Author Topic: Help with string brand and gauge (Read 3442 times)

adamzap · « **on:** November 13, 2006, 10:31:34 PM »

I've only played Ernie Ball power slinkys, but now I'm looking for the best strings for DGCFAD and CGCFAD

I also want to try something new for EADGBE and DADGBE

I've tunes power slinkys down to CGCFAD but they were so loose it was a joke.

What do you guys use in these tunings?

MDV · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2006, 10:43:35 PM »

I used to use GHS 10-52 in DGCFAD and CGCFAD for a few years.

Then I hardcored it up a bit with 11-53s in the same.

I tune 1/2 step lower than that now with most of those strings and use a 60 instead of a 53. All but the 60 are a just un-slack enough for me (a little more than 9-42 tension).

And 13-70 in BEADG#B and drop A :twisted:

(And 10-46 for E/Eb/Drop D/Drop C#)

Hell Hound · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2006, 11:33:13 PM »

I use DR black beauty 12-52 for CGCFAD if that can help
10-46 is enough for standard tuning or drop D (IMO)

Eric · « **Reply #3 on:** November 14, 2006, 12:30:29 AM »

MDV what are all the gauges in your .013 - .070 set? If you don't mind.

maxingwell · « **Reply #4 on:** November 14, 2006, 08:22:45 AM »

For drop D is usually use Daddario 10's or 11's and for drop c I use the Zakk Wykde GHS set (either of the 2 sets).
I used to use Ernie Balls but the never seemed to last very long compared to Daddario and GHS sets.

MDV · « **Reply #5 on:** November 14, 2006, 05:26:45 PM »

Quote from: Eric

MDV what are all the gauges in your .013 - .070 set? If you don't mind.

13 15 19 36 52 70

I think. I'm pretty sure.

adamzap · « **Reply #6 on:** November 14, 2006, 08:26:05 PM »

thanks for the responses, guys, this helps a ton

hellhound, do you have any pictures of your guitar with the black beauties on it?

Hell Hound · « **Reply #7 on:** November 14, 2006, 09:37:41 PM »

Nope, but maybe in a few weeks when I'll get my BKPs installed hehe. At the moment I have some Elixir on it, I don't like them as much as the Black Beauty thow...

Bytrix · « **Reply #8 on:** November 14, 2006, 10:53:00 PM »

Personally for D and Drop C I use D'Addario EXLS510 (10-46), tension doesn't seem to be a problem, I prefer them slack (I like the Daddario 8.5s for my floyd guitars). Maybe just raise the action a mm to counter the slack-ness, but that's not a problem really.

I always used to use 11s for E and Drop D, and 12s for anything lower, I can't even imagine doing that anymore, I think tighter strings are less likely to make noise if your playing isn't very clean. As I've progressed I've found it easier to play using the lighter strings and just learnt to mute them or stop my flailing fingers from catching them.

I also used to use Ernie's for the first year or so of playing, then tried some D'Addarios for a few years, then thought I'd try some Dean Markleys (hated them) and I'm back with the D'Addarios now, they seem just right for my style atleast.

Muzzzz · « **Reply #9 on:** November 23, 2006, 12:06:37 PM »

has anyone tried optima gold-plated strings? What are they like?