[NetKnockout]

I kind of asked this question before but it was kind of heaped in with some others and didn't get addressed, so here it is again...

I had originally purchased the lighter weight/ gage, (which is it?), strings because I was told that they would easier to play... Though, I actually don't notice any difference in the ease based on them...
So, if someone would could they please explain the advantages and disadvantages that the different strings hold, it'd be great!... Also, for the most part, I don't like the sound of the strings when my fingers slide across them, my father suggested that perhaps I try "flat wounds" (?)...Sorry, I've never had a guitar lesson, everything thus far has been self taught, so forgive me if my terminology is incorrect at times... : (

[namiguShin]

I just wanted to ask what this "dreadnought" means? I've seen this "characteristic" or what on few topics here... So what is it?

And UGB, thanks again!!! You're the best!!!

[Ultimate Garage Band]

Yes, you're correct w/brand and type. You're gonna be making a big jump from a 10 to a 12. Just to take it easy on your fingers, you might want to switch to a Silk and Steel string. These are commonly known as Folk type guitar strings; the unwound strings are steel and the wound strings are steel wrapped around a silk core. They're more supple, they require less tension, but they're not as loud or brassy as bronze strings.

A dreadnought is a body style of acoustic guitar invented by the CF Martin company and then copied by any company that ever made an acoustic guitar. If you think the Stratocaster is the most copied guitar, talk to the Martin company about the dreadnought. Dreads are big, boomy guitars suited for heavy, rhythm strumming, preferably standing up. Here's a link to Martin's body styles. If it starts with the letter 'D' it's a dreadnought.

http://www.mguitar.com/guitars/choosing/size.html

[NetKnockout]

UGB- I so appreciate your help, and I apologize for continuing to come back with more and more questions... BUT..."supple", does this mean the strings bend more easily? Because as I said with certain chords they are such a stretch for my tiny hand that I have a tendency to pull them, at least that's what I noticed when I put the extra light strings on my guitar... My fingers are rather tough at this point, so there isn't too much concern there, (don't get me wrong, if I play all day (which often I do, as I'm a farmer and it's off season (winter, where I am) right now so I'm couped up in th house all day) my finger tips will be tender, it's kind of strange I use to have very noticeable callouses, which I don't so much anymore, it's more like my actual finger tips themselves have just hardened, if that makes any sense) actually, (as I mentioned before, I had medium gauge(?) strings on my guitar before), with the extra light strings I noticed that while they require less pressure, the 1st and 2nd strings, actually kind of cut/slice at my finger tips... So, I'd rather spend the extra energy applying pressure than give up my skin! >smiles<
Also, BRASSY, yes I think that must be the sound I referred to as a "rattle", a sound which I do NOT like, which was very noticeable when I switched to the bronze strings! Thanks for that information!!!!! Loud is of ZERO concern to me! Just imagine sitting around at home "picking & grinning", in a mellow kind of mood.... So, now armed with all this information, which strings would you suggest??? I think perhaps I'll but 3 different kinds and try them out over say the course of a month or so... So, don't feel like you have to pick just one kind....AGAIN, I so appreciate your time... Truthfully, I feel guilty asking so many questions when I have nothing to give back...: ( I wrote a long post in the "playing forum", with the intent to give something back, but it certainly wouldn't be of benefit to you!..... ~Nikki

[NetKnockout]

Oh, just for the sake of clarity... I'm looking for a clean, warm, earthy tone. nothing harsh nor sharp! With as little string slide noise as possible. I don't know if this makes any difference or not but my style seems to be leaning mostly toward finger-picking.

[Ultimate Garage Band]

I'd still suggest the Elixyr Polyweb Lights as your first choice. The polymer coating will kill virtually all of the squeak and it does tame the brassiness of the bronze strings a bit.

Make sure you wear gloves when working on the farm; protect your fingers and callouses.

[NetKnockout]

Thanks UGB! As a second choice, is there a particular type/ brand of "Silk and Steel string", you'd suggest???

[Ultimate Garage Band]

I think you'd find them too easy to slide around like you are discovering with the extra lights you're using now. D'Addario makes a silk and steel as well as Martin I think. GHS used to make a silk and bronze.

[NetKnockout]

: )