New Strings on J-45 Any Adjustments needed?

[folkster]

Hey guys,

 

I've been battling for a while. I'm thinking about changing my j-45 to medium strings but I was wondering if I needed to have any adjustments made by a luthier. I was planning on giving the neck a slight bit of relief by adjusting the truss rod. What do you all think?

[Danner]

I wouldn't have it set-up professionally, Try it first. If the strings are a touch high, then a small (maybe 1/8-1/4 turn) tightening of the truss rod.

[passthej45]

I just changed from lights to mediums on my J45 about a month ago and didn't need any addtional set up or adjustments. I couldn't believe the difference that the mediums made. The tone and fullness is lots better. I was wondering why no one told me to get those "girly-man" lights off of my J45 sooner. Also one added bonus, it's easier to be accurate with the right hand(picking) with the slightly bigger strings ! Enjoy

[EuroAussie]

I recently switched from lights to mediums on my CW.

 

I found the tone improved 100%, it was obvious this guitar was created for mids.

 

There was no need for any truss rod adjustment.

 

Since the CW is a close cousing to J-45 I dont imagine the J-45 would need to be taken to luthier or need a truss rod adjustment, I think mahogany Gibson dreads are in their element with medium strings .(not so for rosewood Gibsons who i find are better with lights)

 

cheers.

[RASHARU]

I just changed from lights to mediums on my J45 about a month ago and didn't need any addtional set up or adjustments. I couldn't believe the difference that the mediums made. The tone and fullness is lots better. I was wondering why no one told me to get those "girly-man" lights off of my J45 sooner. Also one added bonus, it's easier to be accurate with the right hand(picking) with the slightly bigger strings ! Enjoy

TRUE, TRUE, TRUE!

I actually prefer the heavier (medium) low-end strings mixed with some standard lights for the trebs. This mix gives me great low-end tone while still allowing space for "bluesey" string bends up high. Elixir #16077.

[onewilyfool]

Did you guys find the extra tension was making it harder to FRET the guitar? Any hand fatigue because of the heavier strings????

[RASHARU]

Did you guys find the extra tension was making it harder to FRET the guitar? Any hand fatigue because of the heavier strings????

The ONLY negative that I have ever noticed is that the good ol' F-chord is a little tougher to slam .. don't really know why.

I'm slowly getting used to it. I tend to play with a very light right-hand touch while still really digging in with my left fretters. I've tried "lights" on several occassions but I always go back to mediums for some reason.

[folkster]

Update, so I slapped some Martin medium Sps on my axe and it feels better than it ever has and I love the warm sound. So far I'm not noticing the need for any adjustments yet

[EuroAussie]

Did you guys find the extra tension was making it harder to FRET the guitar? Any hand fatigue because of the heavier strings????

 

This is the thing. When I placed DR Sunbeams 13's it actually made it easier to play. Reason why is that the DR's are a little bit more flexible than other strings and the 12's were a bit too loose IMO. The 13's made it just right and kept everything in place.

[soao]

I changed to 13's when I started using my J45 for open bluegrass jams. I didn't even notice the pressure. The first few jams my fingers got a little tired after two plus hours. I never even think about it. I didn't have to make any adjustments. I had my 12's set up professionally so I could finger pick. Now I'm flatpicking 13's with no problem.