String recommendations?

[prossi]

What would the best strings be to put on my wifes Washburn acoustic so she can tough it (pain) out better while she learns?

Thanks

[Raymond]

I think you want to put lighter strings so your wife can play easier, right? The idea, though, is to use the right strings for the given instrument.

There could be a few, problems that you'll need to address regarding the guitar set up when changing the current string gage.

I don't know the condition of your guitar because I haven't seen it, so I'm going to assume that the guitar hasn't been set up since purchase. Any guitar, even budget ones like Washburns, are set up in the factory for a certain set of strings; usually gage 12. The nut is cut with the factory string gage in mind.
In addition, with lighter strings there's a risk that the action might get too low and you'll get buzzing.

However, in my experience the nuts in cheap imports are poorly cut to begging with, so it may not be a big deal at this point. Also, the action is usually set up a little bit high so people won't get buzzing while trying the guitar in a store.

This is my suggestion:
1. Identify the current string gage. 12s is the most common
2. Get a set of the next lower gage, like 11s. Any well known brand like D'Addario, GHS, or EB, would do fine at this point.
3. After installing the strings, stretch, and tune to pitch. Repeat several times.
4. Fret the strings at the first fret and see the gap between the 2nd fret and the bottom of the strings. Fret now at the 3rd and see if the gap is pretty much the same at the 1st fret. If it isn't, the nut needs to be worked.
5. Adjust the relief to 0.010" by placing a capo in the 1st fret and fretting the low E at the last fret. Measure the gap between the 7th or 8th fret and the bottom of the string, and adjust the neck truss rod accordingly.
6. Tune to pitch again and play. Do you get buzzing? Then, you'll need to increase the action by placing a shim under the saddle.

Every time you change the string gage, you need to set up the guitar again. A pro set up may not be worth it if the guitar is too cheap.

[prossi]

The guitar is 10 years old and been out of the case about 10 times since then (it has been in the bedroom closet it's whole life). The strings are the originals. It is a D-10 or something like that. I think I paid about $200 for it. I have been told that the action is a little high, but not too high.

I'll p/u a set of 11s and follow your indtructions and see where that leads.

Thanks.

[telemann51]

It doesn't matter what gauge strings you use if the nut slots are too high, for example, or the relief is too large. I learned on a Stella with miserable action but that was long ago, far away, and I was an 8-year-old boy.

It has been my observation that adults will generally not put up with any level of discomfort when trying something new, especially if it is something their spouse is already proficient at. If you want her to learn to play guitar, you'll have to make sure it doesn't hurt, in my experience.