How to choose string gagues

[Clint 55]

Re: How to choose string gagues

Overall Length

F G
32 29
31 30.5
30 32
29 32
28 30.5
27 29

For the same 10-46 set on each guitar, the 1st and 2nd string on the Gibson will be looser while strings 3-6 will be tighter than the Fender.
Also on the Strat, the low E will be way looser than its high E. While on the Gibson, the low E will be about the same as its high e.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: How to choose string gagues

So, in your opinion, everyone who thinks top wrapping strings makes them feel looser is wrong?

 

[Clint 55]

Re: How to choose string gagues

Well it doesn't really change the overall length. But maybe it lessens the friction between the string and the saddle?

The point is, I'm agreeing with you that the string outside of the sounding portion has an effect on the tension.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: How to choose string gagues

So it might feel looser, right?

Your post at the top of this page explains why the strings on my two guitars will feel unbalanced. Calculate all you want, I'm playing them and I can tell you they do not feel unbalanced. If your 10-59 set feels right to you, awesome. I've used a similar set, and the E strings felt nowhere near the same. String tension is ultimately a feel thing.

I went through this same thing on here years ago. Several guys said they used plain .019 or .020 G strings, because the plain strings were easier to bend. I said that was stupid because a wound .018 G measured much lower tension. Ultimately, I ended up trying a plain .019, and found that it was easier to bend. Not because the tension was lower, but because it didn't need bent as far to get up to the desired pitch. I realized I was way too focused on one aspect.

Regardless, good luck in your quest

 

[Clint 55]

Re: How to choose string gagues

Thanks JB, you too.

 

[esandes]

Re: How to choose string gagues

I am going with a heavy low, light high set next. I currently have 10-46.

Some of my guitars have some fret buzz so I will use the heavier strings to increase the tension and hopefully get rid of the buzz. I don't want to mess with the truss rods.

I like the brightness of nickel plated and wound.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: How to choose string gagues

Raising the bridge slightly may be all that's needed to eliminate the buzz. Your guitar will sound better, too.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: How to choose string gagues

You're ignoring everything aside from the length from the tuner to the ball end.

You're right. I did ignore the fact that a long string is easier to bend at the same tension as a short string because you get more leverage.

I think ball to tuner still determines tension so a longer tuner to nut section will increase the tension of the overall string, but that some of the feel of that increased tension is offset because you get more leverage to bend a longer string. The string does move in the nut when you bend it.

So yep, I have to revise my hypothesis.

Illustration of what determines tension at 12:20 on the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gD9uT-Rzeo&t=763s

Illustration of the increased overall string length and therefor tension being slightly offset by more leverage on a longer string. 8:00 on the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLi-jRXfbhY&t=504s

(Dylan is wrong, however that a longer tuner to nut length makes the string feel slinkier than a shorter tuner to nut length. But he is right about the fact that the increased tension is offset slightly from more leverage from a longer string.)