Best strings for D standard and C# standard tuning in a Gibson/Epiphone?

[Dave Sloven]

I've tried the Dunlop Heavy Core Strings in my Gibson SG Standard and Epiphone Explorer.

Used the 'Heaviest' 12-54 set in my Explorer.  The strings feel alright in C standard tuning but above that - e.g., in C# standard - they feel too heavy.  I haven't tried tuning up to D standard but I imagine that would be worse.  String bends are possible but not fluid by any means.

They replaced an Ernie Ball 10-52 Skinny Top Heavy Bottom set.  I found the low strings to be fine but the high strings were too floppy. I've bought some D'Addario Medium Top Heavy Bottom 11-52 strings and I'm hoping they will work for both C# standard and D standard tunings.

I have the 'Heavy' 10-46 Heavy Core set in my SG Standard.  I find these to be too heavy for standard tuning, although they are fine in Eb and D standard.  I don't like the sound of them though and there's always something about the feel that I don't like, it's very distracting.  I had one of the Rotosound sets that come with BKPs in there before and they were fine.  I'm top-wrapping the strings on this guitar so as to bring the tailpiece down on to the top of the guitar

Any thoughts on these?

[bucketshred]

Whatever you feel is best.

Try a few different sets out, strings are relatively cheap. An internet forum can't decide your taste for you.

Paddy

[Dave Sloven]

True.

These Heavy Cores are driving me bananas though.  Great if you like heavy feeling, very bright sounding strings.  Not for me though.  The sound of them is making my ears ring.

[ericsabbath]

bridge setup and string height also makes a lot of difference
you can get a lot of tension by setting the tune-o-matic high and the tailpiece low
and it usually delivers a lot more of everything: sustain, resonance/loudness, thickness, stability and less fret buzz
low strings tend to choke a lot of the gibson sound

but 11-52 should be fine for both tunings in most cases

[Dave Sloven]

I'm going to put a set of 10s back in the SG Standard.  I'll try the D'Addario 11-52 set in my Explorer.  If it works there I'll try it in my SG Junior too, as they are used in similar tunings for my new d-beat hardcore band (i.e., D-C#).  I'm not worrying about playing in C standard at the moment, although the Heavy Cores did sound okay for that in the Explorer.  I'm starting to jam in a rock band too soon so I will need the SG Standard in standard tuning.  I don't really have a back up for that one, but that's okay as the other guitarist doesn't have a back up either.  If we both break strings we'll be screwed :x  They used to gig with no rhythm guitarist before though (which is the role I would be playing in that band) so if I break a string I could just install a new string, tune up, and rejoin them next song

[Lew]

I've spent ages playing with gauges and decided that I like 11,14,18,28,38,49,68 best for Dstd (and Eb when the strings get knackered and I can't be arsed to change 'em :lol:) but that's on a 25.5" so pretty useless info for you. I reckon 11-52 will be good in Dstd for your Gibson with the action raised a bit but you might find it to floppy in C#. Why do you need two tunings on the same guitar?

[Dave Sloven]

I like to play some covers in C# some of the time when I am at home.  I'm not planning on gigging in C# standard.  So a set that is great D standard and is a little floppy in C# standard would probably work, as the stuff I play in C# is mainly Sabbath, who tend to favour bends etc, and Venom, who were never the epitome of precision playing

[CommonCourtesy]

EB Not Even Slinky or Beefy for me, if anything below a D on the low string i won't use anything less than a 54. Probably cos i do a lot of chug stuff on the lower strings i need some resistance.

Drop D i use 10-52.
Drop C# I did use 11-54
Drop C i use 12-56.

I know these are dropped tunings but you can just switch the low string.

[Dave Sloven]

Yeah, I think it's pretty clear you like heavier strings than me!  I never play that chugga stuff, but I can see how the heavy strings would help.  I have a D'Addario EXL116 11-52 set and will try them out.  I play a lot of stuff with string bends, very Iommi influenced, so I need lighter strings for that.

[CommonCourtesy]

Mate i'm tempted to put a .60 on the low string and maybe .48 on the 5th string in drop c! The tone is bigger as well. Mostly cos i'm standing up and jumping around alot i don't want them flapping about.

I rarely do solos or much string bending though so its kinda give and take.