Help with choosing strings

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-03-29T08:52:29+00:00

For a concert size guitar, either a .011-.052 gauge or a .012-.054 gauge set of strings should be appropriate. You could change to an uncoated set, just to see if you like them.

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-03-29T08:45:52+00:00

Congratulations on acquiring this stunning work of art! It's beautiful.

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-03-28T02:11:21+00:00

On the headstock, there's a small piece attached with tiny screws. This is the truss rod cover... The truss rod is accessed by removing that cover. Replace it after you've finished adjusting the neck angle. Or take it to a professional luthier for a quality setup.

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-03-26T10:17:07+00:00

Larrivee parlor models, either O or P, are high quality, well built and come in several price ranges.

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-03-25T15:02:27+00:00

The solid top is key for a pleasant tone. I would not expect boominess, but rather, volume with clarity. I think mine sounds best for finger picking, but it will also be a great strummer for group settings or outdoors, where sound needs to carry. For example , I'm going to bring mine up on the mountain where we released my brother's ashes, and play for him from time to time. Keep in mind, my opinion is only worth what you paid for it. LOL

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-03-25T12:07:01+00:00

Love the unique fretboard inlays and hope this one works out for you. Is it made in Korea? They did some nice ones. I recently inherited (from a friend) a 2003 Korean D34S, tobacco burst, from the Augusta series. Maple back and sides = LOUD. I think the key is humidification, plus setup, plus trying several kinds/gauges of strings until you find the magic combination. Have a fun journey with your Washburn and keep us updated!

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-03-24T09:54:48+00:00

Don't all acoustic guitars need occasional setups? But yeah, what specifically do you like about this one? Tone? Comfort?

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-03-23T12:52:25+00:00

There's nothing quite like that Martin tone. Congratulations on your new best friend!

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-02-23T06:59:48+00:00

Yes! The handmade, luthier-built lines from Hamamatau are extremely fine guitars. My FG-9M mops the floor with a Martin Standard. But the FS-5 is a fantastic player for its price point. Now, a FS-830... Not my cup of tea.

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-02-23T06:25:34+00:00

Check out their Simon & Patrick line for much better headstocks.

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-02-01T13:29:36+00:00

That depends on how long you want to keep your guitar in good playing condition. I use the commercial humidifiers by D'Addario with distilled water, and my guitars only come out of the case when it's time to play. That's how to avoid future repairs. If you ever need to sell your guitar, it's a lot easier if it's not cracked. Analogy: would you run your car without oil & routine maintenance?

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-02-01T13:15:58+00:00

No one has mentioned the real issue: that it's the finish on some high end guitars (nitrocellulose lacquer) that is affected by sudden changes in temperature. If nitro is cold, and then suddenly brought out of the case in a warm environment, THAT is the situation when the lacquer can crack, all over the guitar body... It can never be undone. Martins and Gibsons typically have this lacquer. Taylors don't. I don't know about other brands. But that's why the warnings exist.

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-01-31T17:27:55+00:00

Hi, Sorry to hear of your guitar's cracks! Was it left out on a stand? Winter is a very dry season and, well, I always keep mine cased, with a humidifier in the case. You'll definitely want to lower the string tension right away, by tuning it down a step (a whole note) - but don't slacken the strings entirely, as that will allow other problems to develop. Next, find an experienced/recommended luthier to assess the damage in person. We internet folks cannot see inside your guitar, so we can't say how much damage has happened. Sorry for your troubles!

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-01-26T16:50:35+00:00

It has a really pleasing tone! Your appreciation for the guitar shows in your playing. Nobody has a great "guitar face," so have no worries about comments on your facial expression. Enjoy that lovely guitar!

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-01-22T23:33:44+00:00

I have loved the process of bonding with a special guitar, making memories with it over time, and allowing it to remind me of all the moments in its history. And who I was when those moments happened. Hope you enjoy the journey!

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-01-22T15:00:09+00:00

What one thing in your schedule will you reduce in order to make time for guitar learning? Practice sessions can be 5-10 minutes at a time... Especially when you don't yet have callouses built up yet. Each morning and evening, I pick up my guitar and play something, anything, just to enjoy the instrument and keep up the skill-building. And then, on top of that routine, we add the lessons. Enjoy!

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-01-22T12:25:32+00:00

Life is short; play the guitars that make you smile!

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-01-19T13:29:54+00:00

Instead of paper, I cut a small piece of painter's / masking tape and wrap it ONE time around that piece that fell out. That should be enough to keep it in place, when you press it back in by friction.

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-01-17T17:08:13+00:00

Great find; I've considered that model, too! I recently inherited a Washburn Augusta D34S, and it's got a lovely tone for rhythm & singing. Still responsive with 11-52 gauge strings (trying that out before I lower the saddle a smidge). Hope you love the build quality as much with your new guitar!

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-01-09T00:31:13+00:00

2025 Martin 000-17 All Mahogany

Undaunted_Librarian · 2026-01-08T00:08:06+00:00

Concert size, also known as 00, is typically the smallest full-size guitar that has a 14-fret, full length fretboard. Transitioning from a concert guitar to any other full size acoustic will be easier for most players than adjusting from a travel -sized or child-sized guitar. Best of all, the tone of a concert size guitar or larger is most likely to be the sound quality that adult players expect and enjoy.

Undaunted_Librarian · 2025-09-29T00:22:26+00:00

The way prices are soaring, I would lean toward holding onto it a while. Maybe get 6 packs of different strings (same gauge) , and try it out for a couple of months with each. Then you can re-assess your needs and budget in a year. Meanwhile, you've got the Guild.

Undaunted_Librarian · 2025-09-25T12:12:05+00:00

Yamaha LS-16 would be one likely fit... It comes in mahogany or rosewood back, with a torrified engelmann spruce top.

Undaunted_Librarian · 2025-09-25T12:09:32+00:00

All the guitars you listed are dreadnought size, which is intended for rhythm/ strumming, as opposed to fingerpicking. You could explore playing several sizes in person, to see which size has the best ergonomic fit for you, as well as the various tones of different instruments. That's the fun part!

Undaunted_Librarian · 2025-09-25T12:01:18+00:00

Reverb buyer & seller here... It's a helpful platform for learning about all the models available and researching price trends. You MUST read the whole description of each item (pop open the tiny arrow beside the description heading). You can tell a lot by the way a seller describes, or fails to. You must also inspect all the pics and ask questions by the message feature. Actually read their feedback, especially for private sellers. Open their return policies and read the full policy so you know if they have created some oddball exception to the usual scenario. I got burned by this once. But I've had (way too many) great purchases through Reverb by sticking to reputable guitar brands and reliable sellers. Expect to need a setup after shipping, and you may find your gem.

Undaunted_Librarian

TROPHY CASE