From NeilFrom gzing2
Neil,
I have a Martin HD-28 with a good low action set-up. I have been experimenting with string gauges 12's and custom 11's. 12's really sing, but take a toll on my finger tips when a practice a lot. The 11's are easier on my hand but the tone degrades.
What do you play on your guitars, and can you offer any advice? I am an Intermediate + player
Thanks
String gauge is mostly a personal preference but you will usually get the best tone from heavier strings, as long as your guitar is set up properly for that gauge. You noticed better tone with the 12's but that it was more work. If you played bluegrass, hitting hard with a pick, you couldn't use 11's on that guitar, even 12's might buzz and distort. But if you were fingerpicking, and had a light touch, 11's might be fine. A heavier attack would need heavier strings.
As far as endurance is concerned, you might be pressing down at the frets harder than necessary. If you have good finger placement, close to the frets, you don't need to press as hard as you might think. I frequently tell students to be careful about choking the neck- lighten up and focus on placement. When you watch an accomplished guitarist play you notice that they don't seem to be working very hard. There are many reasons for this but one of them is finger placement.
As far as my playing is concerned, I use 13 gauge strings (D'Addario EJ17), but my guitars are set up perfectly for them. They give me the best range of dynamics (volume) but do require very precise finger placement, among other things. I do not recommend them for most of my students. Similarly though, I don't recommend 11's either. Stick with the 12's and work on good finger placement.
Neil