Using a 13-gauge string for high e

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I’ve heard there’s an interesting story about Chuck Berry playing your ES-175 back in 1969.

At the time, I was in a group called Bodast and our manager put on a show with The Who called The Rock Prom at the Royal Albert Hall. Bodast was opening for Chuck Berry and The Who. Bodast got to sound check and played a couple of songs. Chuck Berry then walked onstage with his guitar and came up to me and said “I don’t need you.” [laughs] I said “Oh, okay then. Fine.” And left the stage. I wasn’t offended or bothered, actually. I took it in stride. Later on, back in the dressing room, I thought “You know what? I think I’ll show him my guitar.” I took it to him and said “Chuck, can I just show you my guitar?” He said “Oh yeah.” And everyone that’s played it has said the same thing. The idea of using the combination of two .12s, .16, .26, .40 and .50 string gauges as I do is very, very strange. When people play it they go “Jesus!” I like a tight top because it really lets you get some power out of it. It’s important because I’m doing most of my important stuff on that top string. If it’s an .11 or .9, it’s just not going anywhere. So, I love the .12 on top. I’ll even use a .13 on a Martin if I’m going to country pick a lot.

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