Would using .009's be pushing it?

[devastone]

I use 9 - 46s on my 25.5 scale guitars, I like the slightly beefier wound strings. I use 10 - 46s on 24.75" scale guitars. Most are in standard, but tuning down 1/2 isn't a big deal.

[IMENATOR]

Just try it, that is the only way you will know if you like it, just force yourself to play enough time with it to really catch the pros and cons. Being that said I am about to put a similar set as yours with 9.5 or flat E and see if I get a similar feel of 9s with E.

[Rex_Rocker]

I guess it really depends on what you're playing and how you're playing.

I bet bends are so easy to play with a set like that when tuning half a step lower.

But if you tend to play hard when doing rhythm or do lots of fast downpicking, I'd be wary.

Otherwise, you'll be fine.

[Aceman]

Yes - Ace did tune down a half step (all of KISS did) and used 9's, although he also had a custom thin/thick set by Gibson for a while too.

The 1/2 step down will work even better on the longer Strat scale than the shorter Gibson scale.

As you tune down, you want thicker strings to maintain tension. In this case, you get a tension boost from the length of the neck.

I have 9's on all of my shredsticks in Eb - Longer scale Jacksons. They work great.

[jeremy]

really? why dont you like an 11 as your 2nd string? i mean, i use an 11-50 set for std tuning so im curious

[uOpt]

I like 11-52. Never tuned them up to H though

I meant the second highest string. I think you call it B in land over than Beethovens

[Chistopher]

I hate 0.011 H strings.

I like 11-52. Never tuned them up to H though

[BeKindRewind]

I use 9s in Eb on all my guitars, that's my "regular setup" , trem, no trem, all scale lengths. I even downtune to D or C# sometimes and it's fine as long as you have a light touch

[uOpt]

I hate 0.011 H strings.

[Phantasmagoria]

No.

I have .009's on 99% of my guitars & they're all tuned down half a step as well. (Takes a little edge off them compared to E Standard & is great for bending notes) It's never been a problem for me

[playas]

I play most stuff in standard but have often tuned down a half step with 9s.

No problem.

[jeremy]

give it a try, i wouldnt do it, but im used to heavier strings. if it works for you, then run with it!

[Securb]

I use .09s and tune to standard. But in cases when I down tune there are no issues. Going down just a half step is barely noticeable.

[Sirion]

I've done precisely this for 20 years, as has a ton of other guys (golden age Eddie van Halen and George Lynch for starters).

[Napthol]

I know if my guitar tech was still alive, he would object to it. I'll get a couple of sets of .009's and go for it.