Guitar strings

[Bibio]

i have a sort of nice Takamine acoustic guitar thats fekin murder to play. the action is low but for some reason it requires loads of finger pressure to play.

the strings i have on are D'addario extra light EJ15, could it be those as they are cheep. i dont play often as it hurts my poor finger tips.

any ideas?

[Adam Ef]

It's not tuned too high is it?

[Bibio]

nope..

[phi-dan]

Low action plus extra lights should be really easy to play. Only things I can think of is to check the string height at the nut and the neck relief?

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[phi-dan]

As to string quality, I've got D'Addario lights on my Washburn slimline, and it plays as light as an electric.

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[garynortheast]

I have a 45 year old Kimbara and have over the last 4 or 5 years been using medium gauge phosphor bronze rotosound strings. Cheap, and a nice sound but they were hard on my fingers and only lasted a couple of gigs and rehearsals. I stumped up and started using Elixir strings. Much more expensive, but much kinder to my fingers, they last 4 times as long, and, oh boy, the difference in sound quality!! Lovely tone, and they stay in tune much better.

[Bibio]

many many years ago i used to use strings called Silkio but they never lasted long. i see that other companies do silk and steel strings so i might give those a go.

BTW my guitars never go out of tune (or very slowly) as i always put the first turn of the strings above the hole then wind the rest under. this creates a "strangle" on the string.

[Bibio]

Originally Posted by phi-dan

Low action plus extra lights should be really easy to play. Only things I can think of is to check the string height at the nut and the neck relief?

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i was thinking of the nut as the strings are very close. dont know if its worth sending to the local luthier as it might cost way too much to sort.

[phi-dan]

Steps 1 - 3 of this guide will give you an idea of what might need tweaking. A Vernier caliper, and a set of needle files should be enough. Replacement nuts and saddles can be got cheaply if it goes wrong
It's easier than engine internals
https://www.guitarplayer.com/.amp/te...c-guitar-setup

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[BanannaMan]

Sounds like the nut needs filing to me as well.
I use sand paper laid flat on a table. Be careful as it doesn't take much to grind it down too far.
As mentioned nuts are cheap if you mess it up.
If you are not comfortable working on it, take it to a shop and ask for the action to be lowered and a full set up. Usually runs about $50 in the US and makes all the difference in the world in how the guitar plays.
Takamine's are great guitars and definitely worth a pro setup.