I also own a loud Lowden but it is a bit older ('85 or '86) and I string it with a D'Addario Bluegrass light set (12 -56) mostly because the low 6th string is always tuned down to D. Like L&UR's mine is outfitted with a Duncan SA2 pickup which delivers a very natural sound at volume levels that aren't excessive but I also use it with a Shure SM 57 which is the way I like to hear it most when sound reinforcement is necessary. Just my 2 cents. Good luck, vl.