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Hi folks, I've just been given a 1960s Eko P2

Ladder braced, trapeeze tail, slot head & no visible truss rod.

Even with the aincient rusty strings on it has real potential,

so.....

Any ideas on gauge?

I don't want to crush it with my usual mediums.......

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Hi Martin,

It would have a non-adjustable type rod in the neck. These older 60's guitars from European manufacturers would have been built with sufficient relief to accommadate Med. Gauge strings when they were new, but I've seen a few with serious neck problems due to the use of heavier strings over a long period of time.

Really, I would restring with a Light Gauge and check the back bow, also if it has strings on it and it plays OK just restring with the same gauge, you should be able to mic a couple of them and ffigure out what gauge they are.

Good Luck!

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Remember, there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers!

The EKO's were built like tanks, unless there is a defect or damage you should be able to use whatever you like

Tell me about it. I always thought they seem a little overbuilt. The tone testifies to that. Tough instruments.

My pal had an Eko 12 stringer that he kept running over...the neck needed a reset after the third time....

Thanks folks, I'll start light and see what breaks off!!

dunno about the rest of the world but when I was a teenager (1980s) pretty much every 12 string you ever saw was an Eko.

I remember being amazed when a friend opened her hard case to show off her new 12 and it was a .....

YAMAHA!!

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So amazed you bought one yourself.....