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

[Explorer]

I just picked up a used Ibanez APEX2. They come factory tuned to KoRn's signature tuning: A, D, G, C, F, A, D (low to high). Can I tune it to standard tuning? What gauges should I use for that?

Thanks

I believe those came with the following strings for ADGCFAD tuning:

.010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046/.059

And Ibanez would use their next higher string set for BEADGBE to get the same tension:

.009/.011/.016/.024/.032/.042/.054

Good luck!

 

[Explorer]

Anyone in here tuned to C standard on a 25.5" 7 before? What are you/did you use for the additional high string?

What are you using on the rest of the guitar? That will give the tension context, allowing figuring your target tension and thus the target gauge.

 

[hesiek]

Im looking for a set of strings for my EBMM JP12-7, drop g# tuning. Can you guys help me out? I was thinking about a 68 on the low G# but dunno if it isnt too much and pbb id have to drill a nut

its a 7 string 25.5"

 

[bostjan]

You shouldn't have to drill out the tuners for a .068", and that gauge shouldn't be too thick for tension at G# (if anything, too thin ~15 N of tension is pretty light, but not outside of normal range). As for reslotting the nut, if that's what you meant, that is a possibility, although I would guess probably not necessary.

I would say go for it, and expect a reasonably low probability of needing to widen the string channel in the nut.

 

[RobPhoboS]

6 string RRhoads
22.5 scale length
Tuning for stuff like Suffocation - so C# - C standard.
I was thinking D'Addario EXL148 ?
(shorter scale length - heavier gauge right? - I never think about this old one much)

Aaaannd - I was also thinking of putting another set onto my 6 string 27.75" but tuned to A standard mostly.
Sometimes it'll dip down to G though.

 

[bostjan]

22.5" Tuned C Standard?!

Yeah, use heavier gauges. Maybe 12-56 or 13-60? It depends on your taste in tension, of course.

At 27.75", it's like 22.5" down two whole steps, so G standard at 27.75" would be about a half step worth more slack than your C standard at 22.5". If you are going between G and A, you should be able to use the same gauges as your other guitar.

 

[RobPhoboS]

Many thanks !
I've been playing for many, many years on and off - and just never really paid attention to what string gauges I was slinging on. Usually thicker the better for the stuff I was playing.
It just made things annoying as it's nice to grab something off the shelf that'll get me 90% of what I wanted.
So learning a bit more about what tension I like should help clear things up !

That poor old RR, still - I love playing on it, although it feels weird going from that to an M80M

 

[Spaced Out Ace]

You shouldn't have to drill out the tuners for a .068", and that gauge shouldn't be too thick for tension at G# (if anything, too thin ~15 N of tension is pretty light, but not outside of normal range). As for reslotting the nut, if that's what you meant, that is a possibility, although I would guess probably not necessary.

I would say go for it, and expect a reasonably low probability of needing to widen the string channel in the nut.

I think he meant using a file for the nut.

 

[hesiek]

what set of strings will fit 68 on the low g# in the drop g# tuning ? ebmm jp12 7 string 25.5"

 

[Possessed]

What are the best gauge for D standard on 25.5" guitar? I want the similar feeling as 9-42 or 9-46 for E standard! I have tried 10-52, the lower strings are too tight for me!

I would like to search for the previous posts, but this thread is way too long...
Thanks in advance

 

[RobPhoboS]

Use this link to quickly work it out.
(I did look before I posted as well but wanted to see if that tension is ok)

http://stringtensionpro.com/

 

[bostjan]

what set of strings will fit 68 on the low g# in the drop g# tuning ? ebmm jp12 7 string 25.5"

I'm not clear on what your question is.

What are the best gauge for D standard on 25.5" guitar? I want the similar feeling as 9-42 or 9-46 for E standard! I have tried 10-52, the lower strings are too tight for me!

I would like to search for the previous posts, but this thread is way too long...
Thanks in advance

D standard tension is not significantly less than E standard tension. The best place to start would be with the same strings as before, unless you thought they were too slack already. Personally, I always preferred the 9-46 sets over the 9-42, but none of the prepackaged sets are actually optimized.

 

[Monsterhawk]

Hey guys, need your wisdom!

Im useless when it comes to string tension and gauge so I figured id ask the guru's..

Im using a JS22-7 (26'5") with D'addario XL 10's (Im considering changing brands as they make so much noise during movement) ....its a tiny bit saggy in standard but im tuning down to drop G and the tension just isnt there, I like it to be pretty tense...would this be down to strings or down to adjusting the truss rod?

Im not exactly rolling in it right now so trying to narrow it down before paying to have set ups done etc if i could just get new strings...

any help or advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[bostjan]

Well, adjusting the truss rod will do nothing to the string tension at all, it will only adjust the angle of the neck, so you need a heavier string gauge if you want more tension.

Can you give us an example of a string gauge and scale length and tuning that feels right to you?

Once you have the tension you want, adjusting the truss rod so that you have the neck angle you desire should be easy, if you have an allen wrench.

 

[Monsterhawk]

That sounds like something I should have known...you'd think I know this sorta thing after 9 years...I like the feel of EB beefy's on my les Paul? They're all one size, right?

Thanks

 

[PunkBillCarson]

Jericho Fusion
26.9 Inches
13-62
B Standard/Drop B

Doable?

 

[bostjan]

That sounds like something I should have known...you'd think I know this sorta thing after 9 years...I like the feel of EB beefy's on my les Paul? They're all one size, right?

Thanks

In standard tuning?!

Jericho Fusion
26.9 Inches
13-62
B Standard/Drop B

Doable?

That sounds good to me. I tend to like things a little slinky though. If you like heavy string tension it might not be as much to your taste as mine.

 

[PunkBillCarson]

I just want it to be tight enough to avoid tuning issues, but light enough to avoid intonation issues.

 

[Monsterhawk]

Drop D sorry, that's what I used to use on the 6..but I'd tune up and down between drop C too..

 

[bostjan]

Drop D sorry, that's what I used to use on the 6..but I'd tune up and down between drop C too..

If you are happy with 11's in drop D at 24.7", you should be looking at probably 12s at 26.5" for drop G.

Here's 11-54 in drop D

.011" E : 18 N
.015" B : 19 N
.022" G : 26 N
.030" D : 23 N
.042" A : 25 N
.054" D : 18 N

On your Jackson, for a similar feel and balanced tension, I would recommend

.012" D : 20 N
.016" A : 20 N
.020" F : 20 N
.030" C : 21 N
.040" G : 21 N
.054" D : 21 N
.080" G : 20 N

Significantly thicker than what you had there.