Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Tech => Topic started by: darkandrew on September 06, 2014, 07:23:16 PM
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I currently tune to standard EADGBE tuning on 10 gauge strings, I will now be tuning down 2 semi-tones to DGCFAD tuning but wish to keep the string tension about the same. I have an ESP Eclipse with a 24.75" scale and currently use 10 guage strings. I am thinking about switching to 11 guage - do you think these will be heavy enough or should I consider going even heavier?
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I play in that tuning with a dropped 6th string, so drop c technically and use 12-56's. I would say 11-54's would be sufficient, the EB "Beefy Slinky" gauge. That's if you want to get a complete set, otherwise you can get single strings and make a custom set. For D standard I'd say at least a 50 on the low string, and work from there.
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I have tried both Beefy Slinky and Skinny Top Heavy Bottom on my SG Junior and Explorer and much prefer the STHB for DGCFAD tuning. The BS set has this horrible 22P 3rd string that makes the tension really uneven and feels like piano wire.
The STHB set in DGCFAD feels roughly the same as the Hybrid Slinky set on my EADGBE SG Standard in terms of tension. Of course the larger diameter strings feel a bit different.
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I probably would prefer the beefy cos I usually play rhythm stuff and the plain 3rd as stiff as it is, is a bit more resilient than a wound. The 10-52 could work though if you do a lot of lead stuff on the top strings. I only use the STHB set for drop d stuff really.
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Well, I don't do any rhythm stuff on the top three strings really, I use them for leads and the occasional Sabbathy single notes bit or an arpeggiated chord. But I hated that 22P. I nearly used a BF set but swapping in a 20P (I don't know why the don't use a 20P in the set!) but decided I am just as happy with the STHB. My rhythm stuff is 99% power chords on the 6th and 5th strings.
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Ok - based on the tensions that a 10-46 set has at normal tuning
these gauges will give you the same tension
11, 14.5 (so use 14 or 15), 20, 30, 40, 52
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Ok - based on the tensions that a 10-46 set has at normal tuning
these gauges will give you the same tension
11, 14.5 (so use 14 or 15), 20, 30, 40, 52
Cheers
Just ordered a set of D'addario EXL116 11-52 hybrid med/heavy.
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I've used them and found them to be better than the Beefy Slinky set for string tension, although you need to like the usual D'Addario characteristics.
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I used to use D'addario and they're good, the 11-52 should work well, Ernie's are cheaper in bulk and personally I prefer the brighter twang.
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I currently use SIT 11-50 on my Eclipse in standard D. The main reason being that the F and A strings (G and H in normal tuning) are easier to bend when soloing. I used to use 11-53 from GHS, which gave more low end, but the F and A was stiffer than a normal 10 set in standard tuning. Experiment a bit and see what you like more.