
philboyd studge
New member
I've got three archtops and use three different setups. The Gibson ES 150D uses Elixer medium lights (11's) with very low action and feels a bit more comfortable than when I had 10's on it. The '42 L-50 uses regular old Martin bronze acoustic lights and for the Eastman 810CE after many sets of strings seeking an acoustic/amplified compromise, finally settled on Elixer electric mediums (12-52).
Overall, I just don't think archtops bode well with lighter strings and that you need to get the body vibrating some to get those overtones coming in.
Overall, I just don't think archtops bode well with lighter strings and that you need to get the body vibrating some to get those overtones coming in.