I need some advice on what string guage...

[rinse_master]

I've been looking to build a Warmoth guitar for some time now and I like the idea of a 7 string baritone, only thing is, if I did build this (and I do want to real bad), what string guages should I put on it?

Regular baritone sets are 14, 18, 26w, 44, 56, 68, so what would i need for the lowest string?, everywhere i know only sells singles up to 60 too, thats not really much good to me...

Also (probably a stupid question but...) do they have to be baritone strings to account for the increased scale/tension etc?

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[some_dude]

Re: I need some advice on what string guage...

To the best of my knowledge, baritones are normally tuned to the same notes as the bottom 6 strings on a seven string (B E A D G b).

So, if you're after a 7 string baritone, do you want an extra high string, or a low string?

F B E A D g b
or
B E A D G b e

You need to figure that out before you figure out what guages you want.

Also, some sets of tuners won't take anything much over .060 guage, so you'll want to make sure whatever tuners you choose will hold the string guages you want.

 

[nuntius]

Re: I need some advice on what string guage...

If you want another low you'd need a bass string :blackeye:

I think the guy from staind was using his low string as a bass string before he got his ibanez baritones

 

[rinse_master]

Re: I need some advice on what string guage...

It's gonna be an extra low string, I have an Ibanez 7 string already so I don't want to have a high as it'll be pretty much the same (tuning wise) apart from the longer scale.

And yeah, i was thinking it would have to be a bass string...

 

[some_dude]

Re: I need some advice on what string guage...

If you want to go lower, you might be able to use a .068 or .070 (GHS makes one) thanks to the longer scale, but it might end up being kinda loose.

I don't know how well a bass string would work in a guitar (never tried it). You might end up having to drill a tuner or install a bass tuner to get it to work.....

 

[beandip]

Re: I need some advice on what string guage...

Most modern tuners wont take anything above a 68 without a little bit of drilling. It's a simple and common mod done by alot of guys wanting to retain clarity when dropping down below "normal". I would say a 72 low string would be perfect, and you'd be able to drill out the tuner, but still have enough tuner left to have strength to hold the string.

 

[rinse_master]

Re: I need some advice on what string guage...

I was thinking about having to drill out the tuning peg too, i got no problem doing that, but like you say, it's gotta be strong enough to hold the string, better get some chunky tuners!

I suppose I gotta build it and the experiment with the strings to find what works best, whatever guage they are they'll be some heavy strings.

 

[beandip]

Re: I need some advice on what string guage...

You should only have to use a drill bit maybe 1mm wider than the hole, total. so about .5mm around. It'd be strong enough, dont worry.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: I need some advice on what string guage...

Don't forget about the bridge/saddle. Make sure that those pieces will also fit your intended string guage.

 

[beandip]

Re: I need some advice on what string guage...

Hmmm.....yeah, you might have to drill a tremplate, but if you're using a TOM then you should be fine.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: I need some advice on what string guage...

Hmmm.....yeah, you might have to drill a tremplate, but if you're using a TOM then you should be fine.

Don't forget the tailpiece on the TOM if that's what you're using.

 

[rinse_master]

Re: I need some advice on what string guage...

It's gonna be a TOM, i'm pretty sure tonepros do a 7 string TOM, should work ok