I'm really interested in a hollowbody, but don't like heavier string gauges (I typically play with 9's). Bad idea to use those on one of these? If the purpose is for the piezo - I'm certainly not married to having one. I like the diversity it gives but really don't know how much (if at all) I'd use it.
Hollowbody String Gauge
- Thread starter Mole351
- Start date
jimfisher
Guitar Geezer
I use 9.5's mostly on mine...no piezo though. I'm pretty sure that one company (D'Adarrio?) makes a set of 10's with a wound third.
Jim
Jim
Huggy Love
Vintage member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2015
- Messages
- 2,914
I think they come standard 11-49 out of the factory (on Piezo models, 10-46 non-piezo) so 10-46 works and it's not too much of a jump from 9's.
11's sound better all around, though I use a hybrid, basically 10-46, but I swap out the 10 for an 11 to get a more solid tone on my top string. At this time I'm considering moving up to 12-50 to get a better jazz tone.
9's will work but on an HB but I'd go heavier, tone is what it's about for this model of guitar, if you need to use light strings for speed or bending might as well just use a solid body.
11's sound better all around, though I use a hybrid, basically 10-46, but I swap out the 10 for an 11 to get a more solid tone on my top string. At this time I'm considering moving up to 12-50 to get a better jazz tone.
9's will work but on an HB but I'd go heavier, tone is what it's about for this model of guitar, if you need to use light strings for speed or bending might as well just use a solid body.
dmatthews
Dave's not here
Unfortunately I do not own a HB but I can certainly see the logic in using 11s on one. I don't think it matters at all for the piezo though.
Dusty Chalk
alberngruppenführer
I'd do it, if 9s were my preference (they're not, doesn't mean I can't pretend). It's an electric guitar first, so has a standard truss rod adjustment.
Feel free to double check with the PTC or whatever.
Feel free to double check with the PTC or whatever.
shinksma
What? I get a title?
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2014
- Messages
- 5,475
The advantage of using 11s on the piezo is it tends to give a more acoustic signal (whether it is because the guitar body rings out truer or the string pressure on the transducer is higher and therefore better I don't know), but I'm sure 9s will be just fine if that is really what you prefer playing.
I have used both 11s and 10s on my HB, and have 10s on my P24, and the P245 SH I got recently was fitted with 10s at the factory.
Go for it - but also consider giving 10s a try. Because I play acoustic and electric, I like to use 10s or 11s to get a more consistent feel from the strings when I swap instruments. And perhaps as a result I have no problem doing whole-step bends on my acoustics with 12s, btw.
I have used both 11s and 10s on my HB, and have 10s on my P24, and the P245 SH I got recently was fitted with 10s at the factory.
Go for it - but also consider giving 10s a try. Because I play acoustic and electric, I like to use 10s or 11s to get a more consistent feel from the strings when I swap instruments. And perhaps as a result I have no problem doing whole-step bends on my acoustics with 12s, btw.
Huggy Love
Vintage member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2015
- Messages
- 2,914
Wow, you must have Popeye forearms, I'd have carpal tunnel in week if I tried to do that.
Next time I have a tough jar to open I'm calling you.
Haha - would hurt my wallet! LOL. I wouldn't buy new so in theory would be able to flip it I guess for minimal loss. If I kept it though I'd need to sell my other two PRS's. in the meantime my wife would probably lose her sh*t while I had all 3 there. "Don't worry babe - I PROMISE I'm going to sell these!" Hahaha.
Thanks for all of the advice everyone. I think I'm going to look for one without a piezo. I can swing 10's - not preferred but can get used to them. I have tiny fingers so the lighter gauge helps with that a bit. I'd be playing rock/blues/jamband type stuff (this would be my poor-man's languedoc - LOL).
I don't care about 10-top or anything like that. Curious on this one. Seems to be in good condition with no piezo - not the prettiest top but ok by me. Not sure because it's been listed for 6 months...makes me think something's wrong with it or it's a bad deal?
https://reverb.com/item/3230293-minty-prs-hollowbody-i-2008-amber-with-rare-open-bird-inlays
Thanks for all of the advice everyone. I think I'm going to look for one without a piezo. I can swing 10's - not preferred but can get used to them. I have tiny fingers so the lighter gauge helps with that a bit. I'd be playing rock/blues/jamband type stuff (this would be my poor-man's languedoc - LOL).
I don't care about 10-top or anything like that. Curious on this one. Seems to be in good condition with no piezo - not the prettiest top but ok by me. Not sure because it's been listed for 6 months...makes me think something's wrong with it or it's a bad deal?
https://reverb.com/item/3230293-minty-prs-hollowbody-i-2008-amber-with-rare-open-bird-inlays
shinksma
What? I get a title?
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2014
- Messages
- 5,475
Ha ha!Wow, you must have Popeye forearms, I'd have carpal tunnel in week if I tried to do that.
Next time I have a tough jar to open I'm calling you.
Actually, it is hand strength, not forearms, that help. I do play a lot of guitar, probably 10-12 hrs a week minimum with gigs, band practice, and goofing around. Half on acoustic of some type (guitar, mando, banjo).
I remember when playing with 9s was such a great thing because I could bend a whole step, and the thought of going to 10s frightened and astonished me. I could not fathom how David Gilmour did those 2-step bends in the solo for ABITW2. Now? Easy-peasy.
shinksma
What? I get a title?
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2014
- Messages
- 5,475
Looks like a nice guitar to me! I wouldn't let the fact it has been in Reverb for a while throw you - there are many factors that determine how fast something sells, and if no-one is in the market for a non-piezo HB1 in a nice-but-not-mind-blowing top, it will linger until someone is in the market for such a thing. We don't generally discuss pricing for used items that are also still current models, so I won't go there (a bit on the edge with this one) - you have to use your own judgement.
For me, having a piezo on a model that offers it is a must, so I wouldn't be very interested in this, which decreases overall demand, so usually results in a lower price (and since the piezo option adds cost, that makes sense overall). But if you are not interested in the piezo, then you have a wider pool to select from (and don't not-buy a HB just because it has a piezo if it is the right price/look otherwise - you don't need to use it!).
Thank you - very good information!
garrettb
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2012
- Messages
- 6,767
Play whatever strings are comfortable for you.
The one in the link looks gorgeous to me. I think it's overpriced for a non-10, non-piezo guitar. No flexibility in the price either.
shinksma
What? I get a title?
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2014
- Messages
- 5,475
That is kinda what I was hinting at.
dmatthews
Dave's not here
Thanks for that insight. I have not tried anything but 10s on my P22 and as stated earlier I didn't think it would matter at all.
Ya learn sumpin' new every day!
