Loose and Low: My string vs. sing challenge

[BothHands]

I'm a songwriter and a decent guitarist, but no virtuoso. I write on acoustic guitar and am as visual in my approach as I am audible/musical.

Because I'm "visual" sometimes a song develops in a bad register for me as a singer, and sometimes a capo doesn't help. The song builds around how and where I'm able to play it (I like to use open strings and that locks me into certain chord fingerings, neck positions, etc.).

I play a dreadnaught guitar with phosphor bronze Light strings. I play fingerstyle, in some ways similar to James Taylor. I rely on my actual fingernails and get more percussive/dynamic than Taylor does.

MY QUESTIONS
For one song in particular I find it necessary to lower the entire tuning by one full step. I drop from standard E tuning down to D. At that point my strings are loose and dull with reduced sustain and no brightness. I'm not liking it.

What's my best string choice for staying as close as possible to my typical sound? Would a heavier string help, say a phosphor bronze Medium? Perhaps something other than phosphor bronze?

I'm not lazy (much). My guitar has a "small problem" that makes it a bear to change strings, so I don't want to swap a bunch of sets in an out just hoping I luck into the right tone and playability...

Thanks

[Howard Emerson]

What is the ‘small’ problem that makes for hard string changes?

Howard

[BothHands]

I bought it used and didn't realize the original owner had enlarged the bridge pin holes for some custom pins. He removed the correct custom pins and swapped back in the originals that are too small in diameter. WuttaJerk...

So I have NO bridge pins. Instead I use a set of little aluminum washers under the bridge. The hole in each washer is slightly smaller than the string's ball end, so each washer keeps the ball end in place under the bridge and connects the string to the bridge acoustically. It works well and sounds good, but is a PIA for string changes.

So how does this help me with my loose strings problem...?

[Howard Emerson]

It helps by getting oversized bridge pins so that there’s one less excuse not to experiment with strings.

Yes, you can absolutely use a set of medium phosphor bronze. There’s nothing brighter anyway.

Let us know how it works out.

Regards,
Howard Emerson

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by BothHands

I'm a songwriter and a decent guitarist, but no virtuoso... Because I'm "visual" sometimes a song develops in a bad register for me as a singer, and sometimes a capo doesn't help. The song builds around how and where I'm able to play it (I like to use open strings and that locks me into certain chord fingerings, neck positions, etc.).

For one song in particular I find it necessary to lower the entire tuning by one full step. I drop from standard E tuning down to D. At that point my strings are loose and dull with reduced sustain and no brightness...

What's my best string choice for staying as close as possible to my typical sound?...My guitar has a "small problem" that makes it a bear to change strings, so I don't want to swap a bunch of sets in an out just hoping I luck into the right tone and playability...

Leave your present guitar at home - get one of these and a good capo:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...-d-scale-black

Mediums will get your down to C# (think Leo Kottke), heavies to C, and the right baritone set to low B or low A (you might need to enlarge the fifth and sixth-string bridge holes - check with your tech first), which should cover both your visual and sonic needs...

[gmel555]

Mediums on a dred should be fine. You won't know until you try but just beware, you'll have heavier gauge (i.e. fatter) strings on, tuned down (floppier). if you have very low action you might develop string/fret buzz. Give it try. If that happens and you think you'll want/need this long term, you may want your guitar re-set a bit. Also, IMO 80/20s are brighter than Phos Bronz.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by gmel555

Mediums on a dred should be fine. You won't know until you try but just beware, you'll have heavier gauge (i.e. fatter) strings on, tuned down (floppier). if you have very low action you might develop string/fret buzz. Give it try. If that happens and you think you'll want/need this long term, you may want your guitar re-set a bit. Also, IMO 80/20s are brighter than Phos Bronz.

80-20's are brighter than PB's, but depending on how often and the hours you play, not for long.

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by BothHands

I bought it used and didn't realize the original owner had enlarged the bridge pin holes for some custom pins. He removed the correct custom pins and swapped back in the originals that are too small in diameter. WuttaJerk...

So I have NO bridge pins. Instead I use a set of little aluminum washers under the bridge. The hole in each washer is slightly smaller than the string's ball end, so each washer keeps the ball end in place under the bridge and connects the string to the bridge acoustically. It works well and sounds good, but is a PIA for string changes.

For the price of a couple of sets of strings, you can have the holes professionally made smaller to fit standard bridge pins. Take the instrument to a professional repair person, spend $30 or so, and have it fixed. It's an easy repair for a professional.

Then, experiment with strings till you find the one's you like.

[MikeBmusic]

Note also that that your nut slots may need to be enlarged to accommodate thicker strings.