Strings for Drop C

[some_dude]

Re: Strings for Drop C

0

DAMN!!! Can't your guitar be ruined by that gauge in E? Can someone please confirm this? I would like to at least use a Heavy bottom skinny top set and tune in E without ruining my Les Paul. I was told by someone I could have tuning problems in the future by string tension. Need some expert advise on this. I would like to use a 10-60 set in Standard and Drop tunings can I do this?

The set I use is 11-14-18-36-52-58. It'll do drop tunings just fine.

Anybody can give me advice on how to set up the neck then for heavier gauge strings?

You need the nut slots cut, the truss rod tweeked, the saddles cut and the intonation set. A friend of mine is an experienced luthier, so I let him do all that for me.

Also the Heavy gauge strings been out awhile, it's just starting to now catch on with the drop tunings.

I was talking to him (the luthier) about guage last week, and he was saying that he hardly sells any light guage strings anymore. There used to be a time when he couldn't keep 9s on the shelves and he'd rarely ever sell anything bigger than a 10. Now he says almost everyone has switched to 10s and 11s and he rarely sells any 9s these days.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Strings for Drop C

Heavy strings (don't know the exact guages) were the original strings. I believe I've heard guys used to use banjo strings for the high E & B. It wasn't until Ernie Ball decided rock players needed lighter guages that there were production light electric strings.

 

[Marcel]

Re: Strings for Drop C

Thx!
Does thicker strings sound deeper. I still want a bright sound! And I don't want a wound
"G" string.
I used to play 009-042 on E but now 010-046 is still a bit flabby!
I think i'll try some 52-11 or thicker if i came to a guitar store....

 

[Rich_T]

Re: Strings for Drop C

I use 12-52 w/ wound G string, and am just about always downtuned to C# or lower.

Give em a try. Nice deep, rich tone.

Same. Cant stand the thick plain G strings. They chafe... I mean they sound funny. :smack:

Thats on the shorter les paul scale too, i find them a bit heavy for on my strat.

 

[HarrisonDavid]

Re: Strings for Drop C

The set I use is 11-14-18-36-52-58. It'll do drop tunings just fine.



You need the nut slots cut, the truss rod tweeked, the saddles cut and the intonation set. A friend of mine is an experienced luthier, so I let him do all that for me.

Also the Heavy gauge strings been out awhile, it's just starting to now catch on with the drop tunings.

I was talking to him (the luthier) about guage last week, and he was saying that he hardly sells any light guage strings anymore. There used to be a time when he couldn't keep 9s on the shelves and he'd rarely ever sell anything bigger than a 10. Now he says almost everyone has switched to 10s and 11s and he rarely sells any 9s these days.

Sounds to me like alot of money I don't have at the moment. Seriously though could I damage my guitar with a 10-60 set in standard tuning?

 

[some_dude]

Re: Strings for Drop C

Sounds to me like alot of money I don't have at the moment. Seriously though could I damage my guitar with a 10-60 set in standard tuning?

Generally, no.

But, if you don't get the nut cut for the new guage, the strings will push outwards on the sides of the nut slot, which could snap your nut.

Not getting the saddles re-sloted could cut your strings, and your action will could be off......but this only matters if you have saddles that need slotting.

Truss rod and intonation adjustment are easy...just do some internet research and figure out how to do it on your own.....but take it easy on your first truss rod adjustment; it's better to turn too little than too much.

 

[HarrisonDavid]

Re: Strings for Drop C

But, if you don't get the nut cut for the new guage, the strings will push outwards on the sides of the nut slot, which could snap your nut.

Hmm...The nut cut. Sounds scurry im scurrred.

I have used a 10-60 set sounds like I'll stay in A, B, C, and D tuning. Im not sure I want to cut my nut. Especially on a 1200 dollar guitar.

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: Strings for Drop C

i used the D'addario Jazz/Rock set. .11-.49 model number EXL115. the purple pack. I used them in a 24.75" scale in drop c and it sounded killer.

 

[HarrisonDavid]

Re: Strings for Drop C

Right now im Using a Ghs Subzero series 11-50 set. I can tune down to B it gets a little flabby though so I just stay as low as C#

 

[Marcel]

Re: Strings for Drop C

Hi!
Ok!
I have changed to a 010-052 set and changed the 6th to 054. But I'm not that satisfied!
I think the strings are as tight as they have to be but the sound is a bit to "boomy" imo.
i think I need more highs!
I lowerd the PU a half turn which helps, but i dislike it accoustic a bit!

 

[Marcel]

Re: Strings for Drop C

After some hours playing my fingers get used to the strings. Maybe my ears too but now I'm much more happy! Don't know If strings needed a short brake in or my fingers need some training!
The next time I play some bass first .