense whether the additional 5.5lbs of tension would have adverse effect on a 20 year old guitar???

I checked with Yamaha and they stopped making this model back in 1985. The closest model today is their GC21 which is equipped with their strings (83.5lbs).

[Faya]

Hey there cdikland, It shouldn't matter as long as the guitar has been properly humidified the whole time. Only change one string at a time and bring it up to pitch useing the old strings as your guide. I also have noticed that each guitar is different, some respond better to different string tensions.Hope this helps. Good Luck.

[james]

Hi cdikland. My advice is different from the prevailing attitude on this subject, or so it seems. I like the feel of high tension strings also. But I have talked with quite a few builders of concert instruments. I have yet to hear one recommend high tension strings for their guitars. Not only that, but the definition of "high tension" seems to be getting higher and higher with the move towards composite strings. Maybe I'm being too careful, but I would like to avoid getting cracks and bulges on my '78 Velasquez.

Also, medium tension bass strings should last a little longer than high tension, as the nylon strands are not stretched out so much (the stretching is one of a few factors that causes the decay of bass strings) before they are wrapped with the metal winding. I recently had a maker of concert level instruments check out my guitar and he was amazed at the excellent condition of it. Maybe using medium tension strings for 99% of its 26 year life has had nothing to do with it, but I'm not taking any chances! Best wishes.