Considerations for a drop-tuned build

[Bob Matthews]

-- gauges to be determined "by your ear".

I agree in principle, but there is a massive difference for a player between say 10's and 13's - some like light gauge and some like heavy, so I believe the gauge should be per-determined and the guitar built to suit the strings.

Bob

[Dave Bagwill]

I do get carried away with theorizing :-) it adds spice to my day in the shop. One good benefit of a theory is, it questions the status quo and either changes the paradigm or shows why the paradigm is (for now) the best we have.

Anyway, it is a fact that a dropped open tuning decreases the tension on the top (which affects the top's responsiveness for good or for ill), and can also cause string buzzing. A capo is often the remedy, and though it is a compromise, maybe it is the easiest path. I'm going to think a little more about this when I get some time.

Thanks for the input.

[ken cierp]

To be clear I am not talking about the players preference of "lights" -- " X lights" -- "Mediums" 10' 11' 12' 13's etc. I am talking about having to change individual strings in the set to get the sound and feel that the player ultimately wants. There's some guy I think zog? that has made a business of this practice -- if memory serves, he's pretty cheesy, but his point is valid -- I have made some pretty crappy instruments sound and play better with a correct string combination match up.

[ken cierp]

This guy has taken it to the edge

http://www.yamamotoguitar.com/

I've read several articles focusing on his accomplishments -- seems he is widely respected in the field.

[Dave Bagwill]

Now that is some interesting stuff. He throws in everything but the kitchen sink, at a reasonable price compared to some of those yahoos.
Looks like a zero fret on all models?

Is that a different scale for EACH string?? Woo-hoo!. Good times, probably a snap to build. Not.

[ken cierp]

I had not noticed that feature -- I believe by trade he is an engineer -- given the "no brainer" repeatably and precision of the Zero Fret I can understand why he made that choice. I am personally trending that way as well. I still have that tiny bit of appearance "non-acceptance" thing in my head.