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The number refers to the String thickness or string gauge. The higher the numbers the heaver gauge the strings are. Since you usually play with smaller bodied guitars you might think of using a lighter gauge. 11/53 or even 10/48. I usually play with 12/53 or 12.5/53 and change my strings probably once a month. That gauge is still considered light gauge by some guitar string manufacturer’s . The lighter gauge strings, 10/48 or 11/53 Don’t have as strong of a tone as the 12/53’s and do sound OK on the smaller bodied guitars.
The smaller gauge string can be easier on fingering positions for people with hand issues. If you have a guitar tuner you might just take the strings down a note to Treble to Bass string tuning position D, A, F, C, G, D tuning . The strings will not have as much string tension so this will be easier to finger. See if it helps you be more comfortable when practicing using your 12/53 strings. As you basically play guitar for and by yourself you can use the same chord fingers you always use but will not have as much tension on the chord fingering positions.
The coated strings last longer and do not lose tone as fast as regular strings, but do cost more. I have one parlor and also a mini Taylor that I play quite often but I do have them strung up to 12/53. I just like the tone better with the heavier gauge and don’t have arthritis or any other hand issues. As I have said on other threads I do exercise regularly with the therapeutic squeeze ball and the Chinese steel balls that Loraine suggested to me. She says they have helped here with co-ordination and strength. It was a struggle to get used to the Steel ball exercises but I do use them regularly.
