Larger Strings?

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Larger Strings?, Why use them?

Sircraigery View Member Profile	Dec 4 2008, 08:04 AM
Dec 4 2008, 08:04 AM	GMC:er Posts: 673 Joined: 12-May 07	I've seen some pretty big sizes (in the 50's), and I'm not sure why you'd want that big. MY only guess is that they are for low tunings, like drop C, and this would keep the tension on the neck the same (meaning no truss rod adjust) to a regular size tuned to standard. Is this correct? The reason I ask is because I want to start playing some Killswitch, which is all in Drop C. I just want to get all the facts straight so I can make the best choice on how to go about it before jumping in. (If I screw the neck on this guitar, I can't afford another Prestige, and will be stuck with my beginner guitar again). Thanks guys You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Guitars: Ibanez Prestige RG2610E [BKP Cold Sweat] Ibanez Prestige RG2550E [Carbon Fiber Plastics] Ibanez Roadstar II RS-135 [Stock] Quest Acoustic [Stock] Effects: Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff Ibanez Weeping Demon Wah Boss DR-3 Dr. Rhythym Amp: Marshall JCM2000 DSL 401 'Only the dead have seen the end of the war.' - Plato

Velvet Roger View Member Profile	Dec 4 2008, 08:22 AM
Dec 4 2008, 08:22 AM	Learning Tone Seeker Posts: 2.093 Joined: 5-August 08 From: Amsterdam, The Netherlands	First of all I am not an expert on this, but I will try to help: Basically you would like to have thicker strings to improve tone in general (but of course it should remain playable ), but especially with drop-tunings the bass strings are often thicker to compensate indeed for the decrease of tension due to the drop-tuning. It might be that a heavier gauge string set will compensate exactly for the loss in relief of the neck, however it will probably need some minor adjustment to get it perfect anyways. Hopefully it's helpful. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- "Don't practice until you get it right. Practice until you can't get it wrong." Guitars & Amps Brian Moore DC-1 Custom Shop (Cherry Sunburst, mahogany/rosewood) Eric Johnson Signature Strat (2-tone Sunburst, alder/maple) Ibanez RG770 (Black, basswood/rosewood) Peerless Journeyman (solid spruce/maple) Sixt Bov-105C (Ovation-like acoustic) - Ibanez SGT-130 (Jumbo acoustic) London City VS-1 (Precision bass) - Baton Rouge U3S (Ukelele) Fender HotRod Deluxe 40W combo - Fender Princeton Reverb Reissue 5W combo - Marshall JCM 900 50W Hi-Gain combo Effects & Other stuff POD Studio UX2 audio interface - Edirol MA-15D monitors EH Double Muff - Fulltone GT-500 - Fulltone Fulldrive 2 Mosfet - Guitarsystems TrebleTool Junior - Guitarsystems FuzzTool Junior Korg Pitchblack Tuner - MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay - TC Electronics Nova Modulator - Morley Bad Horsie 2 Wah Shure SM58 - Roland PCR-500 midi controller/keyboard & Yamaha Clavinova CL-910 piano My Website My MySpace Page My YouTube Channel My Twitter Account My Band 'Gonzo!'

Sircraigery View Member Profile	Dec 4 2008, 08:29 AM
Dec 4 2008, 08:29 AM	GMC:er Posts: 673 Joined: 12-May 07	QUOTE (Velvet Roger @ Dec 4 2008, 08:22 AM) First of all I am not an expert on this, but I will try to help: Basically you would like to have thicker strings to improve tone in general (but of course it should remain playable ), but especially with drop-tunings the bass strings are often thicker to compensate indeed for the decrease of tension due to the drop-tuning. It might be that a heavier gauge string set will compensate exactly for the loss in relief of the neck, however it will probably need some minor adjustment to get it perfect anyways. Hopefully it's helpful. Right on man, thanks. I remember learning this equation in my physics course. Can anyone suggest a string size to choose for the drop C? Currently I'm running 9-42 (I think haha) You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Guitars: Ibanez Prestige RG2610E [BKP Cold Sweat] Ibanez Prestige RG2550E [Carbon Fiber Plastics] Ibanez Roadstar II RS-135 [Stock] Quest Acoustic [Stock] Effects: Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff Ibanez Weeping Demon Wah Boss DR-3 Dr. Rhythym Amp: Marshall JCM2000 DSL 401 'Only the dead have seen the end of the war.' - Plato

