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

[Restarted]

Hi guys!

Recently bought a epi lp plus ex with 24.75' scale and 10-46 for standard tuning.
I want to tune it to drop C but i don't want very thick strings(don't have a heavy hand).
Also i play and solos and bigger strings will be a problem for me(bending,picking).
Will 10-52 be ok or too loose?

10-46 standard tuning on a 24.75 scale:
0.0100 in. 15.28 lbs
0.0130 in. 14.50 lbs
0.0170 in. 15.62 lbs
0.0260 in. 17.32 lbs
0.0360 in. 17.94 lbs
0.0460 in. 15.93 lbs

10-52 drop C on a 24.75 scale:
0.0100 in. 12.13 lbs
0.0130 in. 11.51 lbs
0.0170 in. 12.39 lbs
0.0300 in. 18.50 lbs
0.0420 in. 19.14 lbs
0.0520 in. 12.55 lbs
which is, IMO, crap

What I'd personally go for on a 24.75 scale for drop C:
0.0110 in. 16.04 lbs
0.0150 in. 15.32 lbs
0.0190 in. 15.48 lbs
0.0290 in. 17.47 lbs
0.0400 in. 17.56 lbs
0.0600 in. 17.41 lbs

 

[gLOW-x]

Yes 11 60, or 11 56 at least, in this situation.
11 60 is not SO thick. But it will be high tension.
11 56 (ex D'addario) drop C will give you something near standard 10 46

I use 68 on a 7s. And it is thick

 

[slayer6699]

Yes 11 60, or 11 56 at least, in this situation.
11 60 is not SO thick. But it will be high tension.
11 56 (ex D'addario) drop C will give you something near standard 10 46

I use 68 on a 7s. And it is thick

The set 11-56 is a good idea.
Just don't want high tension or too floppy!

In my previous 7string i had 72 for standard tuning...
Recently sold it lol !!!

 

[gLOW-x]

Mine is 26.5 scale (so more tension). And i use a 68 for drop A

Back to the subject , a balanced drop tuning set need a separate string to be really balanced.
Even so called "drop tuning" sets never provide gauge "jump" for the last string.
They just create a "bump" and end on a bigger string. But previous string is heavy too
So if you want a "perfect" compensated set, you need a separate string.

But i found this "perfection" useless, and a waste to trash a string on each set (or buy all strings separate): i use EXL117 D'addario for Drop C on 6 strings. That's all.

Because when you do a gauge "bump" to compensate for drop tension, there is a large thickness change too. It is not only about tension, but diameter too.
Not so confortable for chords (even power chords).
On the opposite, taking a regular set, and dropping it, create a tension fall with other strings.

There is a right balance to find between tension AND gauge jump for any kind of drop tuning.
To me, you can start with a EXL117 D'addario and see later for other sets (from Ernie Ball, too) with more playing on it.

PS : sorry about the long post

 

[slayer6699]

Mine is 26.5 scale (so more tension). And i use a 68 for drop A

Back to the subject , a balanced drop tuning set need a separate string to be really balanced.
Even so called "drop tuning" sets never provide gauge "jump" for the last string.
They just create a "bump" and end on a bigger string. But previous string is heavy too
So if you want a "perfect" compensated set, you need a separate string.

But i found this "perfection" useless, and a waste to trash a string on each set (or buy all strings separate): i use EXL117 D'addario for Drop C on 6 strings. That's all.

Because when you do a gauge "bump" to compensate for drop tension, there is a large thickness change too. It is not only about tension, but diameter too.
Not so confortable for chords (even power chords).
On the opposite, taking a regular set, and dropping it, create a tension fall with other strings.

There is a right balance to find between tension AND gauge jump for any kind of drop tuning.
To me, you can start with a EXL117 D'addario and see later for other sets (from Ernie Ball, too) with more playing on it.

PS : sorry about the long post

Your post helped me a lot,pls no apologies for long post : P
Im not begginer but i don't know basic things lol

One more question:
For drop C# or C# standard which sets i would search for?
(It' my first guitar with 24.75 scale)

PS: English is not my native language,so sr for mistakes!

 

[slayer6699]

Bump from my last question!
(not answered yet)

24.75scale
C♯-F♯-B-E-G♯-C♯ tuning
What set is better for soloing and riffing?
(Not too tight sets pls)

 

[AkiraSpectrum]

Bump from my last question!
(not answered yet)

24.75scale
C♯-F♯-B-E-G♯-C♯ tuning
What set is better for soloing and riffing?
(Not too tight sets pls)

How about a D'addario 12-60 set? Heavy on the bottom, while being pretty light on the top.

 

[slayer6699]

How about a D'addario 12-60 set? Heavy on the bottom, while being pretty light on the top.

11s will be too loose?

 

[slayer6699]

How about a D'addario 12-60 set? Heavy on the bottom, while being pretty light on the top.

Also elixir strings like 12-52 or 12-68?
And another one question.
If i put the 12s set,the nut will be too wide and when another time i want to switch back to 10-46 i must put a new nut?

 

[AkiraSpectrum]

Also elixir strings like 12-52 or 12-68?
And another one question.
If i put the 12s set,the nut will be too wide and when another time i want to switch back to 10-46 i must put a new nut?

Sorry, I accidentally thought your tuning was a half step lower, my bad.

