Experiences with J74's on a big muddy?

[RobP]

Looking for feedback on how big muddy's hold up to J74's.

Medium Lights are recommended: 11 16 24 38 (GHS makes a set like this)

J74s are: 11 15 26 40

I have found some older cafe threads, from a decade ago. Any recent experiences, especially if you noticed performance degradation over time?

Thanks

Rob

[Explorer]

Two points:

You're adding a net 10 lbs. to the instrument.

Loading down a top leads to the top being less able to vibrate. This is especially true of lightly built instruments like the Big Muddy.

Sure, a lot of instruments are overbuilt. Heavier strings can drive them better, and there's no great danger to the heavy structure. But a lot of people then assume that if loading up an overbuilt instrument is good, then doing so to something light and responsive must be good as well!

My bit of advice, counterintuitive to what your logic might be, is go *lower*. String up with light strings.

Or extra light strings.

Or even GHS Ultra Lights.

People who have tried my personal instruments are often surprised at their being loud *and* super easy to play with a light touch.

----

What are you hoping to achieve with stringing heavier than recommended by the actual builder?

[Charles E.]

I use the D'Addario EJ73 set on one of my mandolins and like them quite a bit. Gauges are 10-14-24-38.

[pheffernan]

Medium Lights are recommended: 11 16 24 38 (GHS makes a set like this)

GHS makes two sets like this, the A260’s in phosphor bronze and the PF250’s in bright bronze, and I’m pretty sure that Mike Dulak installs the latter from the bench. I had no experience going heavier with my Mid-Mo M0.

[ed allen]

I've put J74's on my Big Muddy HR-1 since I got it 10 years ago without any issues. - Ed

[JeffD]

I have a Big Muddy M-11 and I am running J74s. It is the type of strings that it had when I got it, so I just haven't changed. As mentioned above, no issues.

I like the tone of the M-11. Mine seems to my taste a little less brassy sounding some of the Big Muddy offerings, and that is one thing I do love about it. (I cannot claim the "warmer" sound is due to the medium strings, as the instrument is all mahogany, which also affects the sound).

[Bob Gnann]

Can't help you regarding the J74 strings. But just as reference I put GHS A250 phosphor bronze light on my MidMo M2 tonight. The M2 is maple body / spruce top and these lighter strings work nicely to complement the brightness of this combination.
I've gone one step lighter on all my strings to accommodate my aging hands. For instance where I used to use mediums, I now use medium lights. Medium lights, I now use lights. Especially on a flat top like the MidMo you might want give light gauge strings a try. Seems to work well for me.

[J.C. Bryant]

I love Big Muddy Mandolins! Mike is a super fellow too. I like the Silk & Bronze strings of GHS. (LSB-250 11-16-26-40 A lot!

[Greg Connor]

I have a Big Muddy with 11s. I’ve never used anything else on it. I might be missing something but I know from experience that light electric guitar strings, for example, drive me crazy. I tend to push them out of tune while playing. My Martin Dreadnaughts all have 13s. (Recommended by the company).

I guess we all eventually find our nirvana.