Gauges for drop tuning?

papersoul

New member
Hi Guys,

I'd love to find a set that has an even feel and tension for this tuning....
C#-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb.

It doesn't seem any company makes a set for dropped D or lower.

Thanks if anyone knows of a set!
 
Re: Gauges for drop tuning?

Well what do you like in standard?

A rule i go by is every semitone you go down, you go up a guage.. but i never usually go lower than D (12's)

by even do you mean you dont want a floppy tension on your bass string when its dropped a tone?

you'll have to get a thicker bass string i guess
 
Re: Gauges for drop tuning?

For that tuning, I use GHS Boomers, 7-string Medium (10-13-17-26-36-46-60) and leave off the high e. Perfect for dropped tunings ;)
 
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Re: Gauges for drop tuning?

papersoul said:
C#-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb.

I play C-G-C-F-A-D, which is a semi-tone below you on a 25.5" scale length Strat.

I use a semi-custom guage set of GHS Boomers (13-17-26w-36-44-70).

I really don't like loose strings.
 
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Re: Gauges for drop tuning?

I am playing a Gibson Les Paul (24.75") and a PRS McCArty (25").

I did some string comparrisons. I tried a 52, 54, and 56 in C#. The 52 was too floppy, especially since I am used to the 54. The 56 is perfect! I may be going 11 14 18 30 42 56. The only thing is the jump in size from the 42 to 56.......but it's either that or a loose C# string.

Sometimes I think the 11 14 18 are too tight for good and comfortable bending so I keep thinking of going 10 13 17 30 42 56 or 10 13 17 30 40 54. I can't decide!
 
Re: Gauges for drop tuning?

papersoul said:
10 13 17 30 42 56
10 13 17 30 40 54

10 13 17 30 44 52 - GHS TNT - Swap the 52 for a 56 and your set.

10 13 17 36 52 60 - GHS GBZW - A little heavier on the low end, but you won't need to buy singles....
 
Re: Gauges for drop tuning?

I have a guitar that I tune to C# tuning but, I drop the low string to B. I use GHS Zaykk Wylde 10-60s. It works well and the strings dont flop around and sound like a lawn mower. It has good string tension but not too much.The guages are,
10-13-17-36-52-60.
 
Re: Gauges for drop tuning?

I drop tune to CGCFAD, and I'm currently using DR "Tite-fit" 11's. I like DR strings, but I don't like the gauges I'm using. I'd like to try a would 3rd string, but I'm wondering how artificial harmonics would sound on a wound 3rd as opposed to the regular 3rds? I don't do a lot of artificial harmonics, it just happens that when I fit them into songs they seem to end up on the 3rd string. Anyone have any experience with artificial harms. with a wound 3rd in CGCFAD?
 
Re: Gauges for drop tuning?

I messed around with CGCFAD tuning for awhile using EB Power Slinky 11-48s. Worked just great for me.
 
Re: Gauges for drop tuning?

On the Les Paul I tend to like the higher strings at 11 14 and 18. I may try 10 13 17 but I am afraid it will be too floppy for a half step down. Plus, I think intonation is better with the 11s.

For the heavier strings I am testing 28 40 54, 30 40 54, and 30 42 56. I know this all sounds anal...but I love it when you find that perfect bland of tension and playability. I wish I could find 10.5 13.5 17.5 strings.

Anyone know if it is true that DR strings are easier to bend??
 
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