How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

[Mephis]

Yea, I wana downtune my BC Rich platoum pro, but man... The strings are pretty sloppy as is, if I downtune it they will be really hard to play.

What should I do?

 

[Quencho092]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

thicker strings...get at least 11's and you should be fine.

 

[B2D]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

Beef up your string gauges and reajust/reset the guitar accordingly.

 

[Mephis]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

Ahh ok, thanks!

 

[jimmy]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

Beefing up the strings is some great advice, but the one thing that will really help--and if you don't want to change your current string gauge-- is raising the action.

since you're tunning lower, you shouldn't really feel a difference in playability because the lower tunning will make up for the tension.

Hope that helps.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

Beefing up the strings is some great advice, but the one thing that will really help--and if you don't want to change your current string gauge-- is raising the action.

since you're tunning lower, you shouldn't really feel a difference in playability because the lower tunning will make up for the tension.

Hope that helps.

It's not a bad idea to raise the strings, just make sure you don't raise them too much, as pressing them down too hard/far might affect intonation.

Personally, I would just go with a thicker string. Not only will the feel improve, but your tone will also get bigger and thicker.

 

[HarrisonDavid]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

Do you have a floyd? No one here mentioned that you may need to add a couple of springs to your floyd....open back cover and see if you need extra springs. I had to do this with my charvel. Good luck finding any.

Heavy gauge strings should help too. First springs if you have a floyd.

 

[Imp]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

i use 12s for standard tuning on my hardtail.. dont be afraid to go heavier, it'll tire your hands a bit quicker initially but you do get stronger fingers :burnout:

 

[Loserchief]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

thicker strings are the way to go in my eyes(11's are just right i'd say)

 

[Jimbojsr]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

Personally, I would just go with a thicker string. Not only will the feel improve, but your tone will also get bigger and thicker.

+1 for that - AND you'll end up a better player, although u'll get sore fingers for a while

 

[MrHeavyMetal]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

slap some GHS Boomer "Zakk Wylde" 11-70 gauges on it.

 

[HarrisonDavid]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

slap some GHS Boomer "Zakk Wylde" 11-70 gauges on it.

Whoa!!! Never tune higher than C you can damage your guitar permanently when you tune to standard.

:hijacked:

Anybody know how much it would cost to adjust this so I can use a 10-60ZW set on my Paul? (In Standard tuning) I like E and D tunings you don't have to tune down to be heavier.

My favorite guitar tone is Kill em all! There is proof there.

HeLLO Screaming Daisy? I'll bet you can answer this since you know a luthier......Thanks.

 

[Imp]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

whaaaaaaaaa?! lol my set of 12s in standard salute you. SRV had 13s in Eb, and his strat is still around..

tom

 

[y2stevo]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

I have my aria strat copy with 13's in Standard and it's still holding well..

 

[Nite_Maresz_25]

Re: How do I downtune without getting sloppy strings?

What are you gonna be tuning to?
were's what i suggest:
drop d: 11-48
starndard d:11-48
drop c:11-52 or 10-52
standard c:11-52
drop b and lower:12-56

thats what i say