Best gauge for drop c tuning

[CommonCourtesy]

So i've been using Ernie Ball's Not Even Slinky 12-56's in drop c tuning on a Gibson Les Paul studio for about a year now, pretty good but i've seen the D'addario 12-60 set, and wondering if i should switch. I do alot of riffing and chugging on the bottom 3 strings and live i can go a bit mental, so i'd need something to withstand my heavy hand! Is it worth going up to a 60 on the low string? Will there be a noticeable difference in tone?

Only reason why i've stuck to Ernie is they're cheaper to buy in bulk than DD at the moment. But upgrading my rig a little bit (if you've not already seen on other threads) so wondering whether to go up in gauge too.

So if anyone plays in drop c too, what gauge do you use? Or if you were to play in drop c, what gauge would you go for?

Suggestions and recommendations welcome!

[Kiichi]

Well what I can say is that you might wanne have a look at core wire strength. I am no expert on how the brands differ on this (only know Dunlop does heavy core strings, but have not heard the best things about them). However the things is that when you increase the gauge everything becomes fatter. When you just up the core wire strength you get more tension without added thickness. I still have some Newtone customs around (not the cheapes and take ages to be delivered) and I love what they do. The sound feels a bit more focused and is just plain perfect for dropping and riffing. Plus you donīt have ropes under your fingers.

I started trying those out when I noticed that putting a 70 as the lowest string of my 7 string is kinda impractical and does not feel that great. Now I use a 60 and it is perfect.

[lyonk55]

I've used the 12-60 D'dario set a few times and I really like it: feels nice and tight in low tunings. They're intended for C standard though, not drop C, so it might be a little tight on the high strings (I didn't like them for anything above C# standard)

[Toe-Knee]

I use DR tite fit 10s. Lower guage = more clarity

[EffigyForgotten]

I personally use 11-56 Cleartone's for going back an forth between D standard, C# Standard and C standard but for Drop C (if the scale length is 24.75) I would get the 11-56 set and then put a 60 on the bottom.

[pagan7]

I use the Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky Cobalt strings 12 -56 in drop C on an Ibby RG hardtail and I really like them , but the only way to find out if something else works better for you on an LP is to buy a few single sets of other brands and see how you feel about them.

[vintageviolence]

I personally use 11-56 Cleartone's for going back an forth between D standard, C# Standard and C standard but for Drop C (if the scale length is 24.75) I would get the 11-56 set and then put a 60 on the bottom.

I agree with this. I generally use an 11-60 spread for drop C on a 24.75" scale guitars, although I've been having fairly good results with heavy/light combinations recently (10-58).

Also, don't be afraid to mess around with custom gauges: you can order them online fairly easily, and most shops have no problem selling you single strings.

[CommonCourtesy]

I would like to put a 60 on the low string but it'd mean having to order bulk packs of a single gauge and swapping out the 56 in the Not Even Slinky set, which is hassle. I don't experience too much sharp notes when i hit the lower 3 strings, just need something sturdy so if jumping for instance, i don't over-hit the string.