MM Blues 28 tuned up to Open E and A?

[jodygc50]

Is it safe / advisable to tune my MM Blues 28 up from Open D to Open E using D'Addario EJ17 medium gauge strings - .56, .45, .35, .26, .17 and the high e (normally .13) swapped for a .15? I Same question for tuning Open G up to Open A? Or should I use the capo? Thanks!

By the way, I sold my National Tricone Polychrome last Spring and replaced in with the MMB28 and it's the best guitar move (out of too many to count since I started playing in 1970) I ever made! The wood tone is warm, punchy and strong, the guitar is such a comfortable small body - just a joy to play. I'm loosing some calluses on my fretting fingers cuz I haven't played my regular acoustic in months...this slide stuff is addicting!

Thanks Michael - great guitar!!

[jono1uk]

My recommendation especially with those gauges would be to use a capo .but i would wait for an expert to reply .

[Michael Messer]

Hi Jodygc50,

Thank you for your kind words. I am pleased that you are happy with your MMB28 guitar.

All my tests with strings and MM Guitars have been done with Newtone strings. Having said that, my tests were much more brutal than open E and A.

I have tested all four models of MM Guitars with high tunings and medium gauge strings, usually with a 15 on the top (56 46 36 26 17 15).

Bearing in mind that round core strings (Newtones) tune to pitch at slightly less tension, I have not had any problems at all. A properly built resonator guitar with a shallow break angle should be able to take high tunings without any problems.

While those tunings and strings will not harm your guitar, for my personal taste when they are tuned up, especially open A, they do feel a little tight and maybe choke the sound a little.

I think you should experiment and see how they feel. If you are worried about damaging the guitar, which I am not, at first after playing in high tunings just tune it back down. After a while you will be confident and leave it in the high tuning.

Much of the fear about doing this comes from people talking about vintage 1920s and 30s National and Dobro guitars. It also comes from manufacturers saying that anything above a certain gauge and tuning might harm your guitar. They are just protecting themselves. I am sure your guitar will be fine, but if I am wrong, I will repair or replace your MMB28.

I don't believe that guitars should be abused, but I do believe that within reason they should work for you and do whatever you need them to do. These are not priceless antique/vintage guitars, they are working tools and are built to be used.

I hope that is helpful

Shine On
Michael.

[jodygc50]

Very helpful Michael. I play D and G most often and only have occasional need for higher tunings. Good point on the string tension affecting playability. I'll experiment slowly but with more confidence after your comments. Thanks again.