[metallatem]

Hey all, just got my first 7 string after 20 yrs+ of 6 stringery. I got an Ibanez RG7321 used to start out with. I'm planning on taking it in for a complete setup/stringing. Here's a couple other questions:

The guy who I bought it from put a Duncan Designed pickup in the bridge, and it's real noisy. I think I want to replace the pickup. I've always liked DiMarzio X2Ns, are those good for sevens? What are some other options for a nice defined crunch?

Also, I've always used Dean Markley strings, I assume those are pretty good for sevens too. Any other opinions? As far as gauges, I guess I'll have to see for myself, but in general how low can you go on the B string? I've seen from .52 to .60. Also, is it advisable to use lighter gauges on the high strings and heavier ones on the low strings on a seven?

Thanks

[HamBungler]

Hello! And welcome to this lovely forum!

X2N-7s are great pickups! I absolutely love mine in my Schecter. I actually replaced the DD in mine for it! D-Activators are pretty cool too, as are the Seymour Duncan JB and Custom.

Dean Markleys should work fine. As far as gauges go, its all over the map. they can go anywhere from .52-> .80 bass strings for the low B (the higher gauges are usually for super-low tunings though, a .60 should work fine for a low B)

You can use whatever gauges you want, its personal preference afterall. Currently I use an Ernie Ball Power Slinky set with a .60 for the low B, currently tuned to Open C (GCGCGCE). It works just fine! I'm probably going to go for a slightly heavier set next time, probably a hybrid set of 10-52s with a .65 for the low G.

[technomancer]

If you like the X2N in six strings, you'll probably like it in seven as well. Personally I've always found them to be shrill, but pickups are mostly personal preference

Dean Markley strings should be fine... I used to use Blue Steels. I currently use Elixirs 10-52 set plus a 68 for a low B, but I like my low strings to be tight

[angryman]

Congrats & welcome, I've personally had a JB in a basswood 7 & they're aweful. obviousle it's all a matter of opinion but alot of guys will agree that DiMarzio's tend to work better in Basswood bodied 7's.
For what it's worth I love the tone I get with the Blaze.

[metalfiend666]

What gauge of strings do you use on a 6 string? If we know that we can suggest some options for the low B for you.

[metallatem]

I use lights, .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042 on my 6 strings. I definitely want to go for a low end crunch on the 7, so I was looking at the Dean Markley LTHB gauge, which is .010, .013, .017, .030, .042, .052, .060

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by metallatem

I use lights, .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042 on my 6 strings. I definitely want to go for a low end crunch on the 7, so I was looking at the Dean Markley LTHB gauge, which is .010, .013, .017, .030, .042, .052, .060

That Dean Markley set doesn't make a lot of sense. The .052 would have like 2000 pounds more tension than the .060. Using your 9-42 as an example, a low B string that would balance with that set would be a 58. You might want to look at the SIT 9.5-44 set and add on a 58 or 60. For the record, a balanced tension set using 9's would be: 9-12-16-24-32-44-59. Since most companies don't make a 59, I just use a 58 or a 60.

The bottom line is, 010-052 is extremely unbalanced, all over the place, and the 60 just adds to the problem. You can of course play with strings like that, but most people agree playability and tone benefit when the tensions are more even. Also, for the record, thicker gauges don't equate to more "crunch", just a mellower, rounder, bassier sound.

You can experiment at will, but if you're comfortable with 9's with your 6, just keep those and add a 58 or something like that to it.

[metallatem]

OK, thanks. Dean Markley does make a 7 string set that is the same as my 6 with a 0.54 added on. In general what are the issues with the B string thickness? Do the thinner ones get too floppy if tuned down to say an A?

[metalfiend666]

If you're down tuning, try a set of 10's with a 70. 7 Dying Trees here tunes down a whole step (A,D,G,C,F,A,D) using 10-52's with a 70 and it feels just right (I used to play in a band with him). I use 10-46's with a 56 in standard, though I'm going up to a 60 when I use up my stock of 10-56 sets.