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

[ScarSymmetry]

A 62 B is actually the same tension as a 46 E. For some reason people seem happy with a floppy B string - I guess they are just accustomed to the strange store bought sets. A 54 equates to a 40 E. Labellas is a good idea but I'd recommend a Circle K 9-45 set
6 String Guitar Set 09 - 45
.009 .013 .017 .025 .033 .045

with a single 61
Circle K Strings - Single Strings - All tensions,scales, gauges

(They are tighter than normal strings so feel like 46)

I live in greece so i might give elixir 0.009_0.46 standard + 0.59 or 0.61 a try...Btw your AAL cover is amazing!

 

[potatohead]

Hey guys

I have been using a 9-12-16-26-36-46 set for a long time in standard tuning, and add a 60 for the low B. I just ordered another guitar for drop A and want to use the same set with a 68 on the bottom. This is almost exactly the same tension as a 60 in B, but is jumping from a 46 - 68 going to be alright?

Thanks

 

[potatohead]

Hey guys

I have been using a 9-12-16-26-36-46 set for a long time in standard tuning, and add a 60 for the low B. I just ordered another guitar for drop A and want to use the same set with a 68 on the bottom. This is almost exactly the same tension as a 60 in B, but is jumping from a 46 - 68 going to be alright?

Thanks

Bueller?

I thought about going to a 48 for the sixth string but I then I'd have to buy singles all the time and I'd rather buy packs. I guess it's not a big difference. I've done some searching and it seems a few guys are using 10-46 with a 70 on the bottom, so the big jump in gauge doesn't seem like a huge issue.

 

[Winspear]

A 48 would indeed be better tensioned - I don't know what strings you are using but Circle K's singles cost the same as they would in packs. I understand buying packs for convenience, though. However, CK do more balanced sets anyway which would have the correct bottom string.

6 String Guitar Set 09 - 47
.009 .013 .018 .026 .035 .047

or

6 String Guitar Set 09 - 45
.009 .013 .017 .025 .033 .045

For example. Bear in mind the wound strings are about a gauge tighter than those from other brands.

And no, a huge gauge jump is not an issue. It looks strange on paper but the 46 and a 70 is pretty much an exact tension match in Drop relation.

 

[geoffshreds]

Bueller?

I thought about going to a 48 for the sixth string but I then I'd have to buy singles all the time and I'd rather buy packs. I guess it's not a big difference. I've done some searching and it seems a few guys are using 10-46 with a 70 on the bottom, so the big jump in gauge doesn't seem like a huge issue.

its not. i run my 6 strings in drop A with 14-18-28-38-50-70. still have bend ability for days. the only issues when going that heavy though is making sure your tuners are big enough to fit the strings...might need to file them. for instance my jackson couldnt fit anything larger than a 68 without filing...my ltd fit 70s fine. my ibanez 7 wont fit anything larger than 58...

 

[baptizedinblood]

Hey EtherealEntity, I've got a Carvin DC727 with a 25.5" scale that needs some new strings. I play in standard BEADGBE and sometimes switch to Drop A, looking to order some strings from Circle K. What would you recommend?

 

[Winspear]

Hey EtherealEntity, I've got a Carvin DC727 with a 25.5" scale that needs some new strings. I play in standard BEADGBE and sometimes switch to Drop A, looking to order some strings from Circle K. What would you recommend?

Hey
What gauges do you like on your other guitars? Usually I suggest sets for 10's in standard @ 25.5 if personal preference isn't specified.
Is that guitar definitely 25.5? I know nothing about Carvins but the name implies 27" - that may be completely wrong but it's how Agile name theirs at least haha.

 

[baptizedinblood]

Hey
What gauges do you like on your other guitars? Usually I suggest sets for 10's in standard @ 25.5 if personal preference isn't specified.
Is that guitar definitely 25.5? I know nothing about Carvins but the name implies 27" - that may be completely wrong but it's how Agile name theirs at least haha.

Not too sure to be honest, I've always just bought packs that felt right for my Gibson SG, totally different scale length on that one though. It's a 25.5, just checked. Not sure why they named it that way though I do like a bit of tension without being too tough to play.

