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String Gauge Advice For B Tuning
Ben Higgins
Jun 24 2012, 04:55 PM
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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 ! biggrin.gif

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VilleFIN
Jun 24 2012, 05:14 PM
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QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Jun 24 2012, 06:55 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 ! biggrin.gif

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 wink.gif

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The Uncreator
Jun 24 2012, 05:41 PM
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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

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Ben Higgins
Jun 24 2012, 06:19 PM
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QUOTE (WeePee @ Jun 24 2012, 05:14 PM) *
But I think that there is someone who's thrilled that you're going to the "dark side" of the looooow tuning wink.gif


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 wink.gif

Although there's no reason why the B tuning can't feature elsewhere in the meantime smile.gif

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thefireball
Jun 24 2012, 06:19 PM
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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.

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Ben Higgins
Jun 24 2012, 06:20 PM
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QUOTE (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


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 ? smile.gif

Thanks for the advice !

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thefireball
Jun 24 2012, 06:39 PM
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QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Jun 24 2012, 12:20 PM) *
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 ? smile.gif

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?

DR Extra Heavy Tite
11 14 18 28w 38w 50w

- or -

D'Addario Drop C XL
12 16 20 34w 46w 60w

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This post has been edited by thefireball: Jun 24 2012, 06:42 PM
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The Uncreator
Jun 24 2012, 06:40 PM
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The first link has various sets of complete strings in them. Under the "Drop Six" category. Varying from 10-64 to 13-70

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Ben Higgins
Jun 24 2012, 06:42 PM
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QUOTE (thefireball @ Jun 24 2012, 06:39 PM) *
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?

Black Diamond Medium
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 laugh.gif

http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/95...r_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 ! tongue.gif

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This post has been edited by Ben Higgins: Jun 24 2012, 06:42 PM
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thefireball
Jun 24 2012, 06:47 PM
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QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Jun 24 2012, 12:42 PM) *
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 laugh.gif

http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/95...r_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 ! tongue.gif


Yeah, I would say the link you gave is plenty for them too. I edited my post, btw, while you were replying I guess. biggrin.gif

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.

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Mudbone
Jun 24 2012, 08:59 PM
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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.

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Cosmin Lupu
Jun 26 2012, 03:06 PM
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How about some Baritone 12-68 strings? smile.gif They would make a perfect match for the B, Ben! Can you tell me more about your de-tuning experience? I'm curious biggrin.gif

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Ben Higgins
Jun 26 2012, 03:23 PM
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QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Jun 26 2012, 03:06 PM) *
How about some Baritone 12-68 strings? smile.gif They would make a perfect match for the B, Ben! Can you tell me more about your de-tuning experience? I'm curious biggrin.gif


That sounds good smile.gif

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 ! tongue.gif

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The Uncreator
Jun 26 2012, 11:42 PM
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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 laugh.gif

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thefireball
Jun 26 2012, 11:54 PM
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QUOTE (The Uncreator @ Jun 26 2012, 05:42 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 laugh.gif


Holy smokes!

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Ben Higgins
Jun 27 2012, 08:44 AM
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QUOTE (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 laugh.gif


Is that even possible ??? ohmy.gif

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Cosmin Lupu
Jun 27 2012, 01:23 PM
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Yes biggrin.gif using elevator cables as strings biggrin.gif

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Ben Higgins
Jun 27 2012, 01:33 PM
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QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Jun 27 2012, 01:23 PM) *
Yes biggrin.gif using elevator cables as strings biggrin.gif


laugh.gif

I think you would need those wires that run up the sides of the Golden Gate Bridge ! tongue.gif

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Cosmin Lupu
Jun 27 2012, 02:18 PM
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biggrin.gif how come I haven't thought of that? biggrin.gif

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The Uncreator
Jun 27 2012, 09:34 PM
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QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Jun 27 2012, 03:44 AM) *
Is that even possible ??? ohmy.gif


https://dl.dropbox.com/u/3782113/Circle%20K...ngs%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)

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