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Rguit
Username: Rguit

Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2006 - 11:04 pm:   

I am thinking of anyone that has put 13-56 gauge strings on the JSM100. I want the thicker tone but am unsure about the neck handling it. This is the gauge I had on my GB-10
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim

Registered: 04-2001
Posted on Friday, June 02, 2006 - 1:05 pm:   

Rguit~I believe JSM's come from the factory with 13's as per Sco's design preference. I use 11's on mine since it is used for a variety of styles, but would not hesitate trying out a heavier set. Just check the neck relief after a week or so and adjust the truss rod very, very slightly if needed for 13's.

The tone will definitely fatten up too.

Enjoy.
Eastmongo
Username: Eastmongo

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Friday, June 02, 2006 - 7:28 pm:   

13s is the factory pre set on JSM!
I used 13s for a while and changed to 12s.
For me 12s has more advantages over 13s in terms of versatility.
Rguit
Username: Rguit

Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Saturday, June 03, 2006 - 11:15 am:   

I like the 12's, the standard jazz light gauge from Dadario but for some reason, i can't get the guitar to not buzz I had it setup professionally and also the individual string height adjustments tend to make goofy noises if I play with them at all so I leave them alone and just control the overall action with the thumbwheels, maybe I'll bring it back to the tech to check the neck, the frets are real nice but BIG.
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier

Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Saturday, June 03, 2006 - 7:11 pm:   

If the original strings on the JSM are indeed 013-056, using a 012 set takes a part of the forward tension of the neck. Because the tension of the truss rod stays the same, the neck will start to bend backward, and the strings start to buzz. So, what you should do, is loosen the truss rod a bit, so that the lighter strings can pull the neck forward. If you don't know, how this works, please let a guitar tech do this, because if you turn the truss rod too far in the wrong direction, it can break or destroy your neck.

Greetz,

Ginger Ale
Gak
Username: Gak

Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 11:27 am:   

I'll ditto the 12 comments (positive) = the most versatility (and, Scofield not withstanding, brings out more capabilities on the JSM and any other AS-style) -- and agree that you should have a qualified tech set it up optimally and to get rid of that buzz. If a straight 12-set still seems a little light for you, consider customizing a made-up set to beef it up a bit without going full/straight 13s.
Eastmongo
Username: Eastmongo

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 9:09 pm:   

Truss rod always should be adjusted properly!
I'm a freek of setting up my guitars.
If you don't want do it yourself,bring it to the tech.
Even if you do it yourself, somtimes it is nice to let somone else check the guitar.
You have to know or you have to learn how to do the guitar set up.
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Monday, June 05, 2006 - 5:10 pm:   

Wait until you put the strings on before you make any changes! See how it feels 1st before leaping into a truss rod adjustment. maybe you might just have to move the bridge.
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier

Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Monday, June 05, 2006 - 6:07 pm:   

Dear Ibanezfreak1960,

RonGuit already wrote that he likes the 012 set, which is on the guitar right now, but that he can't get the buzz out of the neck. I assume he has already tried adjusting the bridge height.
In my opinion cause of the buzz has nothing to do with the bridge, but it's a string tension matter. He's coming from 013, so now the truss rod is pulling harder than the strings. It should be loosened a bit.

And Ron,
Of course setting the bridge a bit higher is something each player can do all by himself and at no risk (first loosen the strings!) and at no cost.
If it's enough to get rid of the buzz, you'll notice that the distance between the srings and the pickups has increased and should be adjusted as well.
It's wise to write down the distance of the pickups to the strings and the number of turns you make on each screw, so that you can always reset it.

If it doesn't work, go to a luthier for a truss rod job.

Greetz,

Ginger Ale
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Monday, June 05, 2006 - 11:38 pm:   

That is your opinion. But how can you say for sure without seeing and playing the guitar?
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Monday, June 05, 2006 - 11:42 pm:   

ron where exactly is it buzzing, which frets?
Rguit
Username: Rguit

Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 11:12 pm:   

I am/was getting buzzing in the first few positions, I think now it is high frets in that area. So far I have tried just putting 13 and 17 on the E and B respecitively, and left the wound strings, 52, 42, 32, 22,
My question to you guys is also sort of a sound preferability thing, I am used to the 13-56 set and I guess I am trying to feel out whether it is SAFE to use jazz medium gauge on the JSM. I have used strings that heavy on a GB-10 and other archtops but not on a guitar like this. Its difficult to ask Ibanez about matters like this.

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