Sorry, Ed, I wasn't quite so clear as I should have been - I was referring to the so-called professionals who get more gigs than I do (miaow!) and are paid handsomely for it.

The 'old pitch' that Pete Seeger (and others) used originates from the days when guitart construction and string manufacture didn't allow for a 12-string to be tuned to the same pitch as a 6-string. If you like it that way, there's no reason on earth why you shouldn't stick with it - as long as you use strings of an appropriate guage, or it will be very hard to keep in tune!

Not sure about tuning a tone lower than concert - I've never done it, nor do I know anyone else who has (okay, now I'll get shot down in flames!!).

My 30-odd year old Yamaha FG260 has always been tuned to 'standard' pitch, and is none the worse for it - a lovely old guitar!

My preference is for Kaman's Adamas 1616 strings - though I can't find anyone here in the UK that stocks them any more since JHS stopped importing them. I've only one spare set left... don't suppose anyone in the US could arrange for me to buy a box full (12 sets, I think)? Kaman aren't interested in such a small order.