Tuning down to C Vestapol

[Pickers Ditch]

I've got a hankering for tuning my old Triolian down to C Vestapol to match ny voice.

There's a set of MM Monel 16 -59s on order and I'm wondering if there's anything untoward I should be aware of or look out for.

....I need a bit of reassurance, I s'pose.

Thanks, PD.

[bonzo]

Hi PD, I use that tuning CGCEGC on my Duolian to match my voice (when I'm alone)! It also puts less strain on the neck. I use monel strings but I'm not expert enough to express an opinion on them compared to any other strings.

Best wishes to you all, John

[Michael Messer]

Hi PD,

A set of 16/59 MMs will be absolutely fine tuned down to C Vestapol (CGCEGC) and F Spanish (CFCFAC). II don't do it anymore because we change as we grow older, but back in the early and mid 90s I used 16/59s on my early 30s Duolian and style 4 round neck tricone, and they were both tuned to D Vestapol and G Spanish. I did hundreds of gigs with them.

Shine On
Michael

[bonzo]

Out of interest Michael what gauge and tunings are you currently using?

[Michael Messer]

Mar 14, 2020 10:37:01 GMT bonzo said:

Out of interest Michael what gauge and tunings are you currently using?

15/56 on all my guitars. Tunings are variations of D Vestapol and G Spanish. I use 15/56s on everything, round neck, square neck, resonator, electric, etc.

The only guitar I string and tune differently is my 12 string, which is 15/59 tuned down to B and C Vestapol, and E and F Spanish. When I want to use the 12 string in D and G I string it with 13/56. Occasionally, if I am using a very low tuning on a six string I may go to 16/59s.

Shine On
Michael

[bonzo]

Thanks Michael, is that for neck safety and ease of playing? Would you mind letting us know the B tuning you use please, I'd like to give it a go!

[Michael Messer]

Mar 14, 2020 10:54:06 GMT bonzo said:

Thanks Michael, is that for neck safety and ease of playing? Would you mind letting us know the B tuning you use please, I'd like to give it a go!

John, It is more for feel than neck safety. I am just so used to those gauges and I like that feel on all my guitars.

The B tuning is a Vestapol tuning, so it is the same as D tuning, but down to B.

Here's a chart with each tuning down a whole tone from the one above it. The A and G tunings in Vestapol are pretty slack, but do eventually settle. Willie McTell recorded a few pieces in these very low A and G tunings on a 12 string guitar. Also Smith Casey's wonderful slide piece, East Texas Rag, is tuned in B Vestapol, played on a six string guitar.

E B E G# B E

D A D F# A D

C G C E G C

B F# B D# F# B

A E A C# E A

G D G B D G

Phew....that got my little grey cells going!

Shine On
Michael

[bonzo]

Thanks Michael, I was thinking of the B tuning for a 12 string. I'll give it a go right now for my new song 'Isolation Blues'! Lol!

Best wishes and good health to you all, John

[blueshome]

Willie McTell tuned as low as Ab, I normally tune to Bb or A for his songs.
Josh White in the 30’s play ed out of Vasterpol down to C, Ari Eisinger does this for his version of a White number using his usual 12-52. I’ve tried this on my Style 0 and also on my old ladder braced instruments - very effective.
I occasionally tune my resos down to C vasterpol for effect on certain songs or if playing with another guitarist. This with 15-56.

[Pickers Ditch]

Jobe done - Triolian restrung and tuned to C.

It sounds great but my voice hasn't improved much yet.

[Pickers Ditch]

A week later and all has settled down.

What a difference this has made.

I'm not sure if it's the tuning down to C or it's the strings but my guitar is noticeably louder, easier to control and the resonance is incredible. Full vibrations felt through the body, cover plate, bridge cover and most of all the neck.

I've never noticed this before - not even my fat belly damps it on the back.

Opinions?

[lacerta]

I think it could be due to the tension coming the come. I had always used very heavy strings, as per the recommendations in the Brozman book. One time when I didn't have any heavy ones I put some regular mediums (13s) on and it opened up just as you describe.