As you know, I resently bought my Schecter Riot 8 ltd (http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/extended-range-guitars/173324-ngd-schecter-riot-8-ltd.html)
I've been experimenting with tunings and string gauges, and here's my findings.
So far F1# doesn't too well for me at this scale.
I tried the stock D'addario .074, a Rotosound .080 bass string, a D'Addario .085 bass string, both adaptd to the tuner.
All three have produced a gruntling sound, especially from about 7th fret and up.
My best result has been a D'addario .064 tuned to around A1
Do note that I'm aware others have made other strings work; I just decided to initially try with what's available in local stores, before starting to shop online.
I also tried tuning B1...E4+G4. Cute tuning, in a fashion. The additional G4 is fairly easy to use in chord works.
However, I did find that the minor-3rd step from E4 to G4 was too problematic for shredding.
My mind is accustomed to coping with the major-3rd step from G to B in traditional tunings, but then readjusting on the fly to a minor-3rd step just doesn't work for me.
I found myself placing fingers based on expecting a major-3rd step, i.e. the upper string should've been a G4#.
But.. G4# won't work either, because I bend all the time.
Even just one semitone up will be A4, and the .008 string will snap.
So, I ended up with this full-fourth tuning:
All-fourth G tuning, almost ideal, current setup
len 26.5"
G4 .0075" P == 13.99#
D4 .010" P == 13.9#
A3 .013" P == 13.19#
E3 .018" P == 14.19#
B2 .024" N == 12.04#
F2# .036" N == 14.92#
C2# .050" N == 15.62#
G1# .070" N == 17.51# try ProSteel
total == 115.36#
At the moment, due to unavailable strings in shops, I'm using 008, which just needs a fine trim to be perfect, and 064 for the low G1#, which is too slinky but still almost works.
The .075 will likely work better for smooth bendings, else I can live with a .008.
If you wonder about the less tensioned B2 .024, it's simply to allow the same ease of bendings as with the others. It doesn't feel overly slinky or lacking tone.
This tuning really works out for me. Both low and high enough, and no problems with breaking strings.
Navigating the whole board in a symmetrical all-fourth tuning is amazingly easy.
This also separates this instrument from my primary 6'er in standard E tuning, which is a good thing, as it's taking my playing elsewhere, better allowing for further music developments.
My only issue is finding a G1# string that sounds good all the way up.
As said above, those I've tried produced a grunty tone.
I'm thinking of trying a D'Addario Prosteel, as those should be quite bright. I just don't know if it'll have the grunty/distorted sound as well..
Kusuvai suggested trying a GHS Boomer.
I've been experimenting with tunings and string gauges, and here's my findings.
So far F1# doesn't too well for me at this scale.
I tried the stock D'addario .074, a Rotosound .080 bass string, a D'Addario .085 bass string, both adaptd to the tuner.
All three have produced a gruntling sound, especially from about 7th fret and up.
My best result has been a D'addario .064 tuned to around A1
Do note that I'm aware others have made other strings work; I just decided to initially try with what's available in local stores, before starting to shop online.
I also tried tuning B1...E4+G4. Cute tuning, in a fashion. The additional G4 is fairly easy to use in chord works.
However, I did find that the minor-3rd step from E4 to G4 was too problematic for shredding.
My mind is accustomed to coping with the major-3rd step from G to B in traditional tunings, but then readjusting on the fly to a minor-3rd step just doesn't work for me.
I found myself placing fingers based on expecting a major-3rd step, i.e. the upper string should've been a G4#.
But.. G4# won't work either, because I bend all the time.
Even just one semitone up will be A4, and the .008 string will snap.
So, I ended up with this full-fourth tuning:
All-fourth G tuning, almost ideal, current setup
len 26.5"
G4 .0075" P == 13.99#
D4 .010" P == 13.9#
A3 .013" P == 13.19#
E3 .018" P == 14.19#
B2 .024" N == 12.04#
F2# .036" N == 14.92#
C2# .050" N == 15.62#
G1# .070" N == 17.51# try ProSteel
total == 115.36#
At the moment, due to unavailable strings in shops, I'm using 008, which just needs a fine trim to be perfect, and 064 for the low G1#, which is too slinky but still almost works.
The .075 will likely work better for smooth bendings, else I can live with a .008.
If you wonder about the less tensioned B2 .024, it's simply to allow the same ease of bendings as with the others. It doesn't feel overly slinky or lacking tone.
This tuning really works out for me. Both low and high enough, and no problems with breaking strings.
Navigating the whole board in a symmetrical all-fourth tuning is amazingly easy.
This also separates this instrument from my primary 6'er in standard E tuning, which is a good thing, as it's taking my playing elsewhere, better allowing for further music developments.
My only issue is finding a G1# string that sounds good all the way up.
As said above, those I've tried produced a grunty tone.
I'm thinking of trying a D'Addario Prosteel, as those should be quite bright. I just don't know if it'll have the grunty/distorted sound as well..
Kusuvai suggested trying a GHS Boomer.