Quote:
Originally Posted by campusfive
I haven't been able to find examples of vintage 20's-40's strings that are actually that big, and I've been looking.
Considering you need significant acoustic projection (for the ear trumpet), but need to maintain the possibility of playing electric without a massive imbalance problem, it's seems like Monel would be ideal. Martin Retro are the only production monel roundwound strings. (Flats weren't common until the mid 50's, and generally neuter the acoustic projection of a guitar).
Besides being the dominant string metal during the early and mid 30's, Monel strings still sound and project like "acoustic" strings, but are much better balanced since they are closer to what we think of as nickel "electric" strings. Bronze started to take over in the mid to late 30's since it has increased projection and fullness. My 1937 ES-150 would have shipped with Gibson Mona-Steel strings.
I love the sound of monel on my '32 L-5 (which would have shipped with monel as well), but I generally keep Martin SP 80/20 on it because I need the increased projection. Oh, and Martin SP's a really reasonably priced, and I like keeping fresh strings on my guitars to maximize projection and acoustic response.
As far as gauges, some guitars don't really benefit from strings larger than 12's, but it depends how lightly built they are. An Eastman 610 would probably benefit from 13's, but you could try 12's. But +1 for bumping up the gauges of the high E and B. I use a 14/18 with a set of either 12's or 13's depending on the guitar. I find they balance much better acoustically.
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Thanks, man!
I played a gig with Thomastik 12's with Ear Trumpet and a small condenser for guitar. With dobro, fiddle, and bass, I didn't really have enough volume. I ended up plugging in. Unless it's a "concert" type situation, which for my band is pretty unlikely, I don't think we'll be going the total acoustic route. Volume won't be a real issue now.
I did buy monels in 12 and 13 and put the 12s on my Martin. They sound and feel great!
The Dearmond sounded really nice so I don't think I'll add a piezo or contact pickup. It's obviously not entirely acoustic, but I've been through the whole" not sounding acoustic" thing in my gypsy jazz band and settled for the Peche a la Mouche single coil.
There is some degree of rattling going on since adding after-market Dearmond and pickguard with volume pot that I can't locate! It drives me crazy. Took it to a tech and he acted like I was crazy!