DADGAD and string choice

[TBman]

I like the Elixir HD set also. In the past I used to use Pierre Bensusan's DADGAD set, but I didn't really care for the 56 6th string as it didn't take to a capo that well.

[Londonlefty]

I’ve got Martin Retro Monels on my D15 in DADGAD and it sounds fantastic, really full sound

[zuzu]

Martin Retro Monel medium on my alt tuned guitars

[abn556]

+1 on Martin Monels for alt tuned guitars. I also have one with D’Addario PB strings that sound good as well. I use DADGAD, CGCFCE, and Open G tunings.

[PineMarten]

I've been a little reluctant to try Monel on this guitar, as I'd used them on another guitar and got the feeling of slightly leaner bass than with phosphor bronze or 80/20, and I'm not sure if that's a thing the Eastman needs. At the moment I still just have a set of light Darco 80/20 on there.

[abn556]

Originally Posted by PineMarten

I've been a little reluctant to try Monel on this guitar, as I'd used them on another guitar and got the feeling of slightly leaner bass than with phosphor bronze or 80/20, and I'm not sure if that's a thing the Eastman needs. At the moment I still just have a set of light Darco 80/20 on there.

The guitar is Sapele back and sides right? So maybe a little more treble end than a mahogany backed OM. I could see that perhaps XS strings might be a good match for you. I have a XS set on my 000-18 and they sound really good in DADGAD. There is a difference in the guitars, but the wood types are similar.

[sdelsolray]

Originally Posted by Jimi2

I usually use hybrid sets of Daddario XS, half medium, half light like you describe.

I’m wondering though -have you used the Santa Cruz sets with .061, and if so, did you need to widen that nut slot?

No, I haven’t widened the 6th string nut slot on the two guitars I’ve used the .061” 6th string from the SCGC DADGAD sets. It sits about .001" or .002” higher than a .056” string. The tension of their .061” string is about the same as many others’ .056” string.

[Glennwillow]

The Eastman E1OM has a 24.9" scale (short) as opposed to the 25.4" scale of many guitars. So dropping the tuning for DADGAD will result in very floppy strings. I do think that medium strings (13s) would be something to try for DADGAD tuning on your guitar.

- Glenn

[abn556]

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

The Eastman E1OM has a 24.9" scale (short) as opposed to the 25.4" scale of many guitars. So dropping the tuning for DADGAD will result in very floppy strings. I do think that medium strings (13s) would be something to try for DADGAD tuning on your guitar.

- Glenn

I’ve got short scale guitars tuned to DADGAD and to CGCFCE and don’t have any issues. In DADGAD, I can play hard with a Primetone pick with no floppy issues. Might be your setup is an issue with the lower tunings.

The only thing I will say about the CGCFCE tuning is that when your strings get dead you notice it immediately in that tuning.

[PineMarten]

Originally Posted by abn556

I’ve got short scale guitars tuned to DADGAD and to CGCFCE and don’t have any issues. In DADGAD, I can play hard with a Primetone pick with no floppy issues. Might be your setup is an issue with the lower tunings.

The only thing I will say about the CGCFCE tuning is that when your strings get dead you notice it immediately in that tuning.

I don't mind the 0.054" low string at D, I use drop D a lot on any guitar so I've got quite used to lightening up with my thumb. It's the 1st and 2nd string that seem a bit puny with lights in DADGAD for me.

[abn556]

This may be a bit off your original topic, but I have noticed that dreads seem to have much better tonal quality on lower alt tunings than smaller bodied guitars given the same string brand and size on each guitar.