Noangels View Member Profile	Dec 4 2008, 08:49 AM
Dec 4 2008, 08:49 AM	GMC:er Posts: 316 Joined: 4-August 08 From: blighty	I think I use 11/54's on my jackson tuned to drop C(love KSE)and in that tuning the tension felt about the same as normal tuning on 9's. I use Ernie Ball Beefy slinkys but any brand with that gauge will do you fine,the only trouble you may have with is your guitar nut saddles may be too tight to allow the fat E and A strings to sit in them snuggly-if your guitars has the typical double locking floyd type bridge with locking nut at the headstock then like the jackson it wil sit fine On my parker,gibson and strat those bass strings will not fit,but on any of my guitars with that locking nut with bid saddles for the strings it isnt a problem:) As mentioned above the tone is thicker with larger strings,but many players out there play with thin picks so it counters against that!fat pick and fat strings equal loud guitar! have fun You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Ibanez geo and a line 6 spider

Sircraigery View Member Profile	Dec 4 2008, 06:52 PM
Dec 4 2008, 06:52 PM	GMC:er Posts: 673 Joined: 12-May 07	QUOTE (Noangels @ Dec 4 2008, 08:49 AM) I think I use 11/54's on my jackson tuned to drop C(love KSE)and in that tuning the tension felt about the same as normal tuning on 9's. I use Ernie Ball Beefy slinkys but any brand with that gauge will do you fine,the only trouble you may have with is your guitar nut saddles may be too tight to allow the fat E and A strings to sit in them snuggly-if your guitars has the typical double locking floyd type bridge with locking nut at the headstock then like the jackson it wil sit fine On my parker,gibson and strat those bass strings will not fit,but on any of my guitars with that locking nut with bid saddles for the strings it isnt a problem:) As mentioned above the tone is thicker with larger strings,but many players out there play with thin picks so it counters against that!fat pick and fat strings equal loud guitar! have fun Yep no problems here, I've got an edge pro bridge (my guitar is meant for one thing mmuuuuaaahahah). I'll pick some up today and try things out. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Guitars: Ibanez Prestige RG2610E [BKP Cold Sweat] Ibanez Prestige RG2550E [Carbon Fiber Plastics] Ibanez Roadstar II RS-135 [Stock] Quest Acoustic [Stock] Effects: Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff Ibanez Weeping Demon Wah Boss DR-3 Dr. Rhythym Amp: Marshall JCM2000 DSL 401 'Only the dead have seen the end of the war.' - Plato

kjutte View Member Profile	Dec 5 2008, 05:13 PM
Dec 5 2008, 05:13 PM	GMC:er Posts: 1.710 Joined: 17-July 07 From: Norway	QUOTE (Sircraigery @ Dec 4 2008, 08:04 AM) I've seen some pretty big sizes (in the 50's), and I'm not sure why you'd want that big. MY only guess is that they are for low tunings, like drop C, and this would keep the tension on the neck the same (meaning no truss rod adjust) to a regular size tuned to standard. Is this correct? The reason I ask is because I want to start playing some Killswitch, which is all in Drop C. I just want to get all the facts straight so I can make the best choice on how to go about it before jumping in. (If I screw the neck on this guitar, I can't afford another Prestige, and will be stuck with my beginner guitar again). Thanks guys The riffs will sound a bit rougher, but everything else will sound like rubbish if you choose too large strings. I'd say it's not worth it, especially not on a floyd guitar, which is very versatile. If you really need it, I'd put it on a hard tail guitar that you don't really use as much. And as you said, it's also for lowered tunings. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! This post has been edited by kjutte: Dec 5 2008, 05:14 PM

Wilska View Member Profile	Dec 5 2008, 06:46 PM
Dec 5 2008, 06:46 PM	GMC:er Posts: 213 Joined: 3-July 07 From: Stockholm, Sweden	I've tried a couple of different gauges even tho I only tune down to Eb. I have floyd rose on both my guitars so I have one tuned to Eb and the other to Dropped Db. I use a 10-52 gauge set, and have been using that gauge for a couple of years. I went up only to get a better (in my opinion) sound. Also it feels better to me. So I wouldn't say heavier gauges are only for dropped tunings. Tho i'm aware of the product Skull Strings, who claim their better suited for dropped tunings due to different gauges on the lower strings. Haven't tried them tho. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- ------ Wilska's Gear ------ Guitars: Gibson Flying V Faded '67, ESP Ltd Alexi 600, Jackson Kelly KE3 Pickups: SD Blackout, Emg 81/85 Amp: Krank Rev Jr Pro Effects: Ibanez Weeping Demon Wah, Digitech Hardwire CM-2, Digitech Hardwire DL-8, MXR Phase 90 Recording: Blackstar HT-DistX, Line6 Pod X3 Live Pick: Dunlop Jazz III XL black, Dunlop Ultex Sharp 1.14 and 1.40 Strings: GHS Boomers 10-52, Rotosound 10-46

