That's a ridiculous amount of tension for the guitar and your left hand. Nile uses .070s for drop A on 24.75" guitars, and I think that's even excessive.
This. But I also recommend learning the Phrygian mode, especially if the people you're jamming with, play a completely different genre. I used to jam with hippies, and it was easier to play something that sounded exotic, than it was for us to adapt to each other's contrasting playing styles.
I'm generally against 8s because I don't think they're practical and the increased scale length and neck width inhibits your playing, when compared to a 6 or 7 string. I also think they're a guitar, that can't decide if it wants to be a bass or a guitar, or a bass that wants to be a guitar. I...
I prefer the Medium Pointed V-Pick over the Screamer. On paper, they seem insanely thick, but they're really good picks. If you decide to get some, make sure you get ones that aren't clear, because I've lost 3 of them. Dunlop Tortex Sharp 1.35mm also work pretty well too.
I condition mine with bore oil, every few months. I put a couple of drops on a q-tip, and apply it evenly on the fretboard. I let it soak into the fretboard, maybe an hour or so. After the bore oil sets in, I use paper towels to rub off the excess oil, that didn't sink in. Finally, I spray...
I've bought few and for the same exact reason. They sound really good, but they're not very durable. Check this out Behringer Stomp Box Cross Comparison Chart | The Tone King | TheToneKing.com
Buy a shitload of different picks. Every time I've taken a break and come back, I've never been able to use my previously favorite pick with the same exact efficiency.