String gauge for Drop A# 6-string

[RuxinCaldwell]

Any guitarists who play in this tuning? What string guages did you find worked the best? All I have now is an LTD EC-1000 Deluxe with a 24.7 inch scale neck, and so far I'm at 59 (low E/A#), 46, 32, 26(w), 17, 13. I plan on getting a second guitar with a 25.5 inch scale neck for better tension, either the LTD H-1001FM or Schecter Hellraiser Extreme as soon as I sell my Framus Cobra head, but for now, I have to use the EC-1000. I've already ordered some D'Addario 64 gauge singles for the Low E, the 59 feels too loose and buzzes too much.

One last question. My string action is starting to get a little high for my liking with the set of strings I have on it now, to be able to get the tension where I need it for the notes to not buzz and sound full. Wouldn't it make sense to use a slightly higher string gauge, and just lower to action (to make up for some of the stiffness of heavy gauge strings)? It seems like you would get the best of both worlds. Low action and clarity within your notes.

Thanks for reading!

 

[bubbastain]

I play in open A# for most stuff. I'm using a 25.5" scale and using 10-52 Boomers. The low 52 is not thick enough but I love the grind I get. It goes sharp when I hit it before it settles down. I have another of the same guitar strung up with 10-60 Boomers and it is fine. An Evertune bridge would fix the pitch fluctuation but my guitar body is too thin to put one on. It's only a hair over 1.5". I also have a few sets of 11-70 Boomers but they feel too thick and I loose the grind I like. They do sound big and thick though.

 

[steve_k]

On a Jim Root Tele, I use custom sets of EB's....56-36-26-18-15-11 for Drop B and Drop A#.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

I didn't calculate exactly but for drop A @ 24.75 if it were my guitar it would be something along these lines:

.014 .020 .027 .039 .053 .070

.015 .021 .029 .041 .055 .070

.016 .021 .028 .039 .053 .070

 

[bravedude2]

 

[maddnotez]

I personally think that .64 way too thick for any tuning. I dont know much about tension but still thats a string for a bass guitar.

Have you tried to adjust your neck bow?

That is more than likely the issue causing the buzz.
Changing tuning or even changing string gauges can cause your neck releif to change.

 

[fluff191]

I eventually moved to a baritone 6 string and now use 12-60. Love em!

 

[moltenmetalburn]

I personally think that .64 way too thick for any tuning. I dont know much about tension but still thats a string for a bass guitar.

What makes you say this?

For instance for the strings I posted above , the heavy .70 for his A string is calculated by the unit weight of the string I used my brand , the frequency of the note in the octave you're tuning to , and the desired tension. Those sets have every string at the same normal tension on a standard tuned guitar with lighter strings.

If you choose the string set based on tension instead of gauge then you get the tension you want not some arbitrary value.

I use sets that return my guitar to normal tensions at whatever tuning I'm using at the time. Sounds better this way,but yes you gotta earn it and play them.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

FWIW I have a 7string in the same 24.75 length and use a set that goes to 59 for the low drop A.
It's a bit floppy, but I like the ability to pinch and pull on it, and it's tight enough for me to play mostly everything
No buzz, excellent response- I had it professionally setup. I think that's the key...heavier gauges are the typical approach for solid tension, but there's no reason your axe shouldn't be able to respond on a string between 59-70 at low A

Also check out Circle K strings, their known for giving us detuners quality products (I'm about to order my first set for my 8string)

 

[SomeGuyChi]

I've been using .013, .017, .022p, .038, .050, .062 in drop A# on PRS and EBMM guitars for years. Seems to be the best set I've come across that combines tuning stability and the ability to play leads without issue.

Of course, in the end, it's all about your preferences. Some random dudes on forums can point you in different directions, some that may help, some that may not, but no one will have the answer that fits for your playing style and needs. For example, a friend of mine in a well-known, high-profile heavy rock band, known for playing and helping popularize low tunings in the 90's and 00's, uses 11-54 in B and A#, and I'd just bash the shit out of those strings. Different strokes and all that.

 

[maddnotez]

I personally think that .64 way too thick for any tuning. I dont know much about tension but still thats a string for a bass guitar.

What makes you say this?

For instance for the strings I posted above , the heavy .70 for his A string is calculated by the unit weight of the string I used my brand , the frequency of the note in the octave you're tuning to , and the desired tension. Those sets have every string at the same normal tension on a standard tuned guitar with lighter strings.

If you choose the string set based on tension instead of gauge then you get the tension you want not some arbitrary value.

I use sets that return my guitar to normal tensions at whatever tuning I'm using at the time. Sounds better this way,but yes you gotta earn it and play them.

