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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ String Gauge Advice For B Tuning
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 24 2012, 04:55 PM
Hey Dudes, I wrote a riff that require that I tune down to B standard if I want to get the full effect. What sort of gauge of strings should I be looking at ?
Bearing in mind, I'd still like to be able to play lead with it too. In standard tuning I use light strings, 9 - 42 so what would be the equivalent set to suit me for tuning to B standard ?
Cheers ! 
Posted by: WeePee Jun 24 2012, 05:14 PM
Bearing in mind, I'd still like to be able to play lead with it too. In standard tuning I use light strings, 9 - 42 so what would be the equivalent set to suit me for tuning to B standard ?
Cheers !
I had to look from google how low B is but I'll recommend some hybrid strings. Normal in up and extra thick in bottom.
But I think that there is someone who's thrilled that you're going to the "dark side" of the looooow tuning
Posted by: The Uncreator Jun 24 2012, 05:41 PM
I prefer tension with lower tunings, keeps the note clearer. I'd recommend a .64 to .70 for the low B. Maybe a setup like this:
Low to High:
B - (.64)
E - (.52)
A - (.36)
D - (.26)
F# - (.13)
B - (.10)
Thats still pretty light I think for the higher strings, too light actually for me but its all preference depending on how tight you want the tension.
I also recommend LaBella strings because they have great, crisp tone, and make string sets specifically for Drop tunings on a six string.
http://www.bigcitystrings.com/extended.htm
You can also buy whatever set you want, and replace your low B with an individually made "7th string", which are geared for specific gauges on seven strings but can easily be applied. You can get a stock size up to .81
http://www.bigcitystrings.com/7string.htm
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 24 2012, 06:19 PM
It's intended for some new ideas I've started work on but they probably won't see the light of day for a number of years due to it being a 4th album.. after the 3 I've already written
Although there's no reason why the B tuning can't feature elsewhere in the meantime
Posted by: thefireball Jun 24 2012, 06:19 PM
Great advice from Uncreator here. I use 14-68 for Standard Bb and it's plenty tight for me. I can still do some leads, but people who are used to thin strings with lots of "play" in them will not like this setup. I'm still not as free with my leads.
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 24 2012, 06:20 PM
Low to High:
B - (.64)
E - (.52)
A - (.36)
D - (.26)
F# - (.13)
B - (.10)
Thats still pretty light I think for the higher strings, too light actually for me but its all preference depending on how tight you want the tension.
I also recommend LaBella strings because they have great, crisp tone, and make string sets specifically for Drop tunings on a six string.
http://www.bigcitystrings.com/extended.htm
You can also buy whatever set you want, and replace your low B with an individually made "7th string", which are geared for specific gauges on seven strings but can easily be applied. You can get a stock size up to .81
http://www.bigcitystrings.com/7string.htm
Yeah I think the tension is good for the clarity, definitely.. 10 probably is still too light. How do you guys buy a pack of strings for this ? Do you buy them individually or do you have a 'go to' pack that you get ?
Thanks for the advice !
Posted by: thefireball Jun 24 2012, 06:39 PM
Thanks for the advice !
Well I try to find a set that comes to close to what I need. I used to pick out my strings from an 8-string set. What about these strings?
http://www.bigcitystringshop.com/servlet/the-595/DR-Tite-Fit-Set/Detail
11 14 18 28w 38w 50w
- or -
http://www.bigcitystringshop.com/servlet/the-1143/D%27Addario-XL-Set/Detail
12 16 20 34w 46w 60w
Posted by: The Uncreator Jun 24 2012, 06:40 PM
The first link has various sets of complete strings in them. Under the "Drop Six" category. Varying from 10-64 to 13-70
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 24 2012, 06:42 PM
http://www.bigcitystringshop.com/servlet/the-615/Black-Diamond-Black-Electric/Detail
11 14 18 28w 38w 50w
I've found these, they might be good. Not sure if the .60 gauge would be heavy enough for a low B ? I'm not experienced in the low tunings at all
http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/9539-dr_handmade_drop_down_tuning_electric_guitar_strings_12_60
Alternatively, I could just get a 7 string somehow and do it that way ?? Not that I can afford one now but that way I'd get to keep my high notes... I don't know why I didn't think of that..
