String set for open D roundneck conversion?

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

I have my uncle's old Truetone/Kay N body archtop six string that I've been pushing around for some time. The action is pretty high, so I put a raised nut on it and tuned it to open D [D A D F# A D lo to hi] so I can have an alternate tuned instrument for lap style playing.

It still has the old strings on it and they're pretty light, so I'm wanting to find a set that will work with this tuning and won't distort the neck. I'd like to find an appropriate set that will work rather than having to build a set.

I would appreciate advise from anyone who's done this on a roundneck guitar.

I've looked around online at some of the charts etc. but really haven't found anything specific for this app.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

David Knutson · From: Cowichan Valley, Canada

I have an old Yamaha flat top that I did the same thing to, for the same reasons, also in D tuning. I have a set of D'Addario medium (J-17s) on it and all seems well. The strings are firm enough and no apparent problems with the neck or top. I don't know how much different arch-top construction is, but that might be a place to start.
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David K

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Thanks David. Except for the first string, very similar to the EJ 42 dobro G set. I have lots of .013 spares, and a couple sets of EJ42, so I might try that.

I don't know how the archtop construction compares either. I'll have to have a look inside for bracing etc.

Thanks again.

Michael Maddex · From: Northern New Mexico, USA

Jerry, I used to have an old Silvertone Flattop set up that way with the riser nut. I liked the John Pearse Phosphor Bronze Reso Set #3100 on there. If I was going to use it with a Magnetic Soundhole Pickup, I liked the Martin Bluegrass M980 Nickel strings for that. I believe that Martin may have discontinued that Set. If so, the John Pearse #3000 Nickel Set is similar but was more expensive.

HTH. Good luck in your search. Cool

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"For every expert, there is an equal and opposite expert." -- Arthur C. Clarke

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Thanks Michael. Always good to have your input. I haven't examined the construction yet, but this old archtop's top may be stamped or possibly carved and I don't know how much stress it will stand. I will certainly check out your suggestions. I may end up going with a standard tuning medium set.

This old axe came with a mounted pickup and VT controls from the factory and the electronics work fine, so I may opt for an alloy that will work for both acoustic and electric.

I think Unc bought this guitar and 1482 Silvertone amp around the same time, late 60's.

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