Stella Guitars, those charming relics from the 1950s and 60s, evoke a distinct era of music. Often found tucked away in attics or at estate sales, these parlor-sized instruments, while not high-end, possess a unique character that appeals to players seeking a retro acoustic blues sound. If you’ve rediscovered a Stella guitar and are eager to bring it back to life, one of the first questions you’ll face is: what strings should I use? This article delves into the nuances of stringing a vintage Stella, drawing inspiration from a lively forum discussion amongst guitar enthusiasts.
Understanding the Stella Guitar Legacy
Stella guitars hold a special place in music history. As mentioned in the forum, these were “old cheapies with zillions produced,” yet they were the workhorses for many blues musicians of the time. Their robust construction, often described as “tough guitars,” allowed them to withstand the rigors of travel and performance, even if they weren’t always treated with the utmost care. This history lends a certain romanticism to owning and playing a Stella today.
The String Dilemma: Balancing Tone and Guitar Health
The primary concern when stringing an older Stella guitar is its structural integrity. As one forum member wisely pointed out, “Some early guitars were not designed for steel strings.” This is a crucial consideration. Vintage instruments, particularly those from budget-friendly brands like Stella, might not have the robust bracing of modern guitars. Therefore, the tension exerted by the strings is a significant factor.
The original poster, rinemb, was considering nickel strings in the 54-12 gauge range, aiming for an open D tuning to explore slide guitar blues. This reflects a desire to capture an authentic vintage tone. However, the discussion quickly raises concerns about the guitar’s condition and the potential for damage from heavier gauge steel strings.
Stella guitar headstock with tuning pegs
A close-up of a Stella guitar headstock, showcasing the vintage tuning pegs. Choosing the right strings is essential for preserving instruments like this.
Exploring String Options for Your Vintage Stella
Several string types and gauges were suggested in the forum, each with its own set of advantages and considerations for a Stella guitar:
Silk and Steel Strings: A Gentle Approach
For guitars of questionable structural integrity, or as a starting point, silk and steel strings are often recommended. These strings have a softer feel and exert less tension on the guitar’s neck and top. As heavy5 suggested, “light gauge silk-n-steel” are “the least damaging to try on this type of guitar.” Paul R echoed this sentiment, noting the positive tonal impact of silk and steel strings on a vintage Martin, emphasizing their suitability for guitars without truss rods.
Nickel Strings: Chasing that Vintage Tone
Rinemb’s initial inclination towards nickel strings is rooted in the desire for a specific vintage sound. Nickel strings are known for their warmer, mellower tone compared to brighter bronze or phosphor bronze strings. This tonal characteristic can be particularly appealing for blues and slide guitar styles, aligning perfectly with the Stella’s retro vibe. However, finding nickel strings in heavier gauges like 54-12 might be challenging, and the tension should still be carefully considered.
Phosphor Bronze Strings: A Balanced Choice?
Texican65 shared a positive experience using light gauge phosphor bronze strings on a Harmony guitar, a brand similar in style and era to Stella. Phosphor bronze strings offer a brighter and more resonant tone than nickel, which some players might prefer. While generally steel strings, lighter gauges could be acceptable on a structurally sound Stella, but caution is advised.
Electric Guitar Strings for Custom Gauges
Rcc56 offered a resourceful workaround for achieving specific gauges: using individual electric guitar strings. By purchasing a set of electric guitar 9s and supplementing with a heavier gauge single string (like a .054 bronze or nickel), players can customize their string sets. This allows for experimentation and fine-tuning the string gauge to match the Stella guitar and desired tuning.
Assessing Your Stella’s Condition is Key
Before stringing any vintage guitar, a thorough inspection is crucial. Several forum members emphasized this point, with rcc56 stating, “If it’s a Stella, make sure it’s not falling apart before you string it up.” Look for signs of:
- Top and bridge issues: Bulging or lifting of the top wood, or a bridge that is pulling away from the body, are red flags. These indicate potential structural problems that could be exacerbated by string tension.
- Neck issues: Check for excessive neck bow or warping.
- Loose braces or unglued parts: As rinemb discovered with the unglued back, age can weaken the glue joints in vintage guitars.
If your Stella shows any signs of significant structural issues, consulting a luthier before stringing it is highly recommended. A professional can assess the guitar’s condition and advise on the safest and most appropriate string choices.
Playing and Enjoying Your Stella’s Unique Character
Once you’ve chosen a suitable set of strings and ensured your Stella is in playable condition, the real fun begins. Stella guitars, despite their budget origins, possess a distinctive “bluesy twang,” as described by steveh_2o. Their smaller parlor size makes them comfortable to play, and their unique tonal character is well-suited for fingerpicking, slide guitar, and that raw, vintage acoustic blues sound.
A detailed view of a vintage guitar bridge. The bridge and top of a Stella guitar should be carefully inspected before stringing.
Conclusion: Embrace the Stella Sound
Stringing a vintage Stella guitar is a journey that blends tonal exploration with a careful consideration of the instrument’s age and condition. While silk and steel strings offer a gentle and safe starting point, nickel or light gauge phosphor bronze strings can unlock different facets of the Stella’s sonic personality. The key is to listen to your guitar, observe its response to different strings, and prioritize its long-term health. By doing so, you can revive the vintage vibe of your Stella and enjoy its unique voice for years to come. Just as the forum members shared their experiences and advice, the Stella guitar community is a valuable resource for further exploration and inspiration.
