Question:
I searched for this because I remember reading a thread about it recently, but couldn't find it....
My acoustic currently has .012s on it, but I really prefer .011s. Is it possible that changing the string gauge in this way will create fret buzz? Also, do I really need to get another setup done?
Thanks!

Answer:
I searched for this because I remember reading a thread about it recently, but couldn't find it....
My acoustic currently has .012s on it, but I really prefer .011s. Is it possible that changing the string gauge in this way will create fret buzz? Also, do I really need to get another setup done?
Thanks!
You’ll probably need to raise you action a tad.
A string with less tension has more range of motion so it likely needs to be further from the fret to avoid hitting it. That’s why when you use 13’s you can get pretty low action with good tone. Personally that's why I prefer 13’s:)

Answer:
I've gone from 13's and 12's to 11's and had no problems with either of my acoustics. Depends on the guitar and how it's set up, but it's easy enough to try it.

Answer:
+1. I did get some fret buzz once when I went to 10's on one acoustic guitar. It gets 12's now without any issues. Smaller gauge strings have always felt better to me. I use 9's on the electrics (except for the jazz box which gets 11's.) I guess I'm not much of a string gauge connoisseur am I? Try it and see. You don't need a second mortgage to buy a set of strings to try out.

Answer:
I searched for this because I remember reading a thread about it recently, but couldn't find it....
My acoustic currently has .012s on it, but I really prefer .011s. Is it possible that changing the string gauge in this way will create fret buzz? Also, do I really need to get another setup done?
Thanks! Unless your setup was marginal to start with (very low action combined with either a lot of relief or very little relief) I would guess that the approx 10 percent reduction in tension will have very little affect on your your git. If it does, figure out what minor tweak needs to be made (depending on where it buzzes).
FWIW, once set up I almost never make any changes to the actions and I'm constantly changings strings, tunings, etc.

Answer:
I'm gonna 2nd what the wise and pithy Freeman extolls...going from .012 to .011 probably will make little or no difference, but you can test it all out by tuning your present set down to Eb or D...if it doesn't buzz then, it won't buzz with the lighter set.
You may lose a little volume and maybe just a little "bottom" to your tone, but it probably won't be dramatically different.

Answer:
My Tech has always been of the belief that one gauge in either direction from the gauge used for the setup should not require a new setup. I've experimented within those parameters and haven't had any problems with any of my instruments.
It's cheap enough to try it anyway.....

Answer:
I've gone from 11's to 12's and back again a couple times and never had an issue.
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