What strings for a Gibson J45 tuned down a step?

[dyoung]

Trying to decide the best strings for a 2020 J45 tuned down a whole step to match my voice. I have decided to try some martin 80/20 mediums to compensate for the volume loss with less tension and wondering what yall’s advice is to get the best sound. Thank you for any advice!

[Rosewood99]

I use Martin MA545 medium light strings. They come in half gauges. But I only tune down a half step so you might be better off with regular mediums. I don’t think it matters too much what kind of strings butmore of the gauge.

[moosedog]

I’ve been playing down a 1/2 step for years. I’ve tried a few short scale guitars but and medium stings worked the best (brand of your choice - I typically use Elixers), but never could make myself like the slacker, more jangly sound. I now stick with long (normal) scale guitars and can use either light or medium strings. As an alternative to a whole step down, can you play the songs in a lower key? I think you would be happier in the long run. A short scale guitar tuned down a whole step will be tough. Good luck and hope it works out.

[Mike12]

Hiya, I always tune down a whole step, like you for vocal range. I usually use light (12's) on a 25.5 scale and mediums on a 24.75 scale. Using a string calculator

25.5 scale 12s have 160 lbs in standard 126 lbs 1 tone lower
while 13s have 188 lbs in standard 150 lbs 1 tone lower

Hope that helps, Mike

Sorry just realised Gibson scale length

12's standard 149 lbs 1 tone down 117 lbs
13's standard 175 lbs 1 tone down 141 lbs

I find that volume is less of an issue than the 'thinness' of the sound, 13's make barred chords a bit more difficult (for me). I tend to go lighter for using a pick heavier for finger picking.

Mike

[Bluenose]

My OM18A is tuned down a step and has on a new set of NB lights. Leon Redbone almost always tuned down a step. "Please Don't talk About Me When I'm Gone" right? Miss that guy.

[Wardo]

I normally use 13s on a Martin.
Tuned down one whole step to record a song once.
It worked, but I found the 13s tuned down a whole step to be too loose.
If I was going to keep it tuned down like that I would go to heavy gauge as opposed to 13 medium.