(Because you're a dufus, Ben)
Oh yeah, that's why !
Posted by: thefireball Jun 24 2012, 06:47 PM
http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/9539-dr_handmade_drop_down_tuning_electric_guitar_strings_12_60
Alternatively, I could just get a 7 string somehow and do it that way ?? Not that I can afford one now but that way I'd get to keep my high notes... I don't know why I didn't think of that..
(Because you're a dufus, Ben)
Oh yeah, that's why !
Yeah, I would say the link you gave is plenty for them too. I edited my post, btw, while you were replying I guess.
This is precisely why I want a 7 String too. Plus they sound so much better for what i want to do than a 6 string sound.
Posted by: Mudbone Jun 24 2012, 08:59 PM
You could just get a seven string set where the higher six strings are the gauge you like, then just install the the lower six strings. That way it will be just like having a six string that you're used to, minus the high E plus a low B.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 26 2012, 03:06 PM
How about some Baritone 12-68 strings? They would make a perfect match for the B, Ben! Can you tell me more about your de-tuning experience? I'm curious
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 26 2012, 03:23 PM
They would make a perfect match for the B, Ben! Can you tell me more about your de-tuning experience? I'm curious That sounds good
I haven't tuned down to B yet.. the lowest I've gone is C# with some regular gauge strings and they're floppy as anything !
Posted by: The Uncreator Jun 26 2012, 11:42 PM
Thats nothing, I know some people who go to D and C standard....and I mean that as an octave below normal D and C standard, and on a guitar
Posted by: thefireball Jun 26 2012, 11:54 PM
Holy smokes!
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 27 2012, 08:44 AM
Is that even possible ???
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 27 2012, 01:23 PM
Yes using elevator cables as strings
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 27 2012, 01:33 PM
using elevator cables as strings I think you would need those wires that run up the sides of the Golden Gate Bridge !
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 27 2012, 02:18 PM
how come I haven't thought of that?
Posted by: The Uncreator Jun 27 2012, 09:34 PM
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/3782113/Circle%20K%20Strings%20CHURG.mp3
Not mine, this one done on a 28" baritone I believe, with a .95 or .110 for the low D (Octave lowered D that is)
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 27 2012, 10:51 PM
My Goodness...
Posted by: JesseJ Jun 28 2012, 04:13 AM
How do thicker strings fit into the nut though ? like on my guitar the company said it was made for 10-46 gauge. And when I first bought it I put 11-52 on it. I found that they didn't fit into the nut very well and I dont think i could put thicker strings on if I wanted to.
That being said my favorite band is alter bridge and I know that they use a lot of different tunings.I know for certain because I have heard him say He likes to tune to what he calls open D, open B. So I want to get into some drop tuning but I am not sure if my guitar could even take a 60 gauge low E .
Posted by: thefireball Jun 28 2012, 04:56 AM
The thickest my Jackson SLSMG takes is a 68.
Posted by: The Uncreator Jun 28 2012, 08:53 PM
You can buy a nut to fit thicker strings or simply shave off a little of the existing one until it fits, Be careful cause if it cracks your in bad shape!
Posted by: JesseJ Jun 29 2012, 07:55 PM
Well If you are tuning lower than C all the time what about a baritone guitar ? I know PRS makes a Mike Mushok SE baritone for $670 new so if someone was to look hard enough you might be able to find a used one for $300 or so .
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 30 2012, 08:09 AM
That axe is awesome!
I did a review on it - so check it out if you'd like:Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 30 2012, 09:08 AM
Yeah, if a baritone guitar is good enough for my main man, C-Maestro, then it's gotta be good
Posted by: Alex Feather Jun 30 2012, 09:55 AM
Bearing in mind, I'd still like to be able to play lead with it too. In standard tuning I use light strings, 9 - 42 so what would be the equivalent set to suit me for tuning to B standard ?
Cheers !
I think you will be better off with 7 string guitar or baritone! You still can get away with using 9-42 but might feel weird!
Posted by: JesseJ Jul 13 2012, 04:28 PM
So I guess if I want to detune to C, or B I would need to take my guitar into a music store and get them to either put a new nut in or make the slots in the current one wider ?
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