 

[Winspear]

Ok let's call it 9's - hang on

 

[Winspear]

9 12 16 22 33 45 61 would be nice
You may have heard that CK don't do wounds below 25 which is a problem when you are going for light tension like this, as a 25 wound would be significantly tighter. This is why I suggested a 22 plain but you might not like the tone.
A 25 wound would be the same tension as the 61 so it's not hugely out of place, you'll just notice a jump from the 16 and that the 33 is a little looser.

 

[baptizedinblood]

9 12 16 22 33 45 61 would be nice
You may have heard that CK don't do wounds below 25 which is a problem when you are going for light tension like this, as a 25 wound would be significantly tighter. This is why I suggested a 22 plain but you might not like the tone.
A 25 wound would be the same tension as the 61 so it's not hugely out of place, you'll just notice a jump from the 16 and that the 33 is a little looser.

Alright, thanks!

Edit: One more question for ya Ethereal

When using the tension calc. posted in the OP, what should I be looking for as far as weight goes? I put a 9-45 set w/ a 61 in the calc and got this...

len 25.5"

E .009" PL == 13.13#
B, .013" PL == 15.38#
G, .017" PB == 14.11#
D, .025" PB == 18.43#
A,, .033" PB == 18.3#
E,, .045" PB == 19.1#
B,,, .061" PB == 19.27#
total == 117.73#

 

[Winspear]

Yep that's good That calculator is for D'addario weights though, CKs are heavier. There is a calculator floating about for those somewhere but use other methods.
That's a pretty standard looking set - around 15lbs on the tops and 19-20lbs on basses. This set is pretty much the same as any out there but without the heavy A/D + Floppy bass

 

[potatohead]

Ok thanks guys. I'm trying to burn through my last 3-4 sets for each guitar and then I'll probably give some CK's a try. It just works out I can buy different packs and mix and match them to get where I want to be on different guitars, I only have to buy a few singles.

Also a few posts up, on the calculator you want to change PB to NW. You'll lose a couple pounds per string or so.

 

[mikelink]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to string my multiscale 7-string as an 8, but in the following tuning: E-B-E-A-D-G-B

I've already picked up two sets of strings from D'Addario but was wondering how some of you would mix and match them for a 25.5 - 28" multiscale...

Here's the two sets I have:

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Winspear]

You're best off buying individual strings from Circle K than trying to throw a set together like that - It'll be a lot cheaper

A good set might be something like this:
len 25.5"

B3 .013 pl == 15.38#

len 25.9166666667"

G3 .017 pl == 17.12#

len 26.3333333333"

D3 .025 nw == 18.22#

len 26.75"

A2 .034 nw == 19.37#

len 27.1666666666"

E2 .046 nw == 19.85#

len 27.5833333333"

B1 .061 nw == 20.62#

len 28

E1 .090 nw == 19.46#

90 61 46 34 25 17 13

The closest you will get with the two packs you have there is
13 17 26 36 46 62 74, which is all very well apart from the 74 which will be incredibly loose in comparison. 13lbs of tension in E, which is the same as a .039 in standard tuning on a 25.5" scale guitar.

 

[mikelink]

Thanks for the info man. Yeah, I'll be ordering some strings from Circle K - I kind of figured there would be an issue with the 74. Thanks!

 

[Casus]

My first post!
Can anyone help me with the gauges for a Carvin DC700?
It`s (as most know) a 25.5". The tuning is drop A.
Thanks

 

[potatohead]

My first post!
Can anyone help me with the gauges for a Carvin DC700?
It`s (as most know) a 25.5". The tuning is drop A.
Thanks

What do you normally use in another tuning? Even on a six or whatever is fine, but we need a starting point.

 

[Xenos0176]

i'm a strings n00b, on my friends advice i go to juststrings.com for guitar strings and have a set of 13s on my 25.5" scale schecter with a low 74 for drop G# tuning. Just got an 8 string 27" scale neck want to tune it to the same tuning with a lower D#, do i really need a 90 for that or can i get away with a thinner set? I realize the scale lengths are different, but unsure about what i can get away with

 

[helix]

I started using this set for my 7 (9 12 16 24 32 44 58). It hasn't been the biggest difference for me but I like some of the increased tension especially on the 7th string. Using the 52 that normally comes in that set imo is total crap. I'm going to be buying 6 sting packs and buying the 7 as a single from now on.

Edit: This is for standard tuning.