I use .09's on my Collings I-35

[shawntp]

Do I need to be taken out back and roughed up?

I always used to use Ernie Ball super slinky growing up and recently transitioned to hybrid slinky strings (09's for the 3 higher and the 3 lower from a set of 10's).

They are just easy to play and comfortable for me but I know Collings and others recommend bigger strings for semi-hollows.

I tried .10s a few times on my Tele but they just felt heavier and didnt sound much better in my other guitars (I have not played around much with the I35 because I have 8 packs of hybrid slinkys).

Should I try the blend of 10's and 11's the ernie ball makes? Or am I just played cheap strings and I should get something better for the Collings?

Please share/help - Im still playing the same strings I used back when I played hair metal with a floyd rose!!!

[Flyin' Brian]

Do I need to be taken out back and roughed up?

I always used to use Ernie Ball super slinky growing up and recently transitioned to hybrid slinky strings (09's for the 3 higher and the 3 lower from a set of 10's).

They are just easy to play and comfortable for me but I know Collings and others recommend bigger strings for semi-hollows.

I tried .10s a few times on my Tele but they just felt heavier and didnt sound much better in my other guitars (I have not played around much with the I35 because I have 8 packs of hybrid slinkys).

Should I try the blend of 10's and 11's the ernie ball makes? Or am I just played cheap strings and I should get something better for the Collings?

Please share/help - Im still playing the same strings I used back when I played hair metal with a floyd rose!!!

You "should" use whatever you want to use. Period!! All you'll get with this thread is a bunch of opinions from people who aren't playing your music with your fingers.

[Lucidology]

Steve Khan, Frank Gambale & Jeff Golub use 9's on all their guitars ..
even the hollows and semi-hollows ..
Sounds like you're keeping good company to me

[shawntp]

The only reason I am confused is this collings is my first ever Semi-hollow in over 20 years of playing Strats & Les Pauls.

They feel comfortable but the Collings resonates so much I think that I am committing a no-no putting 09's on there. I always have had a tough time adjusting to different strings/profiles/setups so I think I just tend to stick in a comfort zone string wise.

[sleepingtiger]

.09"!...And I thought SRV used big strings!http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/icons/icon12.gif


Tony

[JimmyR]

Just because a guitars is semi-hollow doesn't mean you have to treat it any differently. I use 10-52 on almost everything mainly because I don't like the sound of an 11 as a top E and can't keep a .009 in tune! The 52 low E I like because the 46s are too floppy for playing fast double picked runs on. If it feels good and sounds good it IS good. I don't believe big strings are necessarily any better tonally.

[buchla300]

I know the feeling. Walk past some jazz guys and the s******ing starts...
I spent years putting my skinny strings in 12-56 packets just so the dudes wouldn't notice. I'd complain about how my fingers hurt, but these FAT strings gave me the tone I needed and I just wouldn't let anyone play my guitar for fear of being "outed"
You are not alone. Hold your head up high. One day, we will be free...

[shawntp]

I might try a blend of 10s to 11s just for kicks. I like the sets that have a little heavier strings on the bottom for chording and a little lighter on top for bends. I dont think I could manage an 11 for my high E though.

Anyone have any good recommendations for companies offering various "hybrid" string packs like Ernie Ball that people think are much better strings?

[TrickinSid]

I have always used .009's.

[slopeshoulder]

try this:
- put on 11's
- lower the action from factory set up (it'll go LOW without buzzing)
- man up
see how it works. you're getting 1/3 the tone with 9's.

[shawntp]

I restrung the I-35 with 10's that I was able find around the house.

They seem to make a noticeable sonic difference with the semi-hollow that I didnt hear before with my strat last time I tried changing things up. They are a lot harder for me to bend up I'll leave them on for a month and see how it goes.

I just wasnt sure if putting 09's on a Collings I35 was like running a donut on your ferrari or something. I hear more tone from the guitar and it pushes the amp better - I'll just have to see how I adjust.

[phillygtr]

Make sure the guitar is set-up for 10's (action/intonation etc.). That makes a world of difference. I bet you would like 11's on there if the guitar was set up for them.

Oh yeah, keep in mind the scale length of the I-35 is shorter than a strat or tele. You can go heavier and have less tension than a longer scale guitar.

Enjoy the great guitar!
I restrung the I-35 with 10's that I was able find around the house.

They seem to make a noticeable sonic difference with the semi-hollow that I didnt hear before with my strat last time I tried changing things up. They are a lot harder for me to bend up I'll leave them on for a month and see how it goes.

I just wasnt sure if putting 09's on a Collings I35 was like running a donut on your ferrari or something. I hear more tone from the guitar and it pushes the amp better - I'll just have to see how I adjust.

[Wheeler004]

You "should" use whatever you want to use. Period!! All you'll get with this thread is a bunch of opinions from people who aren't playing your music with your fingers.

:agreeYou should at least try some heavier gauge strings on your hollowbody. You may like them, you may not. Ultimately, you are the one who has to decide what's best for you. I personally like hollowbodies with thicker strings (I happen to like all guitars with heavier strings), but the rythm guitarist in my band plays a Gretsch hollowbody and sometimes uses 8's! To each his own.

[Lucidology]

To Moi's ears it's simple ... bigger strings added a muting effect in comparison ...
Almost all my axes have 9.5's on 'em right now ... sort of a compromise

[waggclan]

+1 on the 9.5 hybrid set. I just had Mr. Foote do a complete setup on my LP with SOB strings (is it ok to say Snake Oil Brand Strings anymore :dunno...) and I'm happy as a clam!!! :D

[Bobby D]

I spent years putting my skinny strings in 12-56 packets just so the dudes wouldn't notice.

hahahahaha.....this is funny :roll

play what works for YOU, and don't worry about what other guitarists THINK. they aren't gonna buy your albums or come to your shows anyway.:JAM

[JimmyR]

SRV used heavy strings. Look what happened to him.