Standard A on a 27" with lighter strings?

[Miijk]

What would be a good string set for standard A on a 27" scale 7 string? I prefer a bit lighter gauges like a 9 - 42 or 9 - 46 sets for standard E tuning, the higher tension just hurts my fingers too much.

I considered something like a 10 - 56 set, but would that be too light?

I'm a bit limited when it comes to gauges tho since I can pretty much only use Elixir strings because of my nickel allergy.

 

[AkiraSpectrum]

The best way to decide what string gauge you like is to literally try it. Aside from this, I recommend a string tension calculator (like www.stringtensionpro.com) to calculate the tension you like with your preferred string gauge and scale length in Standard E, then figure out how to get a similar tension for your desired tuning and scale length.

 

[Jonathan20022]

.46 in E is something like 19lbs, so if you enjoy that tension I'd buckle down with a 62/64 in A. I use a .56 from Elixir in B Standard and sometimes drop it down to A with the .56 and I have no issues with intonation or feel. It's purely a tension preference, so while a 62/64 is correct tension wise, if you want a slightly looser feel you can go with a 59/60.

 

[Miijk]

Thanks for the responses guys!

Yeah well... considering going B standard just to avoid all the hassle! Maybe I'm just overthinking this?

 

[AkiraSpectrum]

Thanks for the responses guys!

Yeah well... considering going B standard just to avoid all the hassle! Maybe I'm just overthinking this?

As a guitar player its hard not to overthink gear

A Standard tuning with 10-56, 27" scale:

0.0100 in. 14.44 lbs
0.0130 in. 13.69 lbs
0.0170 in. 14.75 lbs
0.0260 in. 16.36 lbs
0.0360 in. 16.94 lbs
0.0460 in. 15.05 lbs
0.0560 in. 12.60 lbs

E Standard tuning with 9-42, 25.5" scale:

0.0090 in. 13.14 lbs
0.0110 in. 11.02 lbs
0.0160 in. 14.68 lbs
0.0240 in. 15.73 lbs
0.0320 in. 15.50 lbs
0.0420 in. 14.37 lbs

E Standard tuning with 9-46, 25.5" scale:

0.0090 in. 13.14 lbs
0.0110 in. 11.02 lbs
0.0160 in. 14.68 lbs
0.0260 in. 18.39 lbs
0.0360 in. 19.04 lbs
0.0460 in. 16.91 lbs

These values are based on D'addario string tension, and different types of strings and different brands will have slightly different tension ratings, although it tends not to vary more than + or - a pound. On their website it appears that Elixir doesn't have a lot of string options larger than a 56, except for a 68.

 

[Miijk]

Haha, yeah I guess you are right!

No they don't sadly... the only other option with them is to go with bass strings but I dunno how good that is

 

[chopeth]

What would be a good string set for standard A on a 27" scale 7 string? I prefer a bit lighter gauges like a 9 - 42 or 9 - 46 sets for standard E tuning, the higher tension just hurts my fingers too much.

I considered something like a 10 - 56 set, but would that be too light?

I'm a bit limited when it comes to gauges tho since I can pretty much only use Elixir strings because of my nickel allergy.

Dud, with the same 27 scale and tuning, I tried dozens of combinations, obsessed with tight thick strings, 62, 64, 66 in the lower A string, also changing the rest of them accordingly. Nothing worked properly, intonation unstable...

Finally someone advised me to get used to thinner strings and I couldn't be happier now with my 10-59 gauge. Give it a try

 

[Miijk]

Dud, with the same 27 scale and tuning, I tried dozens of combinations, obsessed with tight thick strings, 62, 64, 66 in the lower A string, also changing the rest of them accordingly. Nothing worked properly, intonation unstable...

Finally someone advised me to get used to thinner strings and I couldn't be happier now with my 10-59 gauge. Give it a try

Alright, thank you! As AkiraSpectrum said, I'll just try it out!

Btw... as I mentioned before, with my nickel allergy I'm pretty limited when it comes to strings, however I heard about Cleartones strings, would those be anything to check out?

 

[MetalViking]

I'm going to have to try the 10 to 59 set on my 27 as well.

 

[Miijk]

You know what... I just went ahead and tried drop B on my Explorer with a 56 on the bottom... it feels really good :O Maybe the 56 on a low A will work fine then!

 

[MetalViking]

A 24 3/4 or baritone Explorer?

 

[Miijk]

A 24 3/4 or baritone Explorer?

A 24 3/4 Explorer, forgot to specify

 

[angl2k]

A 24 3/4 Explorer, forgot to specify

How's the intonation of your setup? I'm considering drop B or A on my 24.75" guitar but not sure if it will intonate well.

 

[Miijk]

How's the intonation of your setup? I'm considering drop B or A on my 24.75" guitar but not sure if it will intonate well.

No problems tbh, the low B is pretty much spot on and it's sound great!

 

[MetalViking]

The 10 to 59 set on my 27 Septor is working great for me in B standard and drop A as well. Glad I found this thread!

 

[BillCosby]

I use 8 11 14 22 30 42 56 tuned to Bb on my 27" scale 7. Do what feels right. Don't let your dreams be dreams. Just do it.