[omentremor]

Hey
I want to tune the Ibby to F#,B, F#, B, E, G#,C#. I know that The Dark Wolf tunes to F but he's the only guy I've ever heard of using it that low. Would the 25.5" scale be alright with tighter strings and a good setup? And what strings if so?
Thanks.

[HotRodded7321]

I have a 7321 tuned to drop G, but I did need to have it set up...and your action will have to be high as hell if you want to retain any tone by using a decent string gauge. I really wouldn't go above a .60 on the top string (I still use a .10 to .56 set, and it's pretty tight in drop G, but it would probably feel like a rubber band in F#)....it sounds like a powerline smacking a piece of sheet metal if you go too thick, lol. And your pickups will also be a factor....you need something like an EMG or another high output pup to get a good sound from it.

This is just opinion/personal experience, however....could be different for anyone else. (That's the disclaimer, lol)

[Metal Ken]

You wouldnt go above 60? I use at LEAST a 60 for B.. my conklin has a .065 bass string on it...

So for F#... I know bob uses a 60 but i'd suggest using more...at least a 66 or a 68.. .

[Naren]

Originally Posted by Metal Ken

You wouldnt go above 60? I use at LEAST a 60 for B.. my conklin has a .065 bass string on it...

So for F#... I know bob uses a 60 but i'd suggest using more...at least a 66 or a 68.. .

I use a 58 for my B.

Actually I think Bob uses a 70-72 for his F. I'm sure it's not a 60. He uses Elixir strings and I think he buys the string for the low F and uses a set for the rest.

I thought 58 was too loose for an A. For F#, I'd do at least a 70.

And he tunes to F, not F#.

[Metal Ken]

i coulda swore he said 60..

I must've read wrong. oh well

Point still stands= F# using less than .060 = not a good idea.

[Naren]

Originally Posted by Metal Ken

Point still stands= F# using less than .060 = not a good idea.

His tuning is FCGCFAD. No F# I used to be in a band with the dude. While I'm not exactly sure what the gauge was, I remember it was pretty damn thick.

[The Dark Wolf]

Originally Posted by Naren

He uses Elixir strings and I think he buys the string for the low F and uses a set for the rest.

And he tunes to F, not F#.

Right on, E! Exactamundo.

Originally Posted by Metal Ken

So for F#... I know bob uses a 60 but i'd suggest using more...at least a 66 or a 68.. .

Actually, I use a .068. Elixir. The rest is the .010 - .052 set. Nanoweb.They're very bright, and seem to have a bit more 'oomph' to them. Plus, I use the ultra-clear Dimarzio D Sonic 7. I would use a thicker string, maybe, if Elixir made a guitar string that was thicker. Well, actually, to think about it, I would probably just try it out. But I've been using these for probably 4 years or so now, and I don't really have any complaints. I've tried higher gauge strings for the low F, but nothing sounds as good as the Elixir, even if they're thicker. So, string brand plays a part in it, too. A .068 Elixir sounds much tighter, cleaner, and more articulate than a .07 D'addario, for instance. Or a .065 D'addario (both of which I've experimented with).

Speaking of strings, hey Eric, do you know I have not broke ONE STRING since the times we used to play together? I think I;ve broke maybe 2 or 3 strings the whole 5+years I've owned my 2027.

[HotRodded7321]

Nope, I tune to drop G and I got no flap, strings are nice n tight. It's all in the setup and my playing style though...I don't like huge strings, I used to use 60+ gauges back when I thought the bigger the gauge the better the sound, and slowly but surely I've moved back to a 56. I use 11-52 on my 6's (custom set) for C/drop C and for drop B or B.

I just don't really care for bigger gauges...I find it easier to play faster in low tunings with lighter strings, and the chords voice a lot better.

But like I said, it's just preference and playing style, some people play very well with heavier strings and sound great, but I can't stand em. Even Dino Cazares uses lighter gauges (or at least he did w/Fear Factory)....he was tuning to A with 54's. (Guitar World interview circa 1999-2000??? Not exactly sure...but he did say it.) So I guess it's all in how you play. I have a light hand, so maybe that's why I like em so much.

[Metal Ken]

Originally Posted by Naren

His tuning is FCGCFAD. No F# I used to be in a band with the dude. While I'm not exactly sure what the gauge was, I remember it was pretty damn thick.

i know he uses F, i was referring to the above who wants to tune to F#.

HotRod - i have a really light touch as well, and i like to play fast, too ;D
i just found that lighter strings on the 7th string dont have the same character as the rest of the strings. the B string felt weak compared to my E, so i deduced that the B needs at least equal or more tension on it than the E, and if you're using a 46-48 guage E, that puts you around 62-ish for a B, if i recall. Dino might use a .054 for B but i guarantee you on that 8 string he has he doesn't use a .054 or .056 for F#.

[Metal Ken]

Originally Posted by The Dark Wolf

Actually, I use a .068. Elixir. The rest is the .010 - .056 set. Nanoweb.They're very bright, and seem to have a bit more 'oomph' to them. Plus, I use the ultra-clear Dimarzio D Sonic 7. I would use a thicker string, maybe, if Elixir made a guitar string that was thicker.

I Coulda swore you said you used a .060 somewhere. Oh well, i've been wrong at least once before

Have you tried bass strings? I use them on my groove tools and like them a lot. i got a .050 for my E and a .065 for my B. the double wrapped string has something extra to it, IMO. when i replace the strings on my UV7BK, i'm gonna try to make a tension matched set that goes from 9-60 or 62 and try to use a bass string if at all possible (i want it to be my 'lead' guitar, and the conklin will probably have thicker strings on it for rhythm guitar sutff.. might bump it up to a .068 or something)