Anyone using 10’s?

lukejazz

Does anyone know-do any of the bigger name players (recording artists and concert performers) use the lighter gauge 10’s or does everyone pretty much use 11’s?

pdg

I've wondered that myself -- whether it's true and, if so, why? If it is true, maybe stiffer strings facilitate more right-hand control? Or maybe they permit a lower action?

wim

Duved is using 10's

Can't think of anyone else

JSanta

Stephane is using a hybrid set, with the E and B coming from the 11s, and the wounds being the lighter gauge. That's what I have been using as well and I think it's a great combo.

Willie

Manusch Weiss recently watched me playing on my Archtop and my Mystery, I use 0.11 Daddarios with each of them. Afterwards he told me: "The string gauge prevents you from playing freely. My proposition: please play 0.10, like I, Bireli and many others do, and Django himself did."

I use 0.10 Argentines on my Altamira and in fact find it more comfortable to play; but I love the tone of the thicker gauge on the other guitars.

Willie

Back in the 70ies my guitar playing friends discussed if it was true that (Gypsy) Jazz guitarists used gauges up to 15 and picks made of coins.

Stringswinger

Django used 10's. From what I have heard, he was a pretty "big name player" 😀

Scoredog

I believe in Django’s time there were no 11’s only 10’s. All original Selmer guitars were strung with 10’s. I personally have an 11 on the E and the rest the lighter gauge on my Selmac guitars except my short scale (11’s) and my original Selmer which I keep as intended.

spatzo

Fact is that in Django's years there were only 10's available but I think it's a better approach even if with the 11's you feel like you can lean on the string and rebound on it

pdg

Bireli uses 011s, I think, looking at videos. But many of his guitars (some Hahl) have a 650mm or so scale. Neck relief and action also can make 010s feel like 011s.

JSanta

When I made the switch to the hybrid set, the difference was very noticeable. I feel like I can be much more expressive on the instrument, and that the guitar "breathes" a bit more, if that makes any kind of sense. I won't be going back to all heavier gauges again.