What is the best string gauge for lower than concert tunings

[Aerie]

Is there a preferred string gauge for use when - and only when - an F-512 is tuned one half step to one whole step down? I am running into problems when I tune my F-512 down. The tonal quality vanishes, as does the intonation. My intuition tells me to move to a heavier gauge - the thought being that with a heavier gauge I can maintain tension at the lower tuning. As it is, the light strings I use now stretch and bend out of tune as I fret notes when the strings are under the lower-than-concert pitch tunings. Also, if I am correct and I should move to a heavier gauge string set, what is the preferred gauge for lower tunings?

 

[12 string]

On the last page of this old thread you'll find some info which I hope you will find useful:


viewtopic.php?t=5518


' Strang

 

[alpep]

heavy

 

[Aerie]

On the last page of this old thread you'll find some info which I hope you will find useful:


http://www.letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/vie ... php?t=5518


' Strang

Thanks for the tip Strang. I checked out the posting you referenced. For a drop D, you list gauges that seem to represent a medium string set. I have tried the medium range for drop D and even it seems too light and stretchy.

 

[JimbowF212]

If memory serves me correctly I used the lights and tuned my F-212 to STD pitch without any problems. I would think your 512 should be the same. My 212 had two truss rods and it took the std tuning just fine with lights and if you 512 has dual Truss rods then it should, too. But, you might try tuning to STD for a couple of days until the strings stop stretching and then lower them down. Just a thought.

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

On the last page of this old thread you'll find some info which I hope you will find useful:


http://www.letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/vie ... php?t=5518


' Strang

Thanks for the tip Strang. I checked out the posting you referenced. For a drop D, you list gauges that seem to represent a medium string set. I have tried the medium range for drop D and even it seems too light and stretchy.

Same for me.
I gave up on lowering the tuning and just keep my 12 string tuned to standard.
This is the sound that I'm used to and like.
I don't like the sound of my 12 string lowered.
It just sounds like it needs to be tuned.

I have tried to like it over the years but it just ain't going to happen.

 

[Aerie]

http://www.letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/vie ... php?t=5518[/url]


' Strang

Thanks for the tip Strang. I checked out the posting you referenced. For a drop D, you list gauges that seem to represent a medium string set. I have tried the medium range for drop D and even it seems too light and stretchy.

Same for me.
I gave up on lowering the tuning and just keep my 12 string tuned to standard.
This is the sound that I'm used to and like.
I don't like the sound of my 12 string lowered.
It just sounds like it needs to be tuned.

I have tried to like it over the years but it just ain't going to happen.[/quote:3htlnbaf]
Well, In my case, I have to tune down. I mostly use open chords on the 12er because standard tuning is often times too high for my singing voice. Standard tuning is fine on the 6-string because I have more options with barre chords.

 

[evenkeel]

If you can't find what you're looking for in packaged sets you might want to check out

www.juststrings.com

You can get the exact gauges you want, in the type you want (80/20, phosphur, etc.). You can order just singles to start out, figure out what you like, then buy in bulk. I use the 80/20 bulk strings and they seem to be on a par with the packaged, brand names.

 

[killdeer43]

I use lights on my 12 string and tune it down to D for a couple of reasons.
The first thought is to lessen the potential stress on the neck and the second is personal....
I just like the way it sounds in D and several songs that I play/sing just sound better. :wink:

For example:
Wild Horses
Wish You Were Here
As Tears Go By
Rings

Joe

 

[Aerie]

I use lights on my 12 string and tune it down to D for a couple of reasons.
The first thought is to lessen the potential stress on the neck and the second is personal....
I just like the way it sounds in D and several songs that I play/sing just sound better. :wink:

For example:
Wild Horses
Wish You Were Here
As Tears Go By
Rings

Joe

Hey Joe,

You don't find the lights to be too 'slinky' and elastic feeling at the D tuning? To my ears, they sound with less tonal quality and stretch out of tune when I fret notes due to the lesser tension. It's almost like rubber bands. At D, they don't have the chime - it's more of a twang.

Good songs you list there

Brad

 

[killdeer43]

You don't find the lights to be too 'slinky' and elastic feeling at the D tuning? To my ears, they sound with less tonal quality and stretch out of tune when I fret notes due to the lesser tension. It's almost like rubber bands. At D, they don't have the chime - it's more of a twang.

I just put on a new set for Xmas and they 'chime' quite well.
No twang, just a very bright sound, and they stay in tune, too. :wink:

Joe

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

Lighter strings and/or dropped tuning require a lighter touch on the fretting hand...

Borrow someones electric to learn to lighten up a bit...it's not necessary to grab and squash the strings down to the fretboard...only to have them contact the fret itself.

I play with everything tuned down to D standard...one whole step down from the usual...12 and 6 string...even my strat, set up with 10's.

And speaking of setup...your guitar might need a setup to accomodate the dropped tuning...neck relief, saddle height affect playability and sound...

Also, bear in mind that all strings are not created equal...some have much less 'give' than others...you might do a bit of research to find some that you'd be more comfortable using.

Also, how you string up the new set can have a great deal of effect upon playability...the pros know how to do it to take the extra 'stretch' out of a new set and help keep the intonation more accurate.

Good luck.