Best strings for old archtop

[Doctor Jeff]

I recently got a 50-y.o. Silvertone archtop. It has a decent sound, in great shape except the neck action is a little high. I sanded down the rosewood bridge as much as possible and adjusted it to the point I don't get any fret buzzing. (This improved the tone considerably BTW.) The action is still a little high to my preference, but short of a neck reset I'll have to live with it.

I put on D'Addario Jazz Light flatwounds (11-gauge) and the sound is quite good. I'm wondering if lighter gauge strings would be better given the fact it's acoustic and has a high action. Also, would this give more of a traditional old-fashioned jazz sound?

[mr. beaumont]

is it all acoustic, or is there a pickup?

if it's sans pickup, you might consider a light set of bronze wounds or half wounds...I'd definitely say, if you're worried about that (likely trussrod-less) neck, lighter the better if the actions high...granted there will be a tradeoff in volume, but i assume it's for enjoyment at home rather than a big band gig?

[Doctor Jeff]

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

is it all acoustic, or is there a pickup?

Yep, it's acoustic, although I've thought of trying a cheap transducer pickup just for the heck of it.

I may try some Thomastick-Infeld Jazz Extra-Lights (.010) when I get a chance.

Thanks for the advice.