Downtuning setups..

[cyndicate]

I never really tried downtuning too often, lowest I've ever gone was D-Standard, what are setup issues that need to be fixed if I decide to downtune to maybe Drop C tuning? Also what string gauges do most of you prefer when tuning down that low?

 

[Code001]

Intonation, action, and possible neck adjustment are some possible things that need to be adjusted. That said, I think the only thing you'd need to be worried about would be intonation and maybe some very slight action adjustment on the thicker strings. Drop C isn't that low, especially if you've done D standard before. I mean, it's just D standard with the low D tuned to C. String gauge recommendation would depend on the scale length of your guitar and what kind of strings you prefer in standard tuning.

 

[OneArmedScissor]

I just put a set of 52-10 EBs on a 24.75" scale and tuned it to drop C. I don't normally tune to that, but the tension is pretty similar to what I'm used to.

 

[nwright]

I use custom sets I made up myself for downtuning, pretty much a 13-56 or 13-58 set, though, and I tune to drop C.

 

[timbo]

I usually just push a button on my VG99 or Axe Fx Ultra.

 

[D-Rock]

I don't like too thick of a 6th string for downtuning. I play tuned to CGCFAD on a 24 fret LTD Viper. The strings I prefer are DR Tite Fit 11-50. Anything thicker than a 50 on the 6th string makes for too blunt of an attack. I like to hear and feel the slink and stretch of the string. When it's too thick and has too tight of tension the strings sound dead to me with no flex.

 

[cyndicate]

Just tuned my rg550 last night to C Standard, couldn't find my wrench to adjust the truss rod, but so far it's holding tune pretty well, just needs a fix on the action a little. I put on the EB heavy bottom 10-52 strings and there seems to be just about enough tension for me in C standard, however it feels like if I tune to Drop C or D standard it may be too much. Other than the truss rod what is another way to relieve tension? Probably the springs I guess? Its a floyd guitar.

 

[Code001]

Just tuned my rg550 last night to C Standard, couldn't find my wrench to adjust the truss rod, but so far it's holding tune pretty well, just needs a fix on the action a little. I put on the EB heavy bottom 10-52 strings and there seems to be just about enough tension for me in C standard, however it feels like if I tune to Drop C or D standard it may be too much. Other than the truss rod what is another way to relieve tension? Probably the springs I guess? Its a floyd guitar.

You shouldn't be adjusting the springs unless the angle of the trem is not parallel with the body. If you want to relieve tension, you could always just use lighter strings.

 

[cyndicate]

Just tuned my rg550 last night to C Standard, couldn't find my wrench to adjust the truss rod, but so far it's holding tune pretty well, just needs a fix on the action a little. I put on the EB heavy bottom 10-52 strings and there seems to be just about enough tension for me in C standard, however it feels like if I tune to Drop C or D standard it may be too much. Other than the truss rod what is another way to relieve tension? Probably the springs I guess? Its a floyd guitar.

You shouldn't be adjusting the springs unless the angle of the trem is not parallel with the body. If you want to relieve tension, you could always just use lighter strings.

Hmm good thing I didn't touch the springs then, Guess I'll leave it the way it is, took me awhile to get the trem leveled

 

[Code001]

If the guitar's trem feels too stiff or too springy, that's when you start messing around with the trem springs. BTW, OT but I checked out your friend's computer place and he has some amazing deals on desktops. I've been showing my friend that and he seems like he might be getting one.

 

[cyndicate]

If the guitar's trem feels too stiff or too springy, that's when you start messing around with the trem springs. BTW, OT but I checked out your friend's computer place and he has some amazing deals on desktops. I've been showing my friend that and he seems like he might be getting one.

Yeah, its priced pretty competitively I guess, if you compare with others listed on SLI zone, right now my current comp his company built is overkill for anything I need it for, Using the new QX6850 Quad Core chip and SLI to play CoD4 is overkill

 

[soc_monki]

i think most of it has been covered...but on string gauges i would say play with whatever you feel comfortable with. i have some guitars tuned to B and i use the DR Black Beauties 11-50 (standard B, not dropped B!) and yea, they are slinky, but it works. you just have to play with a light touch! some do call me crazy though

 

[Jordon]

Everly X Rocker 12-60's for anything lower then Drop C# for me. I usually tune B F# B E A B and A# F A# D# G C.

I like TIGHT strings though, i have what they call hammer-hands.

 

[nwright]

I don't like too thick of a 6th string for downtuning. I play tuned to CGCFAD on a 24 fret LTD Viper. The strings I prefer are DR Tite Fit 11-50. Anything thicker than a 50 on the 6th string makes for too blunt of an attack. I like to hear and feel the slink and stretch of the string. When it's too thick and has too tight of tension the strings sound dead to me with no flex.

I use a Viper as well and use 56's...a 56 in C will not have as much tension as a standard tuned 46 in E, IMO. The feel is definitely different, but the tension is lower.

For downtuning, I really like DR's...I prefer the Jeff Healey signature set. It's like a light top/ heavy bottom, perfect for downtuning. Once my custom guage bulk sets are used up, I'm going back to DR's.

 

[anomaly]

Well, i use 56 - 13 for B tuning, and it works great for me. For C tuning i'd probably go with anything around 52 to 54 on the low string and 11 to 12 on the high string.

For Drop-C you could get away with a 52 - 10 setup though.

 

[anomaly]

I don't like too thick of a 6th string for downtuning. I play tuned to CGCFAD on a 24 fret LTD Viper. The strings I prefer are DR Tite Fit 11-50. Anything thicker than a 50 on the 6th string makes for too blunt of an attack. I like to hear and feel the slink and stretch of the string. When it's too thick and has too tight of tension the strings sound dead to me with no flex.

I use a Viper as well and use 56's...a 56 in C will not have as much tension as a standard tuned 46 in E, IMO. The feel is definitely different, but the tension is lower.

For downtuning, I really like DR's...I prefer the Jeff Healey signature set. It's like a light top/ heavy bottom, perfect for downtuning. Once my custom guage bulk sets are used up, I'm going back to DR's.

A set of 56 - 12/13's in B tuning has about the same tension as a set of 42 - 9's in E tuning. B tuning is like have the extra low string like a 7 string guitar, but without the high E string.