Balanced string gauge sets?

[Madiac]

I feel that for example on a Standard 10-46 set, some strings feel slacker than others, and it just feels like an unbalanced mess. Im looking for a set where every string has a very equal tension. Are there any sets out there or do i have to build my own set? The reason for this is that i use equal amount of bends and left hand technique on the lower strings as on the upper, and it can feel really weird and messy when the tension feels different from string to string. Feels unbalanced simply.
Also, im looking for one near 10-46 gauges, but for example with a thicker low E since that one always feel floppy, so a balanced set around there.

[Fourth Feline]

Hi,  :)

There were a few threads on this over on 'The Gear Page' last year, with folk even assembling custom sets after consulting things like the D'addario string tension - per pitch tables.

In short - the nearest 'ordinary' / easily available set that was closest to 'custom made for balance ' was a set of 10 - 52s. I certainly find that on my Les Paul, S.G. or '335' copy that set sounds and feels 'just right'. The inherant longer scale tension of Fenders seem to make the 10 - 46 feel more balanced, but there again - If I could only buy  one set / gauge combination for my 'ordinary' guitars - it would be a pile of 10 -52s. 

The notable exception being on the big 'Archtop' Jazzer - where the Flatwound 13 - 56 ( or sometimes 12- 50 ) in standard tuning seem to just feel fine. 

I notice that Thomastik Infeld packs seem to have had the gauges closely calibrated , for Jazz OR  'standard' types and sizes of string.  I still sometimes go back to D'addario 'Chromes' or similar for Jazz though, as I seem to like ( not surprisingly ) the heavier bottom end to top end ratio of string gauge they provide.   

[FELINEGUITARS]

I think some companies do a 10-48 set which would seem good

10/13/17/28/38/48 might work

[Nolly]

Speak to Newtone Strings www.newtonestrings.com, they do that very thing, called the Heritage series. On the website it only lists those under the acoustic section, but when I spoke with them on the phone a couple of weeks ago they told me they do them for electrics too.

I've not tried the balanced sets, but I'm extremely impressed with their Nickel Masters, they sound excellent, seem to keep their sparkle for ages, you can order completely custom string gauges, and they work out cheaper than D'addarios/EBs at around £5.50 a pack.

[Madiac]

Nice nice, Jonathan, i guess i can calculate the tension on that
Found this http://www.jemsite.com/forums/f21/string-tension-charts-73846.html
Seems very valuable.
There is some stuff here aswell http://www.zacharyguitars.com/Strings.htm (although he comes of like an asshole, the info still sounds logic), same thing, called  progressive tension or something, meaning, the string "weight/pulL" should get stronger as you move up in gauge, but on a standard 10-46 set, the pattern in string tension is all RANDOM, and yes, i can feel it, kind of annoys me quite a bit, if i hadnt noticed, i wouldnt be searching ;)
When the tension progresses like this, you get the feeling that they are all same tension, so this is the logical way to build a set, according to them. I think i might try the custom 9.5-44 set!

[Fourth Feline]

I think some companies do a 10-48 set which would seem good

10/13/17/28/38/48 might work

Well remembered ,  :)

GHS do a Dave Gilmour 10,12,16, 28,38,48  (Blue packet)  set and a 10.5 , 13 , 17 , 30, 40, 50 (Red pack).

[Madiac]

I think some companies do a 10-48 set which would seem good

10/13/17/28/38/48 might work

Well remembered ,  :)

GHS do a Dave Gilmour 10,12,16, 28,38,48  (Blue packet)  set and a 10.5 , 13 , 17 , 30, 40, 50 (Red pack).

Those sets have the same problem, i can see it already by the pattern on 28 38 48, this will make the E feel floppy:/

[Zaned]

This is a 'problem' which I've noticed over the years too :) Nowadays, I use 10-52 sets. It ain't perfect, but it works.

At one time, I used a custom set of 11-54 on a Les Paul. I don't remember the 4 remaining gauges, but the set felt good  8)

Zaned

[Jonny]

I wouldn't mind a gauge so the low e wouldn't feel floppy when I play drop tunings, I usually play Drop - something anyways.

[Stevepage]

I made up my own set of balanced strings using D'addarios. The result was a much more 'even' sound. Chords sounded a bit clearer and the tension overall was good. Though it cost me more than buying regular sets.

If you got the money go for it, if you're strapped for cash like myself, find the set that's a bit better balanced.

[MDV]

A ghs 11-50 set has a disproportionately heavy E. I forget what the other strings are, I think they're the same wound strings as a 10-46, save the 50. This may sort you out.

[Antag]

For a while I used to buy the D'Addario 10-52 & 11-49 sets, then put the top 3 from one set with the bottom 3 from the other (& vice versa).

The resulting 11-52 set felt perfect for 24¾" scale guitars, as did the 10-49 set left over on 25½" scale guitars.  As I have guitars of both scale lengths, I never wasted any strings....

Nowadays I use bog standard 10-46s on 25½" scale guitars, but need 10-52s for Gibsons.  The slacker feeling top strings is just one of those things I've learned to live with - I think of it more as a "feature" of the shorter scale length than a problem....

[Madiac]

Has anyone tried malmsteens signature sets? theyr a bit interesting, they use the same "progressive tension" thing mentioned earlier, although the progressions are a bit extreme, probably very floppy treble and tighter bass register. There are two sig sets, one 8-48 and the other 8-46. Im interested in trying these for fun anyway, even if they might not be to balanced. Im not afraid of trying these since i wont go with a low E less than 48 anyway, so i can always just make a custom set and re-adjust the guitar. Interested in opinions anyway.

[Twaddlefish]

I love 10-52s. Perfect balance between tone, heaviness and ease of play.

[Fourth Feline]

I love 10-52s. Perfect balance between tone, heaviness and ease of play.

I also love the way you can drop the action on the bass end  lower than when using 10 - 46s without 'rattle' too. Maximum tone, optimum action .    :)