Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: A Call For Repentance on September 03, 2011, 07:49:54 PM
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I was just curious as to what string gauge would be ideal for a guitar that jumps between Drop C and Drop B? I don't like loose strings on the bottom, but I neither want a guage that's going to add too much unwanted tension. For the top strings, I'm playing in Drop C atm with Ernie Ball Heavy Bottom, Skinny Top (10-13-17) and find these ideal since I do a lot of soloing, but dropping to Drop B (even though only a half-tone) I find it gets quite loose, so I'd preferably be looking for something around 11s if you agree, unless you think 12s would be better. If I'm comfortable with 10s atm in Drop C, surely 11s will be better for me for Drop B/C though? I've been recommended to play something in the vicinity of 56-60 for Drop B. With my Ernie Ball Heavy Bottom, Skinny Top, the bottom string is 52, and whilst it's ideal for D standard, it does seem to be loose for Drop C, it's still possible though, i just want something more stable, whilst not being too thick that it will again, add unnecessary tension when moving up from B to C. So do you think 58 would be a nice compromise? My common sense tells me that 11-58 would suit me perfectly for Drop B/C, but I don't want to pay for my guitar to be set up, for the strings to be completely wrong, if you get me, lol?
So if you could recommend me string gauges for this tuning, as well as a brand (not expensive since I'm not rich to afford a pair of Elixers every other week, haha), it would help a lot, cheers
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Just had a look around and wondered what people made of these? It's 11-56. I'm thinking this may give me a bit more versatility to be able to tune to D Standard as well. What do you think? Or do you this 56 will be fine for D Standard, Drop C, but loose for Drop B?
http://www.craigsmusicltd.co.uk/daddario-exl117-electric-strings-drop-d-11-56--x3-sets-53744-p.asp
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That's what I was going to suggest. Should be quite balanced.
I'm playing EXL 116s, which is .011-.052, on Gibson scale guitars tuned to D.
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I use 14-18-26-36-48-60 in C standard. The same but with a 70 on the bottom in B standard. In both cases I use Newtone Nickel Masters with thicker cores for extra tension. My guitars in C are 25.5, the one in B is 24.75.
I like high tension for soloing, though, so you may want something lighter in the top end. I struggle to play anything fast accurately with lighter strings than that on the bottom, though.
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You may want to look into Dunlop Heavy Cores. Consider your tone, however, as Tony Iommi, Down, and most stoner metal uses 24.75" scale, tune to C, and use medium/"heavy" gauge strings for the loose flub. I love that tone but prefer the feel of almost bass heavy strings on longer scales. Just play around until you figure it out.
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I prefer tighter strings on the bottom, but lighter on the top. I as well, find it hard to play anything fast on the bottom strings with anything loose, but for the top 3 strings, I prefer them to be quite light for easy bending etc.
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If you can get a fitting set (itīs hard in germany to get the set you want, donīt know where you are), but if you can get your hands on some DR DDTs, I think the might be great for you. DR makes beautiful strings in general and these are especially made for dropped tunings. The donīt get floppy very easily.
I used a varioation on one of those sets on my 7 string once, where I normally need a 64 or 66 Dadario string for my lower b I only needed a 60 there to not feel flabby. And they stay in tune pretty darn good.
Generally I can only recommend DR and the DDTs in perticular for dropped tunings.
Also generally their Tite Fits and Pure Blues are great (and sunbeams for accoustic).
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Yh I was really considering the DR DDT, but it's either 11-54 which may be too loose for Drop B, or 12-60 which will be perfect, but may be too tight for if I tune upto D Standard. And I think I should stick with 11 maximum if I like 10s for Drop C. It's a shame DR don't do individual strings, I could just buy another bottom string. And I'm in the UK btw :)
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12-60 works great for drop b. I took the expensive option and got a 7 string.
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Yh I was looking at 12-60 as well. I just think 12 might be a little bit too tight on the higher strings. If I play 10s and the feel perfect in Drop C, going up to 12s would seem a big step considering it's only a semitone. And to say I jump back between Drop C & B, 12-60 might be a bit too tight don't you think? It's just so bloody hard to decide haha. I guess I'll get the D'Adarrio 1-56 and judge if any strings need to be a bit tighter n start to create a custom set. A question which I was curious about though was: do you have to use certain guages with each other to keep the tension equal?
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I usually side with DR. Currently I'm back with the Mega Heavy Tite-fits. The DDTs felt great and they have a good deal of attack to them. I found the midrange really hard to dial in for some reason. Once I got it, everything was cool. Used the ones with a 56 on the low side for drop B. I like a bit of "wobble" in my chords. Had used the Zakk Wylde GHS ones with the 60 on the bottom. Nice, but not as present as DRs.
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I use 12-60 on a flying v. Tuned to drop B
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I use 12-60 on a flying v. Tuned to drop B
How does the 12 feel for soloing, bending etc.? You have it tuned to C# don't you?
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Since the flobbieness is an issue for you you should probably get strings with nickel plated steel or pure steel and hexacores.
That is despite the brand itself.
I always found that steel and hexcore make for "harder" strings. When you play roundwound nickel strings they just feel softer.
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Since the flobbieness is an issue for you you should probably get strings with nickel plated steel or pure steel and hexacores.
That is despite the brand itself.
I always found that steel and hexcore make for "harder" strings. When you play roundwound nickel strings they just feel softer.
So the DR DDT's might be a good bet then since they're hex-core?
