Questions on F# tuning/intonation/string gauge

[lueastside]

Hello, this is my first post here.
Hoping some of you guys may be able to help me out. I'm thinking of buying a C7 Hellraiser. I was wondering if anyone here has tryed tuning theirs to F# on the low string. Is this doable, and what kind of string gauge did you use? Right now I use a 25.5 scale 7 string and I only use a 52 for my low B, although I'd probably like a 56 or something like that as I find the open B is a little too loose sounding. So for a F# I'm not really sure maby a 66 or something? And is Intonation a problem with tuning this low? It wouldn't have to be perfect, but pretty decent at least hehe.
Also do you have any other guitar recommendations for a baritone 7 string for tuning this low?

Thanks

 

[The Dark Wolf]

I tune drop F on a 25.5 scale 7. I use an Elixir .068, and I find it works terrific. Most would recommend at least a .070 probably, and while there's merit to that way of thinking, I can't argue with my results. Elixirs are bright anyway, and I use a Dimarzio D Sonic 7 pickup, which is made for low tunings.

But, yes, you can certainly achive satisfactory results with what you have in mind.

Welcome, BTW!

 

[metalfiend666]

Welcome

I use a regular 7 string 10-56 in B standard, but I've just dropped the tuning of my RG7421XL (27" scale) to F# standard. Obviously those strings are a tad loose, but worked enough to let me know I like the sound of it. After playing my friends 25.5" 6 string tuned to G# with a 68 I'm going for a 6 string 13-56 set (the same as the lowest 6 strings I now use) with a 70 for my F#. The Hellraiser has a 26.5" scale, so I'd suggest something like a 68 or 70. The 66 might work for you as you're used to lighter gauges though. Trial and error is the only sure way to find what's best for you I'm afraid.

 

[lueastside]

Thanks for the replys guys. That was quick
I guess I'd probably go for a 68 or 70 then.
Any thoughts on the intonation issue, does it work out ok (with adjustments of course)?

And any more opinions from others are welcome as well.

Thanks again

 

[metalfiend666]

I've never tried to intonate a string that heavy on a TOM bridge, but I think some guys here use that kinda gauge on their Hellraisers without problem.

 

[The Dark Wolf]

My intonation is good. The saddle is all the way back, but that's where it wants to be for proper intonation.

 

[Days Break]

i sometimes use lower(and higher) tunings, often simultaniously, have a 9-46 for e-e and a 60 for the low b...

playing in drop a at the minute on a rg7321, i had to adjust teh saddle, a teeny bit, and it was perfect, and i genuinely have no idea how to do that kind of stuff, thinking of tuning down a bit, the problem being this rg7321 is a band mates and the pickupssound like 'blub' not 'chug' in b, so tuning it further down may be silly :S

saying that my amp is nearly dead now, good rest its soul :'(

 

[heavy7-665]

its a 70 on my 7321 wit a 70 it works so so

 

[nyck]

When I had a 27" scale 7 string, I used a .085 for F# and it had a great tension. It wasn't loose at all, and it wasn't overly tight. It was just as tight as I like my rhythm strings so things don't get sloppy. I wasn't impressed in the sustain, but that might have been the fact that it was a steel string bass string. I would've gone down to an .080, but no less if you want it fairly taught.
(I use a .64 for B/A, FYI)

 

[heavy7-665]

ohh ya i remember that nyck

 

[Nik]

When I had a 27" scale 7 string, I used a .085 for F# and it had a great tension. It wasn't loose at all, and it wasn't overly tight. It was just as tight as I like my rhythm strings so things don't get sloppy. I wasn't impressed in the sustain, but that might have been the fact that it was a steel string bass string. I would've gone down to an .080, but no less if you want it fairly taught.
(I use a .64 for B/A, FYI)

Dude, I still don't understand why you had to use such a massive gauge

Today I was changing strings, and when I was tuning my .59 low B, I decided to pause at F# and see how it is, because all of you guys are going on about how you need at least a 28" scale for an F#. Anyway, on my 25.5" the .59 gauge was floppy, but still 100% playable, and intonation was spot on. Now, it wasn't perfect, but my line of reasoning is that if I could do that with a .59 on a 25.5" guitar, then a .70 on a 27" will be more than enough for a low F#.

 

[nyck]

Dude, I still don't understand why you had to use such a massive gauge

Today I was changing strings, and when I was tuning my .59 low B, I decided to pause at F# and see how it is, because all of you guys are going on about how you need at least a 28" scale for an F#. Anyway, on my 25.5" the .59 gauge was floppy, but still 100% playable, and intonation was spot on. Now, it wasn't perfect, but my line of reasoning is that if I could do that with a .59 on a 25.5" guitar, then a .70 on a 27" will be more than enough for a low F#.

It all depends on how tight you want it. I can't stand even a 64 at F#(25.5"). I can't see it being used for anything, even simple single note meshugguh stuff. It's just too floppy to get a good pick attack out of the string and have it decently sustain. This is all of course IMO. I'm sure you could get away with a 70....

 

[All_¥our_Bass]

I need an 85 or 90 on a 25.5" scale for a good F#.

 

[Anthony]

I need an 85 or 90 on a 25.5" scale for a good F#.

...That's great?

 

[Karnidge]

90? are you..? what is this i dont even ?_?

 

[awesomeaustin]

yeah, I find a 72 in F to still a little too loose for me on a 30" scale

 

[MFB]

Holy shits dawg, this is a year old and before that it was 2 years old

 

[Anthony]

Slay the necromancers!

 

[MFB]

Slay the necromancers!

 

[GUT-G]

...And one year after the previous post.

I've got a Ernie Ball set of 6 string Baritone Slinky on my 27.75 scale. The lowest string tuned to F# and is a 72. A tad too loose for me TBH. Ordered an 80 to replace it. Im tuning the guitar to drop F#

Merry Xmas.