I would suggest the following:
D'addario 11-56
0.0110 in. 13.08 lbs
0.0140 in. 11.89 lbs
0.0190 in. 13.79 lbs
0.0320 in. 18.40 lbs
0.0440 in. 18.53 lbs
0.0560 in. 16.80 lbs

If you need to widen the nut slots to accommodate thicker strings you may need to throw on a new nut if you go back to 10-46.

 

[Zalbu]

Is there such a thing as an ideal string tension for a 25.5 inch guitar in E standard? I just switched from 10-46 to give 9-46 a try and it feels like it's a much more even balance of tension across the low strings and the high strings, but that could just be the honeymoon period for me.

 

[AkiraSpectrum]

Is there such a thing as an ideal string tension for a 25.5 inch guitar in E standard? I just switched from 10-46 to give 9-46 a try and it feels like it's a much more even balance of tension across the low strings and the high strings, but that could just be the honeymoon period for me.

Any ideal on string tension is largely subjective. The most common gauges in E-standard on a 25.5" scale are the following: 9-42 and 10-46 being the most popular, while 9-46 probably comes in as third most popular.

 

[Zalbu]

Any ideal on string tension is largely subjective. The most common gauges in E-standard on a 25.5" scale are the following: 9-42 and 10-46 being the most popular, while 9-46 probably comes in as third most popular.

Yeah, I'm still trying to get a feel for it. I don't like how the high strings on 10's feel under my fingers when I do bends or vibrato, they dig into my fingers a lot, but there's quite a noticeable difference in tone when running thinner high strings. At least that's easier to compensate for with your amp compared to how it actually feels to play.

 

[Dawn of the Shred]

What would be the best string set for my Ibanez AX7221 and AX7521? B,E,A,D I want pretty tight for fast riffing and clarity of notes. G,B,E I want to have a little give for soloing.

 

[AkiraSpectrum]

What would be the best string set for my Ibanez AX7221 and AX7521? B,E,A,D I want pretty tight for fast riffing and clarity of notes. G,B,E I want to have a little give for soloing.

This is super subjective. Do you have a string gauge on another guitar in another tuning that you like the fell of? If so, go to a string tension calculator and you can determine the proper gauges you need for a similar feel.

Otherwise, I'd suggest either getting a 10-46 set (or 9-46 if you want more give on treble strings) and then a single string for your B; perhaps a 62?

 

[Winspear]

^ Yeah a reference point is useful. Taking 10-46 as the norm though, a 62 B is indeed a perfect match. 9 12 16 treble replacement if you want looser on top. That would be quite an ideal hybrid set for me ! You're in the USA, look no further than Stringjoy for excellent custom sets.

 

[bostjan]

What would be the best string set for my Ibanez AX7221 and AX7521? B,E,A,D I want pretty tight for fast riffing and clarity of notes. G,B,E I want to have a little give for soloing.

Lighter strings can sound bright and clear, and obviously have more "give" in them. Personally, I prefer D'Addario 9, 12, 15 plain, and 26, 34, 46, 59 wound, for good quality, consistent, low-cost strings. If you want a little more clarity and you use a light touch and don't mind sacrificing a little midrange punch, you can go lighter than that.

 

[WintermintP]

@MaxOfMetal The link for the applet shows the description but doesn't let me interact with the applet itself. Also, I don't know which numbers are ideal when it comes to the tension itself and which ones aren't.

@bostjan A friend of mine wants to transpose one of my tracks up an entire semitone so that when he has to play his other band's set he doesn't have to worry about switching tunings. For the track I'm using an ESP LTD Snakebyte Snow White custom fitted with an EMG 89/89 set, and I'm using the Cleartone 11-56 set of strings. The track is normally in Drop B, so transposing the track to his tuning would mean that the track would be in Drop C. Are my strings going to be okay?! O_O;; A classmate of mine said they wouldn't snap but I'm still scared... >.<;; HELP!!!!

Also, thanks for suggesting that I get a new bass with much heavier gauges. It did wonders in this new track: https://soundcloud.com/joonho-ahn-6...nd-miku-expo-2018-usmexico-song-contest-entry

WintermintP

 

[bostjan]

@bostjan A friend of mine wants to transpose one of my tracks up an entire semitone so that when he has to play his other band's set he doesn't have to worry about switching tunings. For the track I'm using an ESP LTD Snakebyte Snow White custom fitted with an EMG 89/89 set, and I'm using the Cleartone 11-56 set of strings. The track is normally in Drop B, so transposing the track to his tuning would mean that the track would be in Drop C. Are my strings going to be okay?! O_O;; A classmate of mine said they wouldn't snap but I'm still scared... >.<;; HELP!!!!

Also, thanks for suggesting that I get a new bass with much heavier gauges. It did wonders in this new track: https://soundcloud.com/joonho-ahn-6...nd-miku-expo-2018-usmexico-song-contest-entry

WintermintP

Personally, I would try a capo first to see if you can get used to that. Lots of people use 11-56 for drop C, and I don't think it'd feel too much tighter (I do think it would definitely feel noticeably tighter), but the hassle of retuning might be inconvenient.

 

[WintermintP]

Personally, I would try a capo first to see if you can get used to that. Lots of people use 11-56 for drop C, and I don't think it'd feel too much tighter (I do think it would definitely feel noticeably tighter), but the hassle of retuning might be inconvenient.

Okee I should try this myself... Thank you T3T

WintermintP