Tuning a half step down

[Stomp]

Originally Posted by Slothead56

OP here. Thanks for the feedback.

I tuned down a half step on the OM 21(rosewood), the OM42K (Koa) and the old rosewood Gurian jumbo with the loooonnnnggg scale. First, I got what a needed vocally. Going to help a lot.

The big surprise is the the 40 year old Gurian is ringing like a bell! It sounds utterly fantastic. Like I’ve never heard it before. Can’t explain it (I’m sure someone here can) but it has absolutely come alive. Same strings i’ve always used. Really remarkable.

Resonant nodal characteristics can vary from guitar to guitar (regardless of brand or model).
They're individually unique organic wooden structures after all, and IMO its always worth tuning around "Chladni style" to see if a guitar comes alive at a point above or below a given concert pitch.
That's my theory anyway.

I also have a Gurian (1977 J-M), they're very fine guitars

[s2y]

I'd tune it and see. A 1/2 step doesn't bother me. I feel like DADGAD warrants a heavier high A and D on my rig with my technique.

[fuman]

I wouldn't go heavier than 13s for a half-step drop, unless you're playing a short-scale guitar. Even then I doubt I would do it. I have had my Taylor go almost perfectly "out of tune" a half step with new strings, and you can't really feel the difference.

I played with a guy in church who always kept his guitar in Eb. He just liked the feel better, and it was easy for him to capo up. We got a lot of stuff in Ab, other odd keys, and it was easier for him than it was for me.