String Tension Super Thread (Got a string question? Post it here!)

[LolloBlaskhyrt]

a 9-48+58/60

Ok I tried with EB .10 but they failed The strings don't have enought tension and the neck is backbow (the truss rod cannot anymore adjust it because is all counterclockwise)! I need more thick strings like

Daddario EXL145 - Thomann Cyberstore Italiano
Ernie Ball 2626 - Thomann Cyberstore Italiano

The tech who made the set up had got my phone number on the guitar case, Y he did not call me and "This strings sucks on 27" in G#, you have to try another gauge" ? I payed 20€ for a setup that I have to re-do !!

 

[BeyondAntares]

have a small request

For a 7 string, 25.5" scale

I had a comfortable tension with ernie ball heavy bottom and skinny tops tuned to standard E with a 64 for the B string.
.010 .013 .017 .030 .042 .052 0.64

Now i wanted to tune down a step - but everything from the 4th string ( basicly all wound strings) seemed too floppy.
would the following match my standard E tension somewhat?

.010 .013 .017 .032 .046 .056 0.66

 

[BIG ND SWEATY]

Ok I tried with EB .10 but they failed The strings don't have enought tension and the neck is backbow (the truss rod cannot anymore adjust it because is all counterclockwise)! I need more thick strings like

Daddario EXL145 - Thomann Cyberstore Italiano
Ernie Ball 2626 - Thomann Cyberstore Italiano

The tech who made the set up had got my phone number on the guitar case, Y he did not call me and "This strings sucks on 27" in G#, you have to try another gauge" ? I payed 20€ for a setup that I have to re-do !!

try the other set i recommended you
he didnt call you because he doesnt know what tension you like

 

[Ror]

So I have a 7 string Schecter Omen with a scale length of 26.5" that I want to tune to Drop G, but I'm unsure what string gauges to use.

I tried putting a set I was thinking about (D'Addario Medium Baritone Set 14-68 + a .011 for the high D) into the tension calculator, but the 5th string worries me:

D .011" PL == 16.82#
A, .014" PL == 15.29#
F, .018" PB == 14.06#
C, .026" PB == 16.98#
G,, .046" PB == 30.41# <
D,, .056" PB == 24.89#
G,,, .068" PB == 15.88#

Any recommendations?

 

[Phrygian]

So I have a 7 string Schecter Omen with a scale length of 26.5" that I want to tune to Drop G, but I'm unsure what string gauges to use.

I tried putting a set I was thinking about (D'Addario Medium Baritone Set 14-68 + a .011 for the high D) into the tension calculator, but the 5th string worries me:

D .011" PL == 16.82#
A, .014" PL == 15.29#
F, .018" PB == 14.06#
C, .026" PB == 16.98#
G,, .046" PB == 30.41# <
D,, .056" PB == 24.89#
G,,, .068" PB == 15.88#

Any recommendations?

I would try 10-46 + 65 or 11-49 + 65.

 

[potatohead]

So I have a 7 string Schecter Omen with a scale length of 26.5" that I want to tune to Drop G, but I'm unsure what string gauges to use.

I tried putting a set I was thinking about (D'Addario Medium Baritone Set 14-68 + a .011 for the high D) into the tension calculator, but the 5th string worries me:

D .011" PL == 16.82#
A, .014" PL == 15.29#
F, .018" PB == 14.06#
C, .026" PB == 16.98#
G,, .046" PB == 30.41# <
D,, .056" PB == 24.89#
G,,, .068" PB == 15.88#

Any recommendations?

Change the PB to NW (or PL for the third string) and the tensions will be more accurate. The Phosphor bronze strings have more tension than the nickel wounds.

len 26.5"
D .011" PL == 16.82#
A, .014" PL == 15.29#
F, .018" PL == 15.92#
C, .026" NW == 15.78#
G,, .046" NW == 26.7#
D,, .056" NW == 22.59#
G,,,.064" NW == 13.1#
total == 126.2#

Seriously though I couldn't put together a worse set if I tried, lol.

 

[tylermwait]

This is my first post on ss.org!

My band has decided to go from drop G to drop F. I play an Ibanez RGD2127z (26.5" 7 string).

For drop G, I was using EB Baritone 13-72 set + 10 on top and it felt great.

I'm experimenting now with a mixed set (pretty awkward right now):
10, 13, 18, 42, 54, 64, 74

The 4th, 5th, and 6th feel good, but a little too tight. I wouldn't mind going a little heavier for the 7th so I can really dig in. The top 3 strings are uncomfortably light. Overall, the tension feels unbalanced and I'd like to even it out.