Reason 1: I like my hands

Reason 2: The buzz is probably from his neck relief/bow


Wanted to edit this if your true interest is tension you might want to read this http://www.zacharyguitars.com/Strings.htm

 

[moltenmetalburn]

I personally think that .64 way too thick for any tuning. I dont know much about tension but still thats a string for a bass guitar.

What makes you say this?

For instance for the strings I posted above , the heavy .70 for his A string is calculated by the unit weight of the string I used my brand , the frequency of the note in the octave you're tuning to , and the desired tension. Those sets have every string at the same normal tension on a standard tuned guitar with lighter strings.

If you choose the string set based on tension instead of gauge then you get the tension you want not some arbitrary value.

I use sets that return my guitar to normal tensions at whatever tuning I'm using at the time. Sounds better this way,but yes you gotta earn it and play them.

Reason 1: I like my hands

Reason 2: The buzz is probably from his neck relief/bow

Your number 2 has nothing to do with your quoted text.

As for number 1, i see; nothing then...

I've been playing huge strings for a long time the hands argument is nothing more than an excuse for not practicing on heavy strings. We adapt as humans easily.

If you practice on heavy strings you'll play heavy strings. Also every bassist I've played with still has functioning hands. My bass guitar has a .130 on it, though ill be going up to .136 soon, hands still fine.

You did however admit you know nothing about tension yet have a biased opinion on its application.

It's note frequency that separates bass from guitar, nothing more.

A guitar tuned to e standard with traditionally guages strings on it has approximately 18 to 19 lbs tension per string. My .70 choice for dropped A is exactly that 19 lbs. so that is even larger than your .64 yet is not " too thick for any tuning" in fact it is exactly perfect for this tuning.

Forget antiquated string sets , just because its all you know doesnt make it the best choice.

Choose the guage based on desired string tension and what you get is an articulate sounding guitar at ANY tuning. No baritone required though a baritone or custom scale guitar IS the answer for the guy not willing to play very large strings.

I choose to go further and use strings that have the same tension across the neck, it's a very comfortable feel that requires less technique modification per string. Also known as balanced.


Don't dismiss non traditional string guages, they are the future of guitar as the science catches up and the "vintage" naysayers die off.

 

[maddnotez]

Wow, another asshole.

Ok my first and only other reply said its probably your neck. So it actually has everything to do with my text. However you chose to only quote half.

Id put money that this guys buzzing is from him dropping his tuning, which seems like what this thread is about. Fixing his buzz.

Im not sure how old you are and how long you've been playing but i highly recommend smaller strings.

You really sound like a big douchebag. I played 12's for years in drop C because I was advised its the right tension.

I now play 11's considering 10's in drop c because its better on my hands.

Ive already got signs of carpel tunnel and would like to be able to play in 20 years instead of saying damn those. 70's were great for tension but now my hand doesn't work. Smh

 

[glpg80]

Wow, another asshole.

Ok my first and only other reply said its probably your neck. So it actually has everything to do with my text. However you chose to only quote half.

Id put money that this guys buzzing is from him dropping his tuning, which seems like what this thread is about. Fixing his buzz.

Im not sure how old you are and how long you've been playing but i highly recommend smaller strings.

You really sound like a big douchebag. I played 12's for years in drop C because I was advised its the right tension.

I now play 11's considering 10's in drop c because its better on my hands.

Ive already got signs of carpel tunnel and would like to be able to play in 20 years instead of saying damn those. 70's were great for tension but now my hand doesn't work. Smh

You're not fooling anyone around here. Namecalling on the internet only shows your arrogance on the subject. Your personal string tension preferences do not equate to everyone else's as the god given word. I play 10-52 in D which is a hair above 18lb's per string based on personal preference, but have played 11-52's at 19.5lb's and disliked it with the same action. If you were playing 12's in the same tuning you were in the 20lb tension range which unless you slowing trained to get there you were asking for trouble.

Proper intonation, neck setup, and everything else is a given when changing string gauges. Smaller gauges allow for easier intonation which is just one of the reasons many people choose to go to 7's.

Regardless of the subject he is right on the money when talking about tension and tuning. If you want to argue more about the subject we can start a classic mechanics physics lesson on the relationships of tension and frequency propagation.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

Wow, another asshole.

First time I've been called an asshole for trying to help someone learn.

Ok my first and only other reply said its probably your neck. So it actually has everything to do with my text. However you chose to only quote half.

