Mind Riot's Guide to D'Addario String Tension - Page 2

robanomoly · 08-16-2007, 08:36 AM

If anyone is interested, I created a simple Excel spreadsheet for determining string tension based upon scale length and string gage. It is located here.

MerlinTKD · 08-22-2007, 08:00 PM

So I got my string set... and I think I miscalculated.

I knew I wanted to drop-tune to A, so I ended up getting a .68 for the 7th string... and it's way too big. It fits in the tuner and the nut, but is oversized for the bridge (ESP LFR). Plus, the jump in size is DRAMATIC. With a .34 5th and .46 6th, the .68 felt like a monster. Under my fingers, it felt out of place, like it didn't match.

The set came with a .59, but I may eventually compromise with a .62 or .64.

Anyone else have similar issues?

soldierkahn · 02-03-2008, 02:27 PM

how do i figure out my tension on my 1077 (27" scale) tuned to A standard with these gauges

11 -
14 -
21 -
28 -
38 -
49 -
60 -

Apophis · 02-03-2008, 02:59 PM

String Guage and Tension Calculator - Version 0.1.4 - 26 apr 1998

zimbloth · 02-03-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soldierkahn

how do i figure out my tension on my 1077 (27" scale) tuned to A standard with these gauges

11 -
14 -
21 -
28 -
38 -
49 -
60 -

That's WILDLY off the mark. Try 9-12-16-24-32-44-60, 10-13-17-26-34-46-62, 10-13.5-26-36-48-64, or 10-14-18-26-36-49-66. Or you can mix and match.

I tune to A standard, and I've always just used Mind Riot's guide as a reference. I know it won't be exactly the same as his calculations are for B, but I've gotten fantastic results from it.

soldierkahn · 02-03-2008, 04:08 PM

wow, to me those gauges sound wildly off, lol

i use 10-48+58 for Bstan on my 25.5 7, so i figured if im tuning a step down, to have the right amount of tension, i move two steps up on string gauge, lol

11-49 set seems to work well. i dont like how loose my low A is though, but refuse to use any thicker than a 60, because then it sounds too bassy

Ultramog · 02-04-2008, 04:31 PM

I've been using the Zakk Wylde low set 11-70 and dropping a 30 in for the G string in the middle. Works pretty well, but a more progressive set would be Ernie Ball Skinny/Fat 10-52 + a single 70. This is what I'll order next. Couldn't cobble together anything better at the Guitar Center. This is on a Blackjack (26 1/2" scale.) I was a bass player forever, so the feel of 70 doesn't bother me and I really appreciate the tension; notes on that string are much more consistent with the others than with the .56 that came on the guitar.

soldierkahn · 02-06-2008, 11:37 AM

yeah i dont like 56s, 58s are much more sonically solid

Ultramog · 03-05-2008, 10:59 AM

I've been using the DR Jeff Healey set (nickel 10-56) plus a GHS 70 for a week now. Significant improvement to playability. Action is more even from string to string and as you go up the neck. Unwound strings sing more than the 11s I was using. The .56 E is noticeably chunkier and I have to angle the pick more to avoid catching on it. But the axe (Blackjack) just feels happier so its more fun to play.

Hooray.

ohio_eric · 03-05-2008, 01:04 PM

You use a .010 - .056 set with a .070 tuned to B? Those are some pretty manly strings.

Ultramog · 03-06-2008, 09:23 AM

I played bass for 17 years; I like fatter low stuff. And I didn't care about playing fast until last week. Actually what got me started was this thread 6 months ago; learning about consistent string tension got me thinking. Anyway, the guitar feels more like a single instrument now rather than separate high-end/low-end beasts.

KholdStare · 05-26-2008, 10:08 PM

Wow, Mind Riot, thanks so much for pointing this out! For quite some time now
I've been annoyed at the floppiness of the low E-string on my six. I always had
to tune a tiny bit flat, so that when it went sharp from digging in, it wouldn't be
out of tune, but that caused all kinds of intonation issues ARGH, it was driving me nuts

Time came to change the strings again, so I bought a .49 and a regular 10-46 set.
Put the 49 on, and WHAM, instant sex

Very beefy tight tone, and not to mention
doesn't flop around. I love it!

Thanks again, and I highly recommend people to try this out

zimbloth · 06-01-2008, 02:26 PM

Yep this has been an invaluable resource to me over the years. Definitely one of my key bookmarks.

Guitar_Freak7 · 06-17-2008, 05:23 AM

thanks MR for posting this. seen it a while back and showed it to a friend that though it was dumb but he to say the least was an idiot and didnt even get it, but then again he dont play 7s so he hasnt had the fbs (flabby b syndrom). was goin to try this a while back but never got around to it. but just ordered a few sets of 10's for a 6er and a few .064 singles for the b, once i get them in ill post back on how they worked out.

ryuu · 04-10-2009, 12:09 PM

Hi,

i wonder which set would be good for a Bb tuning on a 26,5" Schecter C7.

Atm i have a D'Addario EXL120-7 set tuned to B.

Any of you have an idea?

Greetings

Ryuu

sh4z · 08-12-2009, 09:21 PM

D'Addario EXL120-7 - Your set @ 25.5" tuned to B according to D'Addario

Diameter Tension
Item# Note inches mm lbs kg
PL009 E 0.009 0.23 13.1 5.94
PL011 B 0.011 0.28 11.0 4.99
PL016 G 0.016 0.41 14.7 6.67
NW024 D 0.024 0.61 15.8 7.17
NW032 A 0.032 0.81 15.8 7.17
NW042 E 0.042 1.07 14.8 6.71
NW054 B 0.054 1.37 13.8 6.26

To get the tensions ideal it is best to use a completely custom set

@ 25.5" Scale - A good set for Bb @ 25.5" IMO maintaining similar tensions.
.0095p @ 13.0 lbs.
.013p @ 13.7 lbs.
.018w @ 14.3 lbs. or .017p @ 14.7
.024w @ 14.0 lbs.
.034w @ 15.7 lbs.
.046w @ 15.6 lbs.
.060w @ 15.2 lbs.

Now @ 26.5" Scale
.0095p @ 14.1 lbs
.013p @ 14.8 lbs
.018w @ 15.5 lbs or 17p @ 15.9
.024w @ 15.2 lbs
.034w @ 16.9 lbs.
.046w @ 16.8 lbs.
.060w @ 16.4 lbs.

Alternatively you could use a 10-46 set and add a 60 or an EXL110-7 Regular Light 7-String 10-59

--- Hope this helps ^^ ---

Humanoid · 08-13-2009, 03:26 AM

You can also try my free software which uses D'Addario's string tensions and calculates the same tension for different tunings

Humanoid - Software

sh4z · 09-15-2009, 08:46 PM

Very cool! thanks humanoid

JMP2203 · 09-16-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Humanoid

You can also try my free software which uses D'Addario's string tensions and calculates the same tension for different tunings

Humanoid - Software

i didnt work for me

Humanoid · 09-16-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMP2203

i didnt work for me

Gotta have Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package installed.
