String gauge for C tuning?

Re: String gauge for C tuning?

There's no right or wrong here so I'll take a stab at the question

I like to match the string gauge to the scale length of the guitar. If it's a 25.5" or similar, i think normal 12s would be fine, as I can use 11s in standard, E flat, and D and they don't feel too slinky.

For a 24.75", I'd take one of those "low tuned" specialty sets. GHS makes theirs with the string's cores actually bigger than their normal sets, and the plain strings are 11 gauge but the wound ones are closer to those in a 13 gauge set. I would try that approach.
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

I've gone as low as B with 11's, to me it all depends on the scale and your bridge, if you have a ****ty setup job and have problems staying in tune you'll want to get that taken care of before you think of low tunings....
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

scale length? actually I don't know... I know it has 22 frets.
Btw, it's this guitar Ibanez ART500. Pickups are LW-Must set, but soon they'll be changed for DM D-Sonic and Paf Pro.
I've been using d'addario exl 110 (10-46), but I feel they're a bit loose with C tuning.
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

I use the Daddario 11's, lol, give em a whirl....I've used just about every other set of strings on the planet and those are my favorites....
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

I use D'addario 10s on a 25 inch scale and a 24.75 inch scale and they don't get too loose to play in drop C. But try out some 11s, you might get better results.
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

10s in drop C on a 24.75"? Well, if it works, it works.
I don't even like 10s on my LP in standard tuning. It's got to be 11s for me, anything lower just feels like I'm going to over-bend everything. I like a little fight from my strings, plus I like the slightly rounder sound out of the plain strings, but I do have a bright amp, so that may be affecting my choice.
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

I'm wondering... lower tuning mean less string tension so I'd need bigger strings to keep the same tension, but that would it change the neck curvature and the action? or it will almost the same than using 9's in standard tuning?
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

I always check the intonation, action and relief when changing string gauges or when downtuning more than a half a step. Especially with the relief, I often find noticeable differences, especially if I let it sit for a day. I mean, it only takes 10 minutes to check everything, so why not?
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

Today I'm gonna change pickups so I will take care of all that. I'll try 11's and I'll see how it goes.
Thanks Fuse.
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

btw, today I got my paf pro and the push/pull switches.
I'm gonna put the D-Sonic with the blade towards the bridge and Paf Pro in the neck, both with push/pull switch for series/parallel connection. I'm expecting to have a moster guitar for heavy riffing :cool2:
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

Sounds cool, the PAF pro is a monster in the neck....my friend replaced the neck pups in all his guitars with it he loves them so much....
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

yeah, I have great expectations of the Paf Pro, I have heard very good comments about it. I have an Air Norton in the neck of another guitar and I love it to death.
 
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Re: String gauge for C tuning?

You should try 10-52's. Bulk up the low strings, keep the high strings flexible for leads. Perfect if you tend to switch between c, e, and everywhere in between.
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

for C standard, I'd go 11-54 for a light set, 12-56 for a regular set, 11-60 for light top/hvy bottom, and 13-60+ for a heavy set.
 
Re: String gauge for C tuning?

I use 12-54 for C# standard, 12-60 for drop B. I tried 11-56 but they were too sloppy, I can't imagine 10's at C, that's gotta be a mess.
 
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