Epi Archtop help!

rgrice · April 2018

String decisions to make! Using Dearmond single coil sometimes with sometimes without K&K Definity. Sometimes just acoustically with condenser mic! Advice?

Russell Letson · April 2018

I just restrung a modern-voiced 17" archtop with Martin Retro (monel) mediums, and the acoustic sound is pretty close to what I'm used to hearing with phosphor bronze. This guitar has a old DeArmond-built single-coil, and on Monday night I'll find out how that combination stacks up against my stock Eastman 805/Kent Armstrong rig with Thomastik BeBop mediums, which I like a lot.

I've tried the Retros before and liked the plugged-in result, but recall that they don't last anywhere near as long on the acoustic side as the Thomastiks have so far (which is just as well, since the Ts run $21+/set.)

Another possibility for a guitar what will sometimes go acoustic is a DR Zebra set--alternate windings of bronze and nickel, so the pickup gets driven evenly across wounds and unwounds. I've found the sound acceptable, though again the acoustic sound seems to age quickly.

Another interesting option for acoustic/magnetic that I'll try eventually: D'Addario Nickel Bronze.

Bones · April 2018

Looks pretty cool RG. Congrats!

rgrice · April 2018

@Russell Letson I’ve heard good things about the Monels and they’ll be the first I try. Also on Thomastiks and Zebras. Good advice thanks!
Most y’all about using 13s but dang that’s gonna shock my fingers that have only played Argentine 11s for several years.

@Bones thanks. I’m really excited about this box!

Jazzaferri · April 2018

I use Thomastik Flat wound Jazz lights on my Gretsch Nice balance of volume on the pickup

Bones · April 2018

Hey RG, what are some dimensions? Lower bout, side height including binding, scale length? How is the tone for rhythm and leads?

thanks

Russell Letson · April 2018

The photo looks like an AR610, so it's a 17" with mahogany back and sides. The pickup and tailpiece are add-ons (by the looks, a DeArmond 1100 repro and Kluson respectively), and the pickguard doesn't match the current Eastman shape. Specs for the 610 are here:

https://www.eastmanguitars.com/ar610