Viking Panda View Member Profile	Dec 7 2008, 03:58 AM
Dec 7 2008, 03:58 AM	GMC:er Posts: 25 Joined: 28-November 08 From: United States	I use 11 gauge 7 string set on my 7 String guitar, and I do not down tune at all. I like that I have more string under my fingers and bigger gauges help me play more accurately while playing fast. So it is all a matter of preference I think I am the only one who uses 11`s on a seven string while not tuning down at all, though... You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! This post has been edited by Viking Panda: Dec 7 2008, 03:59 AM -------------------- GEAR: Ibanez RG7321 Customized Les Paul copy (Work in Progress) Yamaha Acoustic Dean V-coustic Fretless! VYPYR 75

kjutte View Member Profile	Dec 7 2008, 11:36 AM
Dec 7 2008, 11:36 AM	GMC:er Posts: 1.710 Joined: 17-July 07 From: Norway	My local guitar store guru told me that all pickups are made for 11 gauge, actually. meaning you'll get the correct output with 11s. I think it's hard to develop a decent vibrato for 11s though. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

enforcer View Member Profile	Dec 7 2008, 03:00 PM
Dec 7 2008, 03:00 PM	GMC:er Posts: 1.202 Joined: 23-September 08 From: Istanbul	bigger string gauge give you more sustain too. (this one also depending to your bridge systems quality and your guitars body type) It is harder to bend and vibrato... You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- incoming spoiler read it at your own risk! Spoiler: Vigier G.V Wood HH American Stratocaster Maple Standart with X2N bridge pickups Samwick Artist custom modified Baswood Lespaul with S.Duncan JB and N56 pickups Self made Fretless Strat type made of Rosewood/Maple with self wound Neck and Ibanez V8 Bridge Pickups Floor Pod 2.0 Amp Simulation System Pod Xt Pro Rack Amp Simulation System Digitech TSR 12 Rack Effect and Studio Reverb Behringer Composer Rack Compressor Expander Morley Bad Horsie Wah Pedal Behringer FB1010 Floor Board it, surely, spoiled me!!! and may the force be with you :)

Joe Kataldo View Member Profile	Dec 7 2008, 03:19 PM
Dec 7 2008, 03:19 PM	Instructor Posts: 1.994 Joined: 2-January 08 From: Los Angeles	Usually a rule of thumb to keep same setting on a guitar is rise the string gauge for each semitone you love down, Ex. 010 standard E 011 Eb 012 D so on Also this prevent strings to sound floppy You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- ________________________________________________________________________________ Add Me on MSN: [email protected] Visit My Website JoeKataldo.com I Use Bare Knuckle Pickups MySapce.com/JoeKataldo My Lessons and Instructor Board My Wiki Page

Sircraigery View Member Profile	Dec 8 2008, 04:33 AM
Dec 8 2008, 04:33 AM	GMC:er Posts: 673 Joined: 12-May 07	Thanks everyone. I picked up a new set of 11/52's. I had to give the edge pro's anchor screws about 3-4 turns (maybe 2 rev's from the tension the 9's gave), so it was fairly close. Sounds amazing!, I'm never going back to 9's You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Guitars: Ibanez Prestige RG2610E [BKP Cold Sweat] Ibanez Prestige RG2550E [Carbon Fiber Plastics] Ibanez Roadstar II RS-135 [Stock] Quest Acoustic [Stock] Effects: Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff Ibanez Weeping Demon Wah Boss DR-3 Dr. Rhythym Amp: Marshall JCM2000 DSL 401 'Only the dead have seen the end of the war.' - Plato

Guitarman700 View Member Profile	Dec 13 2008, 11:16 PM
Dec 13 2008, 11:16 PM	GMC:er Posts: 1.462 Joined: 20-April 07 From: Traverse City, Michigan, USA	My new Ibanez comes with 13-58's , tuned to drop B! You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- My Gear: Guitars: Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS Jackson Dinky Custom Washburn WG-587 7-String LTD EX-50 Kramer Focus 6000 Amps: Peavey Vypyr 30 Marshall MG10KK Kerry King 10 Watt

