Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: Strings for a Gibson 1924 A-1 in "player" condition

  1. #1

    Default Strings for a Gibson 1924 A-1 in "player" condition

    Are EJ-74's to heavy for a 1924 A-1 Snakehead/ What do you folks recommend? I've not put strings on a mandolin of this vintage before.

  2. #2
    Teacher, repair person
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Southeast Tennessee
    Posts
    4,078

    Default Re: Strings for a Gibson 1924 A-1 in "player" condition

    I am more inclined to go just a little lighter. I make up my own sets: 10 1/2 - 14 - 24 - 40.
    The closest packaged set from D'addario is EJ 73.
    It will probably handle EJ 74, but make sure that the brace behind the sound hole is not loose. I do not advise using anything heavier than the 74's.

  3. #3
    Registered User John Rosett's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Missoula, MT
    Posts
    2,092

    Default Re: Strings for a Gibson 1924 A-1 in "player" condition

    I used J-74's on my 1919 A-2 until I decided to switch to J-73's for comfort. The mandolin was fine with the heavier strings, but it turns out that I like the tone better with the lighter ones better.
    "it's not in bad taste, if it's funny" - john waters

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    High Peak - UK
    Posts
    4,171

    Default Re: Strings for a Gibson 1924 A-1 in "player" condition

    Always used J74s on my 23/24 A1. No problems.

  5. #5
    Cafe Linux Mommy danb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 1996
    Location
    Norfolk, England
    Posts
    5,813

    Default Re: Strings for a Gibson 1924 A-1 in "player" condition

    J74s are perfect for a vintage gibson. The original string gauges were quite close to them too!

    I've used them on at least a dozen old gibsons over the years never any problems from the string tension.

    The only warning is if you have a loose top brace, existing cracks etc- in that case get that sorted first !!
    The Mandolin Archive
    my CDs
    "The wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead"

  6. #6
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Gainesville, FL
    Posts
    2,664

    Default Re: Strings for a Gibson 1924 A-1 in "player" condition

    I use Elixir nano web mediums on all my mandolins. These include some 'teens and 20's Gibson A and F models.

  7. #7

    Default Re: Strings for a Gibson 1924 A-1 in "player" condition

    I have been playing Mapes strings on my 1924 Gibson Snakehead A Junior. I like being able to order custom gauges. I have been experimenting with different alloys. Currently have stainless steel on and I am really liking the G and D strings.

  8. #8

    Default Re: Strings for a Gibson 1924 A-1 in "player" condition

    As said before, please make sure the top is healthy before going with the J74s. The top and brace are fine on my Snakehead A Junior, but I prefer going with lighter gauge strings..

  9. The following members say thank you to MandoMan1 for this post:


  10. #9

    Default Re: Strings for a Gibson 1924 A-1 in "player" condition

    Thanks to you all, the jury is still out. I'm leaning toward the 73's based on Johns mention of improved comfort, without sacrifice of sound and the peace of mind that I'm not stressing things. Thanks again.

  11. #10
    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Upstate New York
    Posts
    24,807
    Blog Entries
    56

    Default Re: Strings for a Gibson 1924 A-1 in "player" condition

    I see nothing wrong with the 74's. That would absolutely be my choice, unless there was some issue with the mandolin. I use them on my 1923 A2 snakehead, always have.
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

  12. #11
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Outer Spiral Arm, of Galaxy, NW Oregon.
    Posts
    17,103

    Question Re: Strings for a Gibson 1924 A-1 in "player" condition

    I put 10 ~ 38 on my pre TR '22 A.. 11 ~ 40 on my TR A4 of the same vintage .

    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •