Custom guage string sets
- Thread starter solspirit
- Start date
Clint 55
OH THE DOUBLE THICK GLAZE!
I like them a lot because the tone and feel is better. I balance the tensions and mix materials. It feels way better to have 10-49 instead of a floppy 46. That makes no sense. I use XLs with a NYXL 4th and 5th. It makes the set ultra juicy. I get them at stringsandbeyond.com and they run me about $12 per set.
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Sirion
Well-known member
I've toyed with the idea of recreating the .009-.040 pure nickel set that Fender sold as 150XL in the olden days. However, only the thick E differs from the 150L set (.009-.042), which is still in production, and whilst I prefer the lighter set I don't think the difference is large enough to justify going through the logistical pains and extra costs needed to make it happen.
JB_From_Hell
Jomo's Nimions
I’m messing with a bunch of new strings. For standard tuning, I really like the EB Turbo Slinky (9.5-46). I’ve built tons of custom sets, and while I like the results, it’s a pain.
If you’re ordering enough that $6 shipping isn’t a big deal, Just Strings has an absurd selection.
If you’re ordering enough that $6 shipping isn’t a big deal, Just Strings has an absurd selection.
UnderTheFlame83
New member
I used to mix the Regular Slinkys with Power Slinkys for years before Ernie Ball finally released the Ultra 10-48 set. I love this set. They are perfect. I use Ultra Slinkys on all my guitars now except for my Viper. I use 10-52 D'Addario on my Viper or the Skinny Top Heavy Bottoms. Been thinking about switching to the new Skinny Top Beefy Bottom 10-54 set on that guitar, though. But haven't picked up a set yet. Also the DR Tite Fit 10-50 are pretty good hybrid set as well.
i used to have dr make me sets of 11, 15, 19, 28, 38, 54. didnt cost any more than a normal set but there is a minimum order and you have to wait a bit. it was a fine experience but i eventually went back to a stock 11-50 set cause of laziness mostly. granted its been quite some time so not sure what their current policy is
solspirit
Ultimate Post Liker
Going to try a couple complete cust size sets like you've had, but from stringjoy. There strings are a bit pricey but I don't mind.
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PFDarkside
of the Forum
.011 to .056 D'Addario, why ? Because the Rock.
Will never go back to xtra lights.
Only wish they had these 30 years ago.
25.5” too or only 24.75”? E or Eb?
i didnt like the g string on gibson scale guitars, always sounded slightly out of tune, but at the time i was almost 100% fender scale guitars. there was also no half sizes back then
JMP/HBE
Well-known member
All of the above. Was E flat and 1/2 & 1/2 for a long time but currently A440 from my last band.
Oh they can be a pull & i feel it but oh the toans !!!
When i switch from E flat to standard & vice versa usually requires a truss rod tweak.
The price of good tone.
Last for months.
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beaubrummels
Well-known member
I don’t regularly use custom gauges, but I have tried odd sets, sometimes because of being in a desperate situation (on tour, no music shop open in town, have to use what’s left in the case), or to solve a specific problem (e.g. I will either buy singles, or pull strings from other sets to make the octave strings on my electric twelve plain, instead of a mix of wound and plain so runs/riffs have a consistent sound). Some sets I use come with custom gauges, like Pyramid flats have like a 10.5 high E (or was it a 46.5 low E? Been a while since I out a set on - they don’t break but aren’t my daily players either)
PFDarkside
of the Forum
The only way I can do those on 25.5” in E would be like on my Tele which is pure rhythm. 24.75” and Eb would be very comfortable.
I’m interested in trying the newer 10-49 sets. 10-52 is a bit too big compared to 10s, but I like more than 46 for the bottom.
JMP/HBE
Well-known member
Last year i tried the orange 10-46 XL's like above cuz the band played A440 standard and i thought i needed it. The tone of the 10-46 was so bad & so different not in a good way that i went back to .011 to .056 and thats where i stay.
Wasted $75 bucks in strings.
To be honest the string pull/tension isn't really that different but the tone sure is.
Having said all that bending the 22nd fret/note with .011's can be murder but i don't play that note much.
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GuitarStv
Sock Market Trader
I like 10-52s on Fender scale instruments - that's as custom as I get. The regular bass strings on 10s just feel too floppy to me, but 11s on a fender in standard tuning are just a little too hard to bend for me. Regular 11s are great for Gibson scale stuff. I ran 11s with a wound third for several years, but bending that G string was a bitch so I gave up.
alex1fly
Well-known member
I used to, for fun. But these days the standard sets do fine enough for me. It got too fussy to be ordering and storing individual strings and second-guessing my decisions. Nowadays I appreciate the consistency of standard sets. Heck even switching between brands on the same string gauge will give different feels. But do what you want! That's the beauty of this 
