#1
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Banner L-50 string gauge
Hello, first time posting here.
I recently picked up a early 40's banner L-50. I've been looking for one for awhile. I wanted a vintage 16" fully carved gibson and obviously couldn't afford a 20's L-5 (who can?) So this was the next best thing. However it does not have a truss rod, and I cannot seem to see any hint of a V or maple rod inside it, though I could be mistaken. There has been some minor top drop in the past but it has been checked by a luthier and the braces are secure and tight. I wonder if any of you could help me determine if I should baby it or not with string gauge. I prefer to use mediums on my archtops most of the time. I have also quite enjoyed thomastik plectrum 12-59's despite how pricey they are. I don't want to hurt it any more than I have to though. Any advice from banner experts out there as to the strength of their necks (and tops) would be much appreciated. Pics for reference. |
#2
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Tough question. I use light (52-12s) on several 30s and 40 archtops without truss rods. I use mediums on archtops from the 40s and 50s with truss rods (adjustable or not). You might consider mediums and tune the guitar down half a step.
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#3
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Thanks for the reply, maybe I will just stick with the plectrums for now. Their total tension is about 170 which isn't far off lights anyway. I do like their sound but I'd really like a 13/17 on the E/B.
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#4
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Not a banner expert, but I have a fair share of experience with archtops from this era:
__________________
"Mistaking silence for weakness and contempt for fear is the final, fatal error of a fool" - Sicilian proverb (paraphrased) |
#5
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Quote:
The rosewood crossbar definitely adds a different dynamic with some lovely harmonics and sustain that fade a bit if you wrap a mute around the strings behind the bridge, and like the l7 you mentioned it seems to have very nice overall bass to it. It does seem quite lightly built, with exception of the neck which is pleasantly heavy. There was some talk with the person I got it from about correcting the top and they had been in contact with the people at archtop.com who recommended to ensure bracing is secure and crack free and then to leave it alone. I'm glad it was left alone because like the L7 you mentioned I don't think it has done anything bad at all to the tone. The neck joint is fine and the neck block is clean and solid. I'm going to have to sit and think about installing a truss rod. The thought terrifies me to be honest! I'll have a talk with the tech about it though. Any thoughts on the heel itself? Were these thinner rounder heels common at the time compared to the flatter wide one? |
#6
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Quote:
__________________
"Mistaking silence for weakness and contempt for fear is the final, fatal error of a fool" - Sicilian proverb (paraphrased) |
#7
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Thanks for some great info!
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