The Birth of Light-Gauge Strings episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 23, 2024 · 25 MIN

The Birth of Light-Gauge Strings

from Ask Zac · host Zac Childs

Have you ever wondered how we got light gauge strings? To give some context, until 1962, strings were 12-52, or heavier,  with a wound third, and nothing lighter was available unless you used a banjo string. How about this, did you ever wonder why every string manufacturer has a 10-46 set that has the exact same gauges, 10,13,17,26,36,46? And the same with 9s and 8s?  Today we tell the tale of the maverick guitarists of the late 1950's who wanted lighter strings with an unwound 3rd string, and of the guitar shop owner in Tarzana, California, who was the sole person brave enough to make, market, and sell them.Thanks to Derek Brooks and Chris Harrington with Ernie Ball, and to Joe Spann at Gruhn Guitars.To Support the Channel:Patreon  https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar:  https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch  - https://my-store-be0243.creator-spring.com/#askzac #ernieball #guitarstringsTexas ToastThe #1 Country Music Podcast in Texas!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 23, 2024

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Have you ever wondered how we got light gauge strings? To give some context, until 1962, strings were 12-52, or heavier, with a wound third, and nothing lighter was available unless you used a banjo string. How about this, did you ever wonder why every string manufacturer has a 10-46 set that has the exact same gauges, 10,13,17,26,36,46? And the same with 9s and 8s? Today we tell the tale of the maverick guitarists of the late 1950's who wanted lighter strings with an unwound 3rd ...

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The Birth of Light-Gauge Strings

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