nopicknick Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 I called Gibson asking if medium strings would be okay for the J15. All he said was they recommend what came on the guitar. For me mediums would be a huge improvement, but I certainly do not want to harm the guitar......anyone using heavier strings with theirs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR GIBS Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 I use Elixir 12/54 ph br on my J35 and it's OK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nopicknick Posted October 31, 2014 Author Share Posted October 31, 2014 I have Elixir HD's on there now, but would like to go a tad heavier on the bass strings from 13/53 to 13/56 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JuanCarlosVejar Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Take it to your nearest 5 star dealer and them tell you if it's possible to set it up for mediums. JC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRC Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 I'd advise sticking with what any manufacturer recommends for each model. There's a reason for those recommendations. The J series guitars are lightly built and I'd be very careful about going to a heavier string gauge. I use Martin Retro lights on my J-35 and it sounds amazing with good strong bass and great balance...better than any strings I've tried on it. Only out of curiosity, I tried mediums on it for just a few days and didn't sound as good....more 'contained' with less sustain and no improvement in volume. Better bass response and 'life' with lights. Just my experience with my J-35. DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duluthdan Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Perhaps you might find a Bluegrass set to be what you want on that 15. Gauge runs 12 to 56. http://www.juststrings.com/man-31256.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR GIBS Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 I called Gibson asking if medium strings would be okay for the J15. All he said was they recommend what came on the guitar. For me mediums would be a huge improvement, but I certainly do not want to harm the guitar......anyone using heavier strings with theirs? I really am SURE and I know that 56 is NOT a string for your J15. But you can try ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted November 1, 2014 Share Posted November 1, 2014 C'mon lads, its a dreadnought, of course it will be fine with mediums in terms of being able to handle it ... but ill bet it sounds better with lights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DenverSteve Posted November 1, 2014 Share Posted November 1, 2014 C'mon lads, its a dreadnought, of course it will be fine with mediums in terms of being able to handle it ... but ill bet it sounds better with lights. Ditto. I've never seen a Dread that can't handle mediums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nopicknick Posted November 1, 2014 Author Share Posted November 1, 2014 I have two other guitars that both companies say mediums are just fine. The J15 sounds fine, but I prefer the feel of heavier strings as well as the added tonal "girth" it gives. I have three children that I will pass these guitars down to, but as for now they are mine and I want to enjoy them. With the notion that mediums may not be recommended for the 15, especially over time, is a concern for me. On a side note, the store I buy my gear from takes pictures of you holding your guitar when you make a purchase. They then will mail you a very nice thank you card, with the picture laminated inside, describing what you bought with their appreciation. Might be a little silly to some when I say those thank you cards are important to me. Reason......I am 50 years old, my children are ten, eight and five. They too are in the pictures as well, and I keep the cards in each guitar case. Years from now when these instruments go to them that card will be an important link to the guitars history. That is why, for me anyway, not harming the J15 over time is more than just a playability issue. Probably more than likely though, I will go back to the store and work a deal for a more suitable guitar for my needs. My children will be with me so the trip over to Pensacola, and their input and suggestions for another guitar, should be a fun and memorable experience for all of us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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