Salfromchatham Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 (edited) Playing around tuned down on the J50... and I think it needs more tension. Anyone do this as the norm on your slope? What mediums you use? I’ll hit the shop... Edited February 9, 2019 by ThemisSal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blindboygrunt Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 Ah Sal That was awesome One of my favourite songs ever Tomorrow the green grass is a beautiful album 10 out of 10 for the bridge there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buc McMaster Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 As you likely know, both my guitars are down a half step with light gauge strings (12-54), be they DR Sunbeams on the 35 or Martin Retros on the 45. I do change the high e and the b to 13 and 17 (in place of 12 and 16) which gave me the bit more tension in those two strings that seemed to be missing, as well as better balancing the volume with the wound strings. Give that -1/2 step with lights a good run before going to mediums. I've tried that too and it seemed the heavier gauge kinda killed the 1/2 step down as to feel, which is a big part of why I keep the guitars this way in the first place. Of course, ymmv. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegreatgumbino Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 I use Martin Retro Laurence Juber's (13-17-24-32-42-56) on my J50 and J45 Vintage and keep them both in D Standard. Drop D, DADGAD, Open E, Open G tunings all do well. I really like this setup and haven't changed in about a year and half. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbpicker Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 I tune down a half step on my guitars, including a J45 and a Taylor 510 short scale. I use D’Add nickel brz or Retros on them both. I use 12 - 54s. It is a wee bit floppy, but I’ve gotten used to it. Play mostly finger picking style, Sal. I love the richness produced by the lower tuning plus it allows me to sing certain songs much more comfortably. Roger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bayoubengal1954 Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 Hey Sal! I tune down 1/2 step as well and for a while went to 13-56 Mediums but I found the tone was a little choked on the low end to my ears. So I went back to 12-54 Lights with one alteration. I switch out the 24 G string for a 26 because my strumming style leans heavily on the G string on the up stroke and I like the slightly extra “heft” the 26 gives. I have been happy with this system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salfromchatham Posted February 10, 2019 Author Share Posted February 10, 2019 Thx gents Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Proclaimer888 Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 Tune the J45 down 1/2 and use the Monel medium....havent changed them in 8 months and lovin' it!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncle fester Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 Hi Sal - I tune down 1/2 step, use lights (12-54 PB) but on my last go around swapped out the 12's for 13's and like it. Med gave me too much bass - this seems to be good. Disclaimer, the rhythms i hear don't seem to match those of the people around me, and I believe I am tone deaf. But it does sound good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.