Piezo Equipped Models: String gauge?

[CatStrangler]

I use really light strings, .008, .0085 or .009. Will the PRS Piezo sound any good with these gauges?

 

[CantankerousCarl]

When I switched from .11s to .10s on my HBII (primarily because I wasn't crazy about the mag pickup sound) I definitely noticed a thinning-out of the piezo-only sound. I imagine it would get even thinner from there.

I blend in some of the piezo, but never use the HB as an acoustic substitute. If I did, I'd probably switch back to the .11s.

 

[rugerpc]

You have to remember that the piezo pickups are actually little microphones. Unlike regular pups that create a signal from a ferrous string moving a magnetic field, the piezo transducers rely on actual sound waves. And the beefier the string, the more air it pushes and the more sound is produced.

Going too small in string gauge will lead to whimpy sound waves and poor performance.

 

[ViperDoc]

I've got .11s on my P22 and I wouldn't go any lighter. The sound is amazing. The .11 string is a medium gauge string on acoustic guitars, so if you want that sound, I'd go heavy. Otherwise, your piezo may sound wimpy.

 

[CatStrangler]

thanks for the feedback guys. I was thinking of setting up one of my stoptails for heavier gauges, but maybe I'll consider getting something along the lines of a P22.

 

[JMintzer]

I play 10's w/a wound G on my piezo HB. But I also prefer light strings on my acoustics...

 

[Chris528]

Wow 8s!! I use 11s-13s, I wouldn't know how to handle 8s.