Request Advice: Taylor 415 Jumbo Acoustic, detuning and adding heavier strings

[OneguitarOnevoice]

One of my guitars is a Taylor Jumbo 415, and in the lineup, it does not get played much.  I would like to detune it a whole step, to DGCFAD, and use a bit heavier strings.  Any advice? Can this be done without hurting the top?  Can this be done without needing to enlarge the string grooves at the nut?   I use DAddario 13-56 on my full size guitars. From the website this is 184# of tension.  I also see Daddario 14-59 at full tension of 211#.   Wish I could find a chart for heavy strings tuned down.  Advice welcome. thank you.

[DennisG]

Hi Ron,

I don't have that guitar, but I have a similar situation.  I use my Taylor 114 for open tuning songs; in my case, I have the guitar tuned to open D, which is D-A-D-F#-A-D.  Due to the theoretical decreased string tension, I use medium gauge strings, which brings the tension back up to where the tension would be with standard tuning and light gauge strings.  Or at least close enough to the tension to avoid any issues.  I've been doing this for years without any problems or modifications to the guitar or even any truss rod adjustments.

[Edward]

On a 12string jumbo long ago, I had tuned one full step down with the intent of going one gauge heavier.  Taylor said it was totally fine, and for the several years I had owned it, there were zero issues, and of course sounded great.

So I would guess yes, you'd be fine.  That said, you are thinking of going to 14s, and I would personally call the mothership and ask on that one.  Just in case.  They are quick to respond, and they will give you their definitive answer.  As for the nut slots, that's a "try it and see" thing as a 14set is pretty hefty.

Edward

[Earl]

When I had my 615ce and with several other guitars, I would do exactly that.  Put on 13-56 mediums and tune down a full step to D-d.  If you look up string tensions, lights at E-e are ~165 pounds.  Mediums at D-d are more like 150 pounds (~185 pounds at E-e).  The only downside I've ever found is that any intonation issues become magnified as you go further in this direction, but most Taylor guitars don't have noteable intonation problems.  When I have gone to EJ18 heavy gauge 14-59 and tuned to C-c, intonation is not ideal.

The larger internal volume of the jumbo helps support lower pitches.  Sometimes a given guitar really blooms at that lower tuning, versus sounding a bit "tight" by comparison at E-e.  You might have to slightly widen the nut slots for the slightly thicker strings, but usually not.  I have saved a few inches of the cutoffs when changing strings (or old strings) and used that as a file to slightly and carefully widen the nut slots when needed.  Then color the slot with pencil lead - graphite - as a lube, and Bob's your Uncle.

D'Addario has a tension chart here which can be adjusted for the tuned pitch.  Look up the strings in question then decide which pitch it is tuned to, and it yields a tension in pounds.  You'll have to do some addition.
https://www.daddario.com/globalassets/pdfs/accessories/tension_chart_13934.pdf

[Guitars44me]

First things first… Have you already tuned it down using the strings that are on it?

That is what I do. And it works just fine. Mediums should be plenty to drive the top on a 15 size

One plus for you is that it’s 25 1/2 inch scale. So that’s a little more tension than many grand concerts at 24.75 inches.

Of course, if you’ve already tuned it down and you want more tension, then you probably need to get bigger strings. But I like things a little slinky… Your taste may vary, of course.

Good luck. And good advice above to just call Taylor and ask

[OneguitarOnevoice]

Thanks to all for very good advice, and your care and time to share. I saw one note:  tune down with 13-56 that are on it now and give it a play.  Duh, very good advice.  I'll try that first. 
I asked Daddario and they sent me an updated interactive string tension chart.  It is incredible.  Hopefully linked below.  Daddario PB EJ17 at 13-56, my dread or jumbo string of choice comes in at 184#.  The heavier EJ18 at 14-59 come in at 212# at full tension.  Tuned to DGCFAD, they pull 169#, less than the 13-56.  I have a YB70 Alvarez Baritone that I really like to play.  Hopefully this will sit nicely between a standard and this Baritone.
Many thanks.

https://www.daddario.com/string-tension-pro/

[Guitars44me]

Give it a bit of time, too, as you adjust to the lower tension. Don’t rush to change strings…

You may need to slack the tension on the truss Rod a hair, too

Have FUN

Paul

[OneguitarOnevoice]

Been enjoying the full step down. A Chris Jones song Long After You're Gone starting on Em chord is especially nice and suited to my voice.  Nice deep throaty sound.  The high E sounds a bit wanky, probably due to excess age.  Per advice here, I'll give it a few weeks then go to a heavy guage string.  Brought this guitar back to regular use.

[Earl]

I have grown fond of the "one step down" D-d tuning.  Some of my guitars really like the lower pitches, and it makes singing certain songs easier, especially during allergy season [sniff].  I now keep one guitar in this tuning wearing medium gauge strings all the time.  It also means that my baritone guitar gets very little time out of the case.