Type of strings?

[Nick Triesch]

Hi. I know I asked this many years ago but strings have changed over the years. What strings do you folks think are best for my old (in good shape) 23 Gibson A type? Do you think J74s are too heavy? I don't play it very often but I would like to again. Thank you very much, Nick

[Dave Hanson]

I play a 1917 Gibson A with J74s, no problem at all.

Dave H

[GBG]

1916 A-1, J74's sound real good.

[David Horovitz]

I have an old set of Gibson strings I just changed out for a fresh set that might work for your old Gibson http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Ken Waltham]

I use J74's on all the old Gibsons I get.
They work great and sound great.

[Bob A]

A vote here for PF250. Older instruments can sound as well with somewhat lighter strings, IMHO.

[cooper4205]

have you tried the ghs bobby osborne med/light strings?

[Pete Martin]

Monels.

[Ira Chavis]

I was told not to use anything more than a J62 on my 1920 A-3, too much tension on neck. Is this an old wives tale or can i go for the j74's?

[Ken Waltham]

I've put J74's on every old Gibson I've owned with no ill effects. And they sound the best to me.
Ken

[dan@kins]

I use the monel strings as well.....

[mythicfish]

I use the GHS 250's as well. Not so much for the neck ... they're pretty stout.
I have some top sinkage on mine that's been stable for 20+ years, and I'd like to keep it that way.

Curt