radius and bends

[Snake Aces]

Re: radius and bends

I use elixir strings too. Again, no issues or problems with the strings in question for me.

Practice, practice, practice. Practice is how I have been where I've been and practice is how I will get where I am going. Practice: try it.

 

[always SD]

Re: radius and bends

maybe 9-46 gives more tension for bends?

 

[AlexR]

Re: radius and bends

You've still not described how the bends aren't working. Sounds to me given the tension thing you just don't have enough strength, or the setup on the guitar is bad.

 

[always SD]

Re: radius and bends

i think that i explain the problem

the bends work but not a big bend
12th fret
g string
i bend the G string
G to B: impossible
the string will go down to the fretboard ('in the south) and the note can 't reach the note B for example
so i can't make big bends but with another guitar or tremolo i will can

my guitar has low action
floating vibrato so maybe it's the strat, that's all or maybe i must play 9-42

 

[AlexR]

Re: radius and bends

Well, if you mean you are pulling downward, then this is not the right way to go for big bends. There is more fretboard space above the G. I am assuming that you are pulling the string right to the very edge of the board. If that is the case and you still can't get the bend you want then you have to figure out a different method. My 10-46 bend 2 steps going that same direction......9's should go further for the same amount of bend distance. I can just get to c# going up to the low E string direction.

 

[SJ318]

Re: radius and bends

Going from 10 or higher to a set of .009's will for sure LESSEN the pressure when bending. So the rule is- all things being equal- thinner string easier bend.
On a much more personal note:
I have played around with .008's and .009, .010, off and on but I have always played a set I made and now buy in bulk from D'Adarrio- .009, .011, .015, .024, .034, .046. Especially on my trem. AlexR is getting a very nice bend, but it can sure be uncomfortable if you feel too much pressure. That's why I use .009's, and .016 has ALWAYS felt wrong in my hands, just too thick with the others. And the .032, .042, have felt sloppy and thin, regardless of amp, EQ's and pedal knobs. My .002 cents.
You'll get it,
SJ

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: radius and bends

i bend the G string
G to B: impossible
the string will go down to the fretboard ('in the south) and the note can 't reach the note B for example
so i can't make big bends but with another guitar or tremolo i will can

Maybe I'm not very good at/knowledgeable on string bends, but G to B is bending up 4 frets (G-Aflat, Aflat-A, A-Bflat, Bflat-B) seems like a serious string bend especially for the G string at the 12th fret.

I would say try a set of lighter gauge Slinky strings AND practice. lol I believe ZZ Top uses .008 gauge strings and Billy gets some sick string bends.

my guitar has low action
floating vibrato so maybe it's the strat, that's all or maybe i must play 9-42

What do you mean with another guitar or tremolo you can? Like any other guitar or tremolo? Or the other guitars you own?

 

[Archer250]

Re: radius and bends

Maybe I'm not very good at/knowledgeable on string bends, but G to B is bending up 4 frets (G-Aflat, Aflat-A, A-Bflat, Bflat-B) seems like a serious string bend especially for the G string at the 12th fret.

Not really. Big bends higher up on the g string are easy. They're slinkier than bends near the nut, and the distance to the desired note is slightly less.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: radius and bends

Not really. Big bends higher up on the g string are easy. They're slinkier than bends near the nut, and the distance to the desired note is slightly less.

I usually go for bends that hit a fret or two higher, but I don't incorporate a whole bunch of bends in my playing. Still, I would have thought a 4 fret bend would be easier higher up the neck on the B or E strings.

 

[AlexR]

Re: radius and bends

The 12th is the easiest spot to bend....most distance both side of the string from an anchor point.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: radius and bends

The 12th is the easiest spot to bend....most distance both side of the string from an anchor point.

Never thought of it from that point, but I don't incorporate a whole lot of string bends in my playing...probably should.

 

[always SD]

Re: radius and bends

i found a solution
for bends with a strat: the vibrato must be close to the body (floating just a little bit)

if you don't do that, the bends will be harder to make