Trond Vold View Member Profile	Dec 14 2008, 12:09 AM
Dec 14 2008, 12:09 AM	Instructor Posts: 3.497 Joined: 16-February 08 From: Norge!	I've recently begun using thicker gauge strings. I started tuning to C and C#, and my usual 0.09 sets just ended up sounding floppy and weak. I'm using 0.11 or 0.12's mostly now. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Guitars: Schecter Stiletto Classic, Jackson SLSMG, Ibanez RG-380 Japan, Gibson Les Paul Studio Amp: Marshall JMP-1 -> Rocktron Velocity 100 -> Marshall JCM-900 Lead 4x12 FX and stomps: T.C Electronics G-Sharp, Korg SDD-1200, Emma Transmorgrifier, BYOC Tribooster, GGG Green Ringer, Dinosaur Overdrive, Voodoo Lab SuperFuzz, Sovtek Bassballs, Line6 Tap Tremolo, EHX Screaming Bird. ___________________________________________________ My Lessons! My Instructor Board! My Myspace!

kjutte View Member Profile	Dec 14 2008, 07:00 AM
Dec 14 2008, 07:00 AM	GMC:er Posts: 1.710 Joined: 17-July 07 From: Norway	QUOTE (Sircraigery @ Dec 8 2008, 04:33 AM) Thanks everyone. I picked up a new set of 11/52's. I had to give the edge pro's anchor screws about 3-4 turns (maybe 2 rev's from the tension the 9's gave), so it was fairly close. Sounds amazing!, I'm never going back to 9's I think you should build vibrato with 9s before you venture onto higher gauge though. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Sircraigery View Member Profile	Dec 14 2008, 07:42 AM
Dec 14 2008, 07:42 AM	GMC:er Posts: 673 Joined: 12-May 07	QUOTE (kjutte @ Dec 14 2008, 07:00 AM) I think you should build vibrato with 9s before you venture onto higher gauge though. Yeah, it's a bit of work on the 'ole fingers. I'm slowly getting used to them. Even chugging was tougher with the bigger strings, I've only ever used 9's. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Guitars: Ibanez Prestige RG2610E [BKP Cold Sweat] Ibanez Prestige RG2550E [Carbon Fiber Plastics] Ibanez Roadstar II RS-135 [Stock] Quest Acoustic [Stock] Effects: Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff Ibanez Weeping Demon Wah Boss DR-3 Dr. Rhythym Amp: Marshall JCM2000 DSL 401 'Only the dead have seen the end of the war.' - Plato

Ian Bushell View Member Profile	Dec 14 2008, 08:05 AM
Dec 14 2008, 08:05 AM	Instructor Posts: 958 Joined: 21-June 08 From: Johannesburg, South Africa	QUOTE (Sircraigery @ Dec 14 2008, 08:42 AM) Yeah, it's a bit of work on the 'ole fingers. I'm slowly getting used to them. Even chugging was tougher with the bigger strings, I've only ever used 9's. It will take some getting use to, but worth it for so many reasons! D'addario and Ernie Ball also have a 10-52 set if you keen. Tens on the top eleven's on the bottom. Great for switching between lead and rhythm. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Video Lessons Website

kjutte View Member Profile	Dec 14 2008, 09:02 AM
Dec 14 2008, 09:02 AM	GMC:er Posts: 1.710 Joined: 17-July 07 From: Norway	QUOTE (Sircraigery @ Dec 14 2008, 07:42 AM) Yeah, it's a bit of work on the 'ole fingers. I'm slowly getting used to them. Even chugging was tougher with the bigger strings, I've only ever used 9's. Well man, even in 8's people tend to use more than a year to get the real deal. What feels right is right though, as long as you're having fun it's all good! You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Sircraigery View Member Profile	Dec 14 2008, 09:10 AM
Dec 14 2008, 09:10 AM	GMC:er Posts: 673 Joined: 12-May 07	Always haha. You know, I think the larger strings have helped me realize I need to followthrough more when picking. Looking back, I think I was pussyfooting it haha. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Guitars: Ibanez Prestige RG2610E [BKP Cold Sweat] Ibanez Prestige RG2550E [Carbon Fiber Plastics] Ibanez Roadstar II RS-135 [Stock] Quest Acoustic [Stock] Effects: Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff Ibanez Weeping Demon Wah Boss DR-3 Dr. Rhythym Amp: Marshall JCM2000 DSL 401 'Only the dead have seen the end of the war.' - Plato

kjutte View Member Profile	Dec 14 2008, 09:13 AM
Dec 14 2008, 09:13 AM	GMC:er Posts: 1.710 Joined: 17-July 07 From: Norway	QUOTE (Sircraigery @ Dec 14 2008, 09:10 AM) Always haha. You know, I think the larger strings have helped me realize I need to followthrough more when picking. Looking back, I think I was pussyfooting it haha. Honestly man, I think larger strings will only make it harder for you. I won't post any further on this topic though You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! This post has been edited by kjutte: Dec 14 2008, 10:19 AM

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