Mastodawn

David Todd McCarty 1d ago

Guitarists:

I’m supposed to be picking up my brand new Yamaha FG800J acoustic guitar tomorrow, and I have a question. I have seen multiple comments that I should consider replacing the strings with either Elixir or D’Addario 12-53 phosphor bronze strings. Something like that.

I’m sure it’s not entirely necessary, but is it worth spending another $20?

Just tell me if it’s worth it or a waste. I’m a beginner and don’t know shit. OTOH, it’s only $20.

#Guitar #Luthier #Musician #Yamaha

@dtm The conventional wisdom, for what it's worth, would say to change the strings because you don't know how old they are and how much life they have left. Which might be a fair point if the guitar's been sitting in a warehouse for a long time.

The more prudent approach might be to just play the darn thing for a while and see what you think about the strings. You can always go get new strings later.

David Todd McCarty 1d ago

@jjdavis That seems sensible. Although I won’t know if they’re any good or not. Maybe that will be half the fun. Play it for a few months and THEN get new strings. It will be like getting a new guitar TWICE! :)

Goiterzan/Amygdalai Lama 1d ago

@dtm @jjdavis
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But if you change them out before you hear them, you’ll learn less by making a change. Do we even know what they are, brand and type and gauge?

David Todd McCarty 1d ago

@punishmenthurts

According to Google: 80/20 Bronze Light Gauge strings (.012 - .053 or .054). But it’s a fair point. I’ll probably play with it as is for a bit.

Goiterzan/Amygdalai Lama 1d ago

@dtm @jjdavis
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just bought a new set for my latest project, and I asked them in the store, the 80% ones are meant to sound brighter. Not sure that says anything about the guitar, they probably put bright ones on for sale in the store? I bought a set, but I put on another set like I usually use first, and maybe I’ll try those next time. 💜

David Todd McCarty

@punishmenthurts

As you say, I won’t know the difference anyway. Brighter than what?

Goiterzan/Amygdalai Lama 1d ago

@dtm @jjdavis
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so I have the option to turn the treble up next time and you have an opportunity to turn up the bass if you want by choosing a lower percentage string, is the theory. I’m not sure how long things sit in the warehouse or that the strings get old without being played. I’d get these ones dirty first. 💜

Goiterzan/Amygdalai Lama 1d ago

@dtm @jjdavis
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First guitar I bought was an inexpensive Yamaha too, an FG-340II back in 1980. Had it until maybe 2020. Liked it well enough but decided I deserved a real wood top in retirement.
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#Guitar

David Todd McCarty 1d ago

@punishmenthurts

If it ever becomes a real passion, I’m sure I’ll discover a need for “better” guitars, but we all know that’s just an excuse to buy new toys. I didn’t want the cheapest thing I could find, but $260 felt like a reasonable starting point. Not breaking the bank, and not trash, but something.

Goiterzan/Amygdalai Lama 1d ago

@dtm @jjdavis
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I think that was the price of mine too - but it 1980 -and in the damned Yukon to boot. But that buys you a far better guitar today, I think. 👍

Goiterzan/Amygdalai Lama 1d ago

@dtm @jjdavis
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I was wearing this T-shirt when you said that, Brighter than what? It’s close enough. 😀
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#Guitar

David Todd McCarty 1d ago

@punishmenthurts

I met Steve, back in the day. I was the advertising and promotion director for Universal Records in the 80s and 90s. Met a lot of people. Most of them weren’t all that interesting.

Goiterzan/Amygdalai Lama 1d ago

@dtm @jjdavis
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I went crazy for his music for a long time - so thank you, I guess - but I must say, the book didn’t disprove your point. 💜
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(didn’t bang his wife or anything did you? He sings about you guys. 😘)

Goiterzan/Amygdalai Lama 1d ago

@dtm @jjdavis
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I’m not picking sides, just kidding. He seems like a strange and prickly dude, possibly a spicy neurodivergent sort. The book was sort of a sad story about never getting on with anyone, I think. If he has friends they didn’t feature.

David Todd McCarty 1d ago

@punishmenthurts

My experience is that a lot of musicians aren’t great dinner guests. They just don’t have much to say. If you want interesting, find the tour manager. They’ve got all the stories. Also, the biggest hotel room. :)

Steve was very nice.

Goiterzan/Amygdalai Lama 1d ago

@dtm @jjdavis
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the songs were sensitive and caring, for sure. 💜
Like I say, I went crazy for him, I have a lot of albums by him, like fifteen or something.
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So thanks.