J-45 drop D bass response

Haych

Sorry, couldn't really think what else to use for a title.

OK, my J-45 is a wonderful thing and I love it to bits.  However, I'm not historically much of an acoustic player.  Iv'e dabbled over the years and have no issue playing acoustic even if I am ham fisted in my approach.

So, I'm looking for some advice on how to get the best out of the guitar.

Mostly, it's fine, but at the moment I am trying to learn a piece in drop D, with a capo at the 5th fret.  Knopfler's Marbletown - I doubt I'll ever be able to play it anything like close to the record but to a non player I think it sounds reasonably passable as a representation.

The top end and midrange sounds great but the bass, especially that open G on the 6th string sounds a bit flat and wooly.

I'm using Elixir nano web 12-53 phosphor bronze strings in case that helps any.

I've changed my capo from the otherwise superb G7 capo to el cheapo Amazon capo and that has helped a little, although it brings tuning issues to the party.

Would heavier strings be the way to go, maybe a heavier bottom, or might that cause issues with the top?  The fretted G on the low E string sounds ok when at concert pitch, so I'm wondering if the string at lower tension isn't quite enough to be as bold as notes on other strings?

Overall I think the guitar sounds better with PB strings compared with 80/20 but am willing to try any suggestions just to get that extra few % out of it - I can feel that it's there, I'm just not quite getting the best out of it.

TIA

Tannin

Simply, short scale, drop-D = trouble. 

With the short scale you are already pushing the limits. Drop-D on top of that is a bridge too far. 

Probably your best bet is to tune to F and then your "drop D" becomes "drop Eb". That ought to work.

victorludorum

Thicker strings should do it, but then you might have issues with the nut slots if you go too big.

bertie

use two capo's   -  fully capo the 3rd, then capo just the top 5 at the 5th.   --  might not work for you but I tend to do that rather than lower the tension on the low E   -   

Something I found with the 12th fret parlor (with 12s)  is that lowering the tension, even a semi tone, while on 14th fretters it can add low-end fullness  - was bloody awful, no punch,  sounded like using dirty strings

ICBM

Try a 56 gauge low E (D).

J-45s just don't have the sort of tight and punchy low-end that will work well with a 53 tuned down to D.

stickyfiddle

^^ As above - low 56 or even a full set of 13s. 

ElectricXII

@Haych I've got a J-35 with Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze 12-53 strings, so a very similar guitar to yours and strung with identical strings. I've just tried it in Drop D with a Planet Waves capo and the bass strings sound absolutely fine. 

Haych

ElectricXII said:

@Haych I've got a J-35 with Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze 12-53 strings, so a very similar guitar to yours and strung with identical strings. I've just tried it in Drop D with a Planet Waves capo and the bass strings sound absolutely fine. 

The open D sounds fine, it's just the capo'd G at the 5th that sound a little bit wooly.  It's probably me being overly fussy.

I'll try some heavier strings and see if that changes anything.

Ta much for all the help, everyone.

BigPaulie

Elixir 16077

dallcorp

Try playing the same piece with the capo at 4th fret and then again at the 6th fret? Is the 6th string still "wooly" sounding? You may have a low or worn 5th fret around the 6th string and the capo isn't able to make enough downward pressure on the string to fret that note properly?

dallcorp

Something you could also investigate with a metal straight edge?

Winny_Pooh

Rosewood Martins with longer scales are really best for dropped tunings.

A J-45 will do it, but dont expect piano clarity.
Is the neck straight enough? Some guitars with too much relief in the neck can sound more flubby in the lows.

dallcorp

Another possibility is that your capo is worn?
If the different capo made a perceivable improvement? I've a fancy capo that I can swap out the rubber piece in contact with the strings to match the radius of the fingerboard/frets. It's noticeable when I forget to swap it back between my Martin and my J45. ( The Martin has a flatter profile fingerboard.)

tomjax

I use 13-56s on my J45 (DR Dragon Skins) and I find they work brilliantly and really make the guitar sing. All my other guitars are on 12-53 or lower and I don't notice the extra tension too much on the J45.