Also, the bridge springs are at their maximum tension, so I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Floydaupgrades.com's heavy duty noiseless springs or any suggestions?

As a reference, I play EB Beefy Slinky (11-54) on my Telecaster (25.5") in standard tuning. I'm thinking a set of Not Even Slinky (12-56) + 75 could do the trick, but I wanted to get some input!

Think Meshuggah meets The Acacia Strain - Wormwood.

Any advice, feedback, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[potatohead]

This is my first post on ss.org!

My band has decided to go from drop G to drop F. I play an Ibanez RGD2127z (26.5" 7 string).

For drop G, I was using EB Baritone 13-72 set + 10 on top and it felt great.

I'm experimenting now with a mixed set (pretty awkward right now):
10, 13, 18, 42, 54, 64, 74

The 4th, 5th, and 6th feel good, but a little too tight. I wouldn't mind going a little heavier for the 7th so I can really dig in. The top 3 strings are uncomfortably light. Overall, the tension feels unbalanced and I'd like to even it out.

Also, the bridge springs are at their maximum tension, so I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Floydaupgrades.com's heavy duty noiseless springs or any suggestions?

As a reference, I play EB Beefy Slinky (11-54) on my Telecaster (25.5") in standard tuning. I'm thinking a set of Not Even Slinky (12-56) + 75 could do the trick, but I wanted to get some input!

Think Meshuggah meets The Acacia Strain - Wormwood.

Any advice, feedback, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I'd do this myself;

len 26.5"
C .011" PL == 13.35#
G, .015" PL == 13.93#
E,b .020" Pl == 15.6#
B,,b .032" nw == 19.12#
F,, .044" nw == 19.51#
C,, .058" nw == 19.3#
F,,, .080" nw == 15.95#
total == 116.76

You can definately go tighter if you want but you're starting to get the the point where the seventh string is dropped so low it's going to be way lower tension than everything else. They do make a 90 though if you wanted to try.

 

[tylermwait]

I'd do this myself;

len 26.5"
C .011" PL == 13.35#
G, .015" PL == 13.93#
E,b .020" Pl == 15.6#
B,,b .032" nw == 19.12#
F,, .044" nw == 19.51#
C,, .058" nw == 19.3#
F,,, .080" nw == 15.95#
total == 116.76

You can definately go tighter if you want but you're starting to get the the point where the seventh string is dropped so low it's going to be way lower tension than everything else. They do make a 90 though if you wanted to try.

Thanks! I think I may actually try an extra heavy D'Addario set (12-60) + 80 or 90. This seems to be a little more balanced and relative to what I was playing in Drop G (10-72), and slightly heavier than your suggestion. Not to mention far more balanced than what I'm currently experimenting with (10-13-18-42-54-64-74). Here's what I figured:

Drop G

len 26.5"
D .010" PL == 13.9#
A, .013" PL ==13.19#
F, .018" PL == 15.92#
C, .030" NW == 21.46#
G,, .044" NW == 24.58#
D,, .056" NW == 22.59#
G,,, .072" NW == 16.44#
total == 128.08#

Drop F

len 26.5"
C .012" PL == 15.89#
G, .016" PL ==15.85#
E,b .020" PL == 15.6#
B,,b .034" NW == 21.34#
F,, .046" NW == 21.2#
C,, .060" NW == 20.71#
F,,, .080" NW == 15.95# (.090" NW == 19.57#)
total == 126.53# (130.15# w/ .090)

Does anyone know where I could find higher tension tremolo springs that fit the Ibanez Edge Zero system?

 

[Guitarman700]

I'm going to be using a .62 for my low Bb on a 26.5" scale Schecter, but what gauges should I use for the rest of the guitar? I'm tuning a half step down.

 

[Manbear]

Hi guy. I'm having a custom 8 string made, with a 27.5" baritone scale - Will be EBEADGBe.

I currently use ZOG on my LTD SC607B.. I like them, perfect tension, but find the low string skightly too thick (comfort wise). I know a lot if people here think the guys a dick, and granted he doesnt go about manners very well, I dont care if my guitar will be more comfortable and set up better. I deal with him to buy in bulk then just enjoy my strings

Im worried using the ZOGs for my 8 string will be much thicker again..but I want good progressive tension.

I want to give my guitar maker my prefered strings so he can set up and adjust accordingly from the start. Does anyone use ZOG 8 string, have used, or used any strings that are this thick in the lower strings? He diesnt say exactly what gauge they are..just that they are optimum tension - which has definitly been the case with my 7 string - so I cant tell you just how thick they are.

*side question (potentially a noob question) - if i havd a micrometer, can i measure the strings thickness and find out its gauge accuratly?*

Love to hear opinions and thoughts.

 

[Scrubface05]

For anyone using a 25.5" scale, for a 7, with drop G, I highly recommend this..The tension feels fantastic and it just seems to fit well.
D - .010
A - .013
F - .017
C - .030
G - .042
D - .052
G - .070

 

[Explorer]

@Manbear - You inevitably will have to use larger gauges for the lower pitches, in order to maintain the same progression as the other strings. Sorry!

 

[Manbear]

Thanks Exlorer! I know they'll need to be retty big Could you suggest a set up, gauge wise, to allow as close to a progressive tension as possible, taking into account I'm after EBEADGBe, with a 27.5" scale? ZOG unfortunatly doesn't go to 27.5", only 27"...

I'd prefer if my high string was an 11. Any help would be great, I'm unsure how to use the calculators, they all seem to come up with different things..

 

[Manbear]

I'd also be interesting in the same as above, but EAEADGBe thinking sbout it, that could be really interesting and useful.

 

[Manbear]

And just additional info if it helps calculate the 8th string, this is the ZOG string gauges, which seem to be perfect for AEADGBE:

0.011, 0.013, 0.016, 0.028, 0.040, 0.055, 0.088

Keep in mind I measured these with an accurate micrometer, but still may be off ever so slighly. I would really like to know what the guage would be needed for those two tunings above for my 8 string. I assume the 8th will maybe even need a bass string, does anyone ever use a bass string on a guitar? My guitars being custom made, so I guess with the tube for the string through, it could be made bass size to accomodate the larger ball end..is there anything else id need to consider? I'd really rather not use a bass string if possible!! Hopefully they make guitar strings up around 110 ish or whatever I need..

I'd like to use the above 7 string gauges, with an appropriate 8th string if possible, rather than change it all.

Sorry for all the posts / info .. I just really need help so I can get my guitar underway And I dont know a whole lot on this issue, I'm trying my best to read as much as I can but theres a lot to take in

Thank you all for any help you can give

 

[Go To Bed Jessica]

There is a ZOG set for EBEADGBE being developed at the moment, which is being designed with Schecter and Ibanez in mind. With any luck it might just work out for your guitar as well. He (Alex) is going to taper the low E at both ends so that it's like the low B in some 5 string bass sets.

I've been using his sets on all of my other guitars for a couple of years and they are the best stock string sets I know of. The consistent feel across the strings has helped me with improving control over dynamics - which has always been something that I've had to work on.

It might be worth shooting him an email and asking whether the set can be made to work for your guitar as well. Just FYI he will probably ask you to send him the low string off you guitar so he can take some measurements from it to aid with getting the position of the taper at the ball end of the string right.

He can be a little idiosyncratic, but he's a decent enough guy once you get past the bluster. More importantly though, he puts together a damn fine string set.

Edit: bugger! Just read your post again and your 8 hasn't even been built yet! Who's building it for you? We are lucky to have some fantastic luthiers working in Aus at the moment. Bluestone or 2012 would probably be my pick for a custom 8. Ormsby would be a solid contender as well.

 

[Manbear]

Im using Acacia..but I'll look at the orhers you mentioned

I already spoke to him, he said that the EBEADGBe set only suits upto 27" scale..Acacia only offers 27.5 or 25.5 unless I go complete custom build ($$$$$) I believe (still waiting on an email to confirm that) ..and I definitly dont want 25.5" 8 string!!

 

[Go To Bed Jessica]

Wow - had not heard of Acacia before... some very, very nice work on those pages!

Mr Bluestone recently built a custom Ibanez Destroyer inspired guitar which is one of the coolest guitars I have ever seen.

BluesTone Destroyer Custom

A couple of interesting deviations from the normal in that build too!

 

[asilayamazing]

For anyone using a 25.5" scale, for a 7, with drop G, I highly recommend this..The tension feels fantastic and it just seems to fit well.
D - .010
A - .013
F - .017
C - .030
G - .042
D - .052
G - .070

have a 25.5 .70 is flubby and when picked the G goes sharp then returns to pitch and buzzes with a T.O.M. bridge. needs a 72or i like .74 on my low G

BTW that tunings weird.

G standard

D - .011\
A - .014 \
F - .019 \ Beefy slinky set + .72-74 might be off on some strings.
C - .030 /
G - .042 /
D - .054/
G - .072 or .74