Strings for A 1

[Br1ck]

Had my Gibson for several months now. Pretty much is my Celtic go to, with some fiddle tunes and old time. String suggestions? I have no idea what is on there other than they are J74 gauges. What do you use?

[Vernon Hughes]

j-74

[rcc56]

I make up my own sets for these old oval hole Gibsons. Usually 10 1/2-14-24-40. I also sometimes used the "Sam Bush" set before Gibson discontinued it -- 11-14-25-41. I didn't necessarily like the 41, though.

These days, I am showing a preference for nickel strings.

I don't like to load these old-timers down with too heavy a string. Some of them can't physically handle them, and some of them sound choked.

[Jill McAuley]

I used to use Curt Mangan Bluegrass Medium's on my A-jr, I found them warmer sounding than J74's.

[mandobassman]

I have a ‘24 Gibson A that is in loan from a friend. I’ve had D’Addario EFW74 flatwound strings on it since I’ve had it. They sound great and the lighter tension is a plus for the mandolin.

[Eric Davis]

I've tried a number of different strings on my '25 snakehead and really like the EXP 74s best on it.

[pops1]

I have used normal strings on two old Gibson's for decades now. A 1918 and a '22. One has a truss rod (still have it) the other not (gone to a friend). rcc56 says lower tension strings are better, and I would say they will sound good with these old Gibson's, as they seem to sound good with any pick too. I think where the trouble happens is when they are put in the case for extended periods of time and not played. Playing does several things, one is keeping an eye on the mandolin for changes, two is changing strings , three is enjoying the instrument. Keeping an eye on things and changing strings is important for the survival of the mandolin. Enjoying is important for both you and the mandolin.

[Phil Goodson]

When I had my A2, I used j74s, but switched to a 38 gauge 4th string. Seemed to decrease the 'tubbiness'.

[Eric Platt]

EJ 73 or 74 depending on my mood. My 1910 A seems to like lights better. Also trying some EJ62 right now. They seem to be a good match to this mandolin

On my 1929 A Jr have a set of EJ74 right now, but will probably go back to light at the next string change. Chords are too much of a chore on it with medium, IMO. And there doesn't seem to be any volume increase on this particular instrument. Again, that's me and on this particular instrument. Most of the time mediums will be louder.

[pops1]

I like a very low action and a heavier string will be able to achieve a lower action. I agree that most will sound very fine with any string. Mine is not tubby at all, just warm and deep with great warm highs.

[Randi Gormley]

EJ-74s. In the summer, I use Elixirs nanos to cut down on the corrosion, but they're still medium weight.

[Jon Hall]

I use either Curt Magan medium Monel or Martin medium Monel on my 1918 A2.

[custer]

I have a ‘24 Gibson A that is in loan from a friend. I’ve had D’Addario EFW74 flatwound strings on it since I’ve had it. They sound great and the lighter tension is a plus for the mandolin.

That's what I use on my '17 Gibson A.

[Denny Gies]

I used to use J 74s all the time but switched to Elixir nano coated mediums and really like them on the 1917 A 4.

[Br1ck]

I posted a month ago and still haven't changed strings. Gotta get ctackin'.

[fatt-dad]

I had thomastiks (154st) on my 1920 A3 for years. J-74s and the monel set too.

Right now? I'm using the exp-74cm set. I sort of like the unwound strings a half-tick heavier.

f-d

[Jim Garber]

I use D'Addario NB mediums on my 23 A-2 snakehead. Prior to that I used Sam Bush Monels and before that J-74s. All are good but different tones in each. I think the NBs give me a sort of warmer tone than the Monels but less brash than the J-74s. I am not a big fan of Thomastiks on anything but Lyon & Healy but that is just me. I would try a few different sets and see what appeals to you.