Archtop string gauge
 

Currently I have 13`s on my 38 L5, anyone using 12`s on there accoustic archtop?? Thanks Brian.

I do .012s but replace the E and B with those from a set of .013s.

I find heavier strings on the bottom doesn't have as much tonal benefit and just makes the guitar harder to play, but up top, it's a big positive difference.

strings
 

Good idea. thank you sir, I will give it a go....

I use 12s on my Eastman archtop. The strings are pretty much the same gauge that I use on a flat top acoustic. That way they feel the same to me.

- Glenn

strings
 

Are you getting the"punch" out of the 12`s?

I've been using D'Addarrio Chrome Flatwound's, 12-52's on my Ibanez archtop for years. It's an L5 knockoff, with a carved top and a floating mini-humbucker. It sounds excellent with these strings, both acoustic and electric. I tried a set of 13's once, but the guitar got kind of choked sounding from the extra tension so I went back to 12's.

My recently completed L-5 style archtop is only set up for acoustic right now, I haven't got around to putting a finger rest and pickup on it yet. I put Martin retro monel 13s on it to set it up and it's sounding so great I haven't upgraded to TI's yet. I love the sound of 13s, lots of body and great punch, especially in the wounds, and compared to my flattop it's so easy to play.

I guess if I was only playing electrically I might consider 12s. BTW, an L-5 of the vintage of yours must sound out of this world! You might consider bouncing this question off a jazz guitar forum. You'd likely find loads of experienced players who wrestled with the same question.

string gauge
 

IMO my L5 does come through strong with the 13`s on it,I had the Martin Retro`s on it,but switched to D Addario Phosphur Bronze,they last longer.It has 80 plus years of aging going for it if that matters.....

I'm very surprised: IME a set of Monels will last at least twice (and sometimes 3-4 times) as long as PB or 80/20 on any of my acoustics - and unless there's active, ongoing oxidation/off-gassing of the original plastic parts (not uncommon with early-/mid-20th century instruments IME - had two Epiphones, a Gibson, and a Gretsch with that problem) age has little if anything to do with it...

I don't play an archtop for punch. In fact, I don't play any guitar with what I would call "punch." I have a fairly light touch, and I play mostly with my fingers, rarely with a flat pick. So, I don't think I can address your question.

For me, 12s work great on my Eastman archtop. I couple of examples:





Hope this is helpful! :)

- Glenn

I use Thomastik Jazz Swing strings 13-53 on my L-5. I love the feel, sound, and longevity of these strings.

My Eastman archtop started out as an MDC805 - an 8 string mandocello. I believe it’s braced heavier than an AR605 would be as a result. I get good volume, punch and tone with 13’s.

I’ve used many different strings (Newtone, monel, chrome, phosphor bronze) but went to Ernie Ball aluminum bronze several months ago. These are my favorite strings on this guitar so far.

strings
 

Are the Ernie Ball`s round wound?

on my 1929 ss stewart archtop i use 11-52 Elixir phos bronze nanoweb
on telecaster and strat i use Gibson 09-42 ultra lite brites
on my other acoustics i use 12-53 elix phos bronze nan
on my classical i use ernie ball earthwood 28-42 (these earthwoods are very cheap $10 but perform/sound and last alot longer than $40 nylon strings- imo and experience)

Wow this was a great tip. I've used TI 12s for years but tried switching the 2 trebles with a 13 and 17 from a.pack of D'Addarios and was amazed at the improvement in both playability and tone. It puts the melody strings out front more. Thanks for this suggestion.