What String Gauge Do You Use?

[Tig***]

I've also just loaded 10's on the acoustic (Elixir Nanoweb Extra Light Phosphor Bronze). I got tired of the suspension bridge cable sized 13's and I wanted to match the feel of my electrics. So far, I love it!

Why are acoustic strings so heavy?

[wingsdad]

10's (D'add EXL-110 or equivalent Light gauge sets) on electric 6's. I used to swap the .017 3rd for an .016 to facillitate wide range bends doing double-stops. For my style of play, mainly a rhythmer, anything lighter is just too weak and wimpy and tend to stretch out of tune/wear out too fast.

I've also just loaded 10's on the acoustic ... I wanted to match the feel of my electrics. ...

I use 10's (D'add EJ-15 or equivalent), typed as 'Extra Lights' for an acoustic, for the same reason on my Ovation Celeb CS257, as other than the 3rd/G, they're a close enough match to approximate the feel/touch of my electrics. Since tone/volume on it (or any A/E) can be shaped by its pre-amp and/or whatever it's plugged into, the lighter gauge is fine.

...Why are acoustic strings so heavy?

Unless it's an A/E and playing unplugged isn't your thing with it, then the heavier gauges like 12's (D'add EJ-16 or equiv.), actually typed a 'Light Gauge' for acoustics, serve the purpose of generating more robust tone & stronger volume with a lighter touch than 10's are capable of producing.

I had been using 10's on my ancient Guild D40 because it's so freakin' fragile, but I just switched back up to 12's because I recently sold both of my Takamine Santa Fe's that, although A/E's, I played them mostly unplugged and used 12's on them to give them a stronger voice. Now that the Old Lady is back to being my main squeeze acoustic, she sings way, way better with 12's than 10's. I brought her action way down to comp for the heavier gauge and do a bit more hand cal's warming up to get my grip up to speed.