[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by bfloyd6969

Hard to do with the open D string...

Hi Bryan…
I play in Dropped D about half the time.

Not saying strings may not help, fresh strings certainly sustain better than worn ones. But unless you increase mass of the bridge/saddle, you will not improve sustain...that's pretty inherent with the design of the instrument. I don't find string weight really impacts sustain in measurable ways.

I've not found bridge pins which add to mass without affecting tone as well (think brass). I think someone sells Titanium pins, and they might have better results on the tone than the brass do (they sound 'brassy'). If you don't have a bone saddle, that certainly might help some too in the clarity department.

I choose guitars up front for their ability to sustain since it greatly impacts my playing style. It is one of the must-have characteristics for my guitars. Sometimes if a guitar is a bit gutless, then I use a thumb pick to pick up the level and attack of the bass.