Strings on a teens Gibson "A"

[Russ Donahue]

Hey Folks. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of a 1917 Gibson A (today!). Any reason I shouldn't put a set of J74s on the instrument?

[fatt-dad]

I've used J-74 on my 1920 A3 for decades. Just recently put the T-I Starks on it (heavies). They are lighter than J-74's though.

f-d

[Russ Donahue]

Thanks fatt-dad!

[mandobassman]

As long as it's in good shape, structurally. I had a 1924 Gibson A that I played as my main mandolin for 15 years and used GHS Silk and Steel's on it. They're about the same tension as J-74's. Never had a problem.

[Ray(T)]

I asked much the same question when I got my '15 A and I've had J74's on it ever since. The beefy short neck helps but make sure that the top isn't on it's way south.

[Pete Martin]

Mona Steel (Gibson Sam Bush)

[mandroid]

GHS Silk and Bronze would be OK My 22 had LS 250s , going for LSB 250's next, myself..