Tech: Do you think it wise

Subject: Tech: Do you think it wise
From: scouse
Date: 22 May 07 - 11:56 AM

I have a old Lowden S5 built around 1984.I got it in 1989. I wondering if it would be wise to put medium gauge strings on it or should I stay with the light. whotchaa think??
As Aye,
Phil.

Subject: RE: Tech: Do you think it wise
From: Peace
Date: 22 May 07 - 12:08 PM

Strange request. Why change if you're used to the lights?

Subject: RE: Tech: Do you think it wise
From: scouse
Date: 22 May 07 - 12:38 PM

to begin...I'm just wonderin' if the neck could stand it..
As Aye,
Phil

Subject: RE: Tech: Do you think it wise
From: Grab
Date: 22 May 07 - 01:44 PM

The Cult of Lowden group regularly has George Lowden answering questions himself. Asking there would be a better plan (although there's some from there who are also Mudcatters). They can also advise on whether it would improve or detract from the tone.

But I don't see why the neck shouldn't stand it. The weakest point there is the neck-body joint, and Lowdens are famous for being over-engineered on that. More likely if things are really going to go wrong would be the saddle parting company (especially on a pinless bridge) but that's very rare too. Realistically, the worst that'd happen is that it might pull the neck in slightly, requiring some truss rod tweaking by your local friendly guitar tech.

Graham.