GHS PF135: JD Crowe Signature Stage (10-11-12-20w-10)
GHS PF140: JD Crowe Signature Studio (9.5-11-12-20w-9.5)
Does anyone know why the 1st and 5th strings are different between these sets? There's got to be a reason for it.
In a nutshell, the 'stage' 10s can handle a more agressive attack (i.e. playing live)
The 'studio' 9.5s require a super light touch....(i.e. in a studio setting)
Make no mistake tho, both sets are extremely light in a general sense.
I would not describe them as "very light". They are listed as Medium-Light by the GHS folks.
Marketing.
Hello,
Didn’t Earl Scruggs opine that he used a heavier gage string to record with than on stage? He claimed it reduced string slap. Less energetic movements are the results of thicker strings.
Edited by - Aradobanjo on 11/16/2022 03:01:01
Crowe is a right hand man. I go along with the idea that he just plays harder on a stage particularly an outdoor one than in studio where engineers are adjusting the level.
What I could never understand about the studio set is the 9.5 ga 5th string—it sure didn't work for me, and I have a light touch, but use 11 ga for the 5th string and 22 for the 4th! He must have a really light thumb strike, although in Masters of the 5 String Banjo he said he uses a heavy National thumbpick. He also says he uses a Presto tailpiece with just enough pressure to keep the bridge down.
I would also suggest that 9.5s break easier when playing on stage. 10s might not?
quote:
Originally posted by randybartlettI would not describe them as "very light". They are listed as Medium-Light by the GHS folks.
Have you used the studios or stages at all?
quote:
Originally posted by AradobanjoHello,
Didn’t Earl Scruggs opine that he used a heavier gage string to record with than on stage? He claimed it reduced string slap. Less energetic movements are the results of thicker strings.
These are supposedly JD Crowe specs. Jim Mills also uses these.
quote:
Originally posted by Ken LeVanCrowe is a right hand man. I go along with the idea that he just plays harder on a stage particularly an outdoor one than in studio where engineers are adjusting the level.
What I could never understand about the studio set is the 9.5 ga 5th string—it sure didn't work for me, and I have a light touch, but use 11 ga for the 5th string and 22 for the 4th! He must have a really light thumb strike, although in Masters of the 5 String Banjo he said he uses a heavy National thumbpick. He also says he uses a Presto tailpiece with just enough pressure to keep the bridge down.
He used a blue chip thumbpick for a long time after that.
J.D. played Bell Brand strings while they were still available. If I remember correctly they had 9.5 1sts and 5ths. He threw away the 4th string and replaced it with a Gibson wound 3rd. They were great strings.
Chuno I have used both sets. I tend to prefer the Stage gauge. But I'll use either if that's what I have ready.
When recording, the sound engineer has some input as to what he feels is the best sound. The musicians work with him/her to accommodate his/her recommendations. We all know each instrument has its own voice that is influenced by many factors, the strings being just one if those factors in the equation. So, maybe it’s as simple using the string weight that is most suitable for the best sound of the instrument.