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Worth a shot. The thing that gets me about DR is they have these stellar looking black ones, but not in any gauge that appeals to a guy drawn to that color......
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Yeah, as said before the DDTs are probably a good bet (althouh I am not 100% sure what they are exactly, as far as I know the patent is still pending or something. They are not regular strings though, there is something special in the winding and stuff...as far as I know).
But since they are hard to get single you can also give Hi Beams a shot, they might be easier to get a hold of (nickel plated steel on hex core. but only up to 56).
I donīt know how important the feel of your strings is to you in the details (I for one am pretty picky) and what you used before, but yeah, if you can get comfortable or get a comfortable set of DDTs (strings 1-3 are the issue here) they will probably reward you, although you can never be sure beforehand.
I tried so many strings in the last year alone...but I personally always stick with DRs, though as said I use different ones on different axes to compliment the natural tone.
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Currently on newtone 12, 17, 22p, 32, 44, 56 thick hex cored in drop B and C# standard.
Second place to dunlop Heavycore 12-54, which sound pretty good (a little thin, but that can be beneficial in recording) but dont last very long, and third to Kerly Sinister 12-56, which sound good, last a long time but the 24p on the 3rd is a bit much and they're hard to get hold of.
Edit - I tried DDTs. I hated them. They sound mushy and boomy.
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Currently on newtone 12, 17, 22p, 32, 44, 56 thick hex cored in drop B and C# standard.
Second place to dunlop Heavycore 12-54, which sound pretty good (a little thin, but that can be beneficial in recording) but dont last very long, and third to Kerly Sinister 12-56, which sound good, last a long time but the 24p on the 3rd is a bit much and they're hard to get hold of.
Edit - I tried DDTs. I hated them. They sound mushy and boomy.
How's the 12 for string bending? I'm used to 10s on a Drop C guitar. And how does the 22 bend?
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OK I've decided to go upto DR DDT 12-60 so I have a very full sound that isn't flabby. http://www.drstrings.com/catalog/ddt-electric-strings - What are your opinions? I've decided I'm going to try 12s over 11s, If I don't like it, I guess I'll deffo know I need 11s. But do you think that DR DDT 12-60 set would be great in a Drop B 24.75" Les Paul guitar for metal music like Parkway Drive, etc?
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I like a 70 on a Les Paul for a B, but I do like heavy strings. I think you'll be alright, and it's not a huge investment wasted if you don't.
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OK I've decided to go upto DR DDT 12-60 so I have a very full sound that isn't flabby. http://www.drstrings.com/catalog/ddt-electric-strings - What are your opinions? I've decided I'm going to try 12s over 11s, If I don't like it, I guess I'll deffo know I need 11s. But do you think that DR DDT 12-60 set would be great in a Drop B 24.75" Les Paul guitar for metal music like Parkway Drive, etc?
I use 12-60 for Drop B in a band that makes Parkway Drive sound like frightened little schoolgirls. You'll be fine :)
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OK I've decided to go upto DR DDT 12-60 so I have a very full sound that isn't flabby. http://www.drstrings.com/catalog/ddt-electric-strings - What are your opinions? I've decided I'm going to try 12s over 11s, If I don't like it, I guess I'll deffo know I need 11s. But do you think that DR DDT 12-60 set would be great in a Drop B 24.75" Les Paul guitar for metal music like Parkway Drive, etc?
I use 12-60 for Drop B in a band that makes Parkway Drive sound like frightened little schoolgirls. You'll be fine :)
Well now i definitely know I've made the right choice :)
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That's what I was going to suggest. Should be quite balanced.
I'm playing EXL 116s, which is .011-.052, on Gibson scale guitars tuned to D.
bloody hell, i've been using those for e standard on 25.5 inch scale! makes painkillers sound even more aggressive!
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Depending on the scale length you'll want something .56+ on the low side. On the treble side, 11/12/13 all work. A bit thicker adds a lot tuning stability to such low tunings.
I use .13-.59s on a 27" scale (a 7 string set from Daddarion without the high .10) and it is a big and crushing sound. If you want a more sluggish, deeper sound and a bit less tension I'd go with the Dunlop Heavy Core strings - I love the looser feel they give me in D Standard (11-50). They make thicker sets, I think .12-54, which should work for a 25.5" scale in drop B.
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I used to use Rotosound Meegs Rascon signatures. .020p .030 .040 .050 .060. 070. They were meant for tuning to B standard on 24.75" scale. Goddamn, what a sound those made when you gave them some flub. Think Meshuggah meets Black Sabbath.
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EB Beefy Slinkies?
I'm using them for E Standard on a 25 inch scale, but they go to C and feel like 9s. I do not possess a light touch, so tend toward the thick ones for my low strings.
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Here's a guide with recommended string gauges for both dropped and standard tunings.
http://imgur.com/a/VR92v
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Here's a guide with recommended string gauges for both dropped and standard tunings.
http://imgur.com/a/VR92v
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I use 12-54 on my Drop C tunes mockingbird. its the dunlop heavy core. They have the PERFECT tension for the job. I really with they'd make thicker versions in this series. I would like some which i could use in drop A :)
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I've made the change to Dunlop heavy core 12's and they are great. The guitar they are on is 25.5 scale and the strings pulled nicely to C. They feel nice and tight and not too big and they hold tune.
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I tried the Heavy Core 12s and still found the bottom 3 a bit flappy on 24.75" scale tuned to C# std (sometimes drop B) currently using EB Not Even Slinkies (12-56) and getting on with them better.