Heavy Gauge 14-59 EJ18's on my 2012 F50 Maple

[txbumper57]

Hey all, Decided to do a little Mad Scientist experiment on one of my Jumbo Guilds and am Loving the results. I wanted to see what some heavy gauge strings sounded like tuned down a bit so I installed a new set of Daddario EJ18 uncoated Phosphor Bronze 14-59's on my 2012 Guild F50 Maple that was made in New Hartford. Even though these New Hartford Guilds were spec'ed for Medium gauge 13-56 strings at standard tuning I normally run a set of Light HD's on them which are 53-13's. All I can say is WOW! I currently have it tuned from C-C and have also tuned it from D-D but the C-C tuning is just Amazing to hear and play. With it tuned down C-C the strings are still pliable enough to get all of your bends in while still tight enough to emit some of the deepest Growl I have ever heard from an acoustic. The maple gives the lower tuning amazing clarity on the low end while providing enough thump to rattle the pictures on the wall, LOL! The Dry overtones are also a pleasure. It responds well to both a pick and finger picking. Sounds great playing some Delta Blues and the Guild Jumbo body has plenty of air to push out and project all of those notes from deep booming lows to crystal clear highs and all in between.

Any ways I hope everyone is doing well during this trying time and hope everyone stays safe. I guess from now on when a string thread pops up I can honestly recommend Heavy Gauge strings over lights or mediums, LOL!

Just remember, We put the YEE-HAW back in your Motor and Transmission!

TX

 

[wileypickett]

I'm with ya man! I use Mediums or Med / Heavys on all my guitars and tune way down, low E down to A if the strings will still project and don't get floppy. (I play only in open tunings -- I haven't touched standard in 45 years.)

I don't sing so I'm not concerned with pitch -- it's all about sound and feel.

 

[Cougar]

...Decided to do a little Mad Scientist experiment on one of my Jumbo Guilds...

That's some pretty mad science going on there, TX! Interesting info!

 

[Nuuska]

Now ya talking . . . these jumbos can deliver. Have done that for years - nothing but good to say. Enjoy !!!

 

[Quantum Strummer]

Used to have a lovely Gibson SJ that I strung with 13–53s (or maybe 54) and tuned to D standard or sometimes open D. Sounded good in C# standard too but C felt & sounded like a half-step too far. I'll be giving my Taylor Nanci Griffith a going over pretty soon…might set it up for D standard since it's the only 25.5" scale length acoustic I still own and I'd like it to feel similar to the others.

-Dave-

 

[walrus]

Cool! You are in Stevie Ray Vaughn territory with those gauges! Although I'm not sure he tuned his guitar down...

walrus

 

[Bonneville88]

Good to see a post from you TX! - great info & report on strings - I experiment
with tuning down & open tunings here & there, will give this a try!