Well, yes I only quoted half, it was only this statement I was discussing. The OP has a very descriptive thread title posted and asks "Any guitarists who play in this tuning? What string guages did you find worked the best? " the secondary question about buzz I did not approach as only a proper setup alleviates buzz, not string gauge.

I specifically ask why you think those strings gauges are too thick. The other text posted by you does not pertain to my query therefore was omitted..



Id put money that this guys buzzing is from him dropping his tuning, which seems like what this thread is about. Fixing his buzz.

He asks for string gauges that work well with that tuning. I answered his question no matter your assumption. I have yet to approach the buzz issue.

Im not sure how old you are and how long you've been playing but i highly recommend smaller strings.

Playing 22 years, 35 years old. I am also a touring professional guitar tech.
No under tensioned strings for me thanks, it's all about tone..

You really sound like a big douchebag. I played 12's for years in drop C because I was advised its the right tension.

I'm sorry there is no inflection in text, my aim was to teach and share information, not belittle you. You obviously need thicker internet skin..

I now play 11's considering 10's in drop c because its better on my hands.

Ive already got signs of carpel tunnel and would like to be able to play in 20 years instead of saying damn those. 70's were great for tension but now my hand doesn't work. Smh

Ok there is some information you did not post, you have carpal tunnel issues.

See I would not recommend very heavy strings to you, I would say; you unfortunately have to sacrifice tone in order to continue playing guitar so whatever gauge you need to use to do so, use.

You are aware carpal tunnel is not guaranteed to occur to all people right?
Every single bassist alive would have it, if so.

A string at the same tension is a string at the same tension. Based on your criteria every guitar player playing e standard guitar should have carpal tunnel. ( remember all the sets I posted and almost all string sets available are approximately 19 lbs tension at pitch) it takes the same force to push them down, no matter the gauge. I'm not all that read up on carpal tunnel but I can't see how the thickness of the string has anything to do with it, only the tension the string is under and the force it takes to push it down. Which in the case of the gauge suggestions I made is identical.

Also did you use a daily stretching regiment on your hands to warm up before playing? I do this, always have as it is necessary and have had no issues. Ymmv as genetics plays a role.

 

[glassjaw7]

24 3/4 scale is AWFUL for that tuning IMO (used to do it myself a long time ago). With 25.5 scale you can get away a hybrid set (10-53 or 11-54 or similar). I like a baritone scale with lighter strings myself.

If you have to tune a gibby scale that low maybe go with a 12-60 or similar.

 

[SomeGuyChi]

Just throwing out there, SRV played up to 16-65 in Eb at one point. Once again, whatever works for the individual.

 

[SomeGuyChi]

Wow, another asshole.

Ok my first and only other reply said its probably your neck. So it actually has everything to do with my text. However you chose to only quote half.

Id put money that this guys buzzing is from him dropping his tuning, which seems like what this thread is about. Fixing his buzz.

Im not sure how old you are and how long you've been playing but i highly recommend smaller strings.

You really sound like a big douchebag. I played 12's for years in drop C because I was advised its the right tension.

I now play 11's considering 10's in drop c because its better on my hands.

Ive already got signs of carpel tunnel and would like to be able to play in 20 years instead of saying damn those. 70's were great for tension but now my hand doesn't work. Smh

Oh, and you sound like the douche, man. Sorry to break it to you.

And don't give me that carpel tunnel shit. Do you stretches, warm-ups and exercises, andyou'll be fine, unless you're already prone to it. This "heavy strings gives me carpel tunnel" crap is ridiculous. How come more bass and baritone-guitar players aren't crippled after a few years of playing?

 

[glassjaw7]

Just throwing out there, SRV played up to 16-65 in Eb at one point. Once again, whatever works for the individual.

This is true.

 

[maddnotez]

Wow, another asshole.

First time I've been called an asshole for trying to help someone learn.

Ok my first and only other reply said its probably your neck. So it actually has everything to do with my text. However you chose to only quote half.

Well, yes I only quoted half, it was only this statement I was discussing. The OP has a very descriptive thread title posted and asks "Any guitarists who play in this tuning? What string guages did you find worked the best? " the secondary question about buzz I did not approach as only a proper setup alleviates buzz, not string gauge.

I specifically ask why you think those strings gauges are too thick. The other text posted by you does not pertain to my query therefore was omitted..



Id put money that this guys buzzing is from him dropping his tuning, which seems like what this thread is about. Fixing his buzz.

He asks for string gauges that work well with that tuning. I answered his question no matter your assumption. I have yet to approach the buzz issue.

Im not sure how old you are and how long you've been playing but i highly recommend smaller strings.

Playing 22 years, 35 years old. I am also a touring professional guitar tech.
No under tensioned strings for me thanks, it's all about tone..

You really sound like a big douchebag. I played 12's for years in drop C because I was advised its the right tension.

I'm sorry there is no inflection in text, my aim was to teach and share information, not belittle you. You obviously need thicker internet skin..

I now play 11's considering 10's in drop c because its better on my hands.

Ive already got signs of carpel tunnel and would like to be able to play in 20 years instead of saying damn those. 70's were great for tension but now my hand doesn't work. Smh

Ok there is some information you did not post, you have carpal tunnel issues.

See I would not recommend very heavy strings to you, I would say; you unfortunately have to sacrifice tone in order to continue playing guitar so whatever gauge you need to use to do so, use.

You are aware carpal tunnel is not guaranteed to occur to all people right?
Every single bassist alive would have it, if so.

A string at the same tension is a string at the same tension. Based on your criteria every guitar player playing e standard guitar should have carpal tunnel. ( remember all the sets I posted and almost all string sets available are approximately 19 lbs tension at pitch) it takes the same force to push them down, no matter the gauge. I'm not all that read up on carpal tunnel but I can't see how the thickness of the string has anything to do with it, only the tension the string is under and the force it takes to push it down. Which in the case of the gauge suggestions I made is identical.

Also did you use a daily stretching regiment on your hands to warm up before playing? I do this, always have as it is necessary and have had no issues. Ymmv as genetics plays a role.

Although I highly admire your cute little color coded text I really dont give a fuck about your scientific bullshit opinions. I like the part about comparing a bass to a guitar the most seeing as how they are completely different.

You act like your trying to help someone but bash other peoples opinions and act like no one else could possibly be right besides you. My interpretation was that op wants to get rid of his buzz...So adjust your neck was my suggestion, what is wrong with that? Get off your high horse. You did give me something to ponder (tension) so thanks for that however I would probably value your opinions more if you were a pro player and not a pro tech.

You can type as sophistacated as you want and I still wont give a shit, I am more of a get to the damn point kind of person.

Wow, another asshole.

Ok my first and only other reply said its probably your neck. So it actually has everything to do with my text. However you chose to only quote half.

Id put money that this guys buzzing is from him dropping his tuning, which seems like what this thread is about. Fixing his buzz.

Im not sure how old you are and how long you've been playing but i highly recommend smaller strings.

You really sound like a big douchebag. I played 12's for years in drop C because I was advised its the right tension.

I now play 11's considering 10's in drop c because its better on my hands.

Ive already got signs of carpel tunnel and would like to be able to play in 20 years instead of saying damn those. 70's were great for tension but now my hand doesn't work. Smh

Oh, and you sound like the douche, man. Sorry to break it to you.

And don't give me that carpel tunnel shit. Do you stretches, warm-ups and exercises, andyou'll be fine, unless you're already prone to it. This "heavy strings gives me carpel tunnel" crap is ridiculous. How come more bass and baritone-guitar players aren't crippled after a few years of playing?

Well, I wasnt really giving YOU anything, way to hop on the band wagon follower.

Wow, another asshole.

Ok my first and only other reply said its probably your neck. So it actually has everything to do with my text. However you chose to only quote half.

Id put money that this guys buzzing is from him dropping his tuning, which seems like what this thread is about. Fixing his buzz.

Im not sure how old you are and how long you've been playing but i highly recommend smaller strings.

You really sound like a big douchebag. I played 12's for years in drop C because I was advised its the right tension.

I now play 11's considering 10's in drop c because its better on my hands.

Ive already got signs of carpel tunnel and would like to be able to play in 20 years instead of saying damn those. 70's were great for tension but now my hand doesn't work. Smh

You're not fooling anyone around here. Namecalling on the internet only shows your arrogance on the subject. Your personal string tension preferences do not equate to everyone else's as the god given word. I play 10-52 in D which is a hair above 18lb's per string based on personal preference, but have played 11-52's at 19.5lb's and disliked it with the same action. If you were playing 12's in the same tuning you were in the 20lb tension range which unless you slowing trained to get there you were asking for trouble.

Proper intonation, neck setup, and everything else is a given when changing string gauges. Smaller gauges allow for easier intonation which is just one of the reasons many people choose to go to 7's.

Regardless of the subject he is right on the money when talking about tension and tuning. If you want to argue more about the subject we can start a classic mechanics physics lesson on the relationships of tension and frequency propagation.

Ok sure, since you love to argue. I will continue name calling by calling you a hypocrite. You say my personal preferences do not equate to everyone elses but follow with 20lbs of tension is asking for trouble? hmm

edit:you mad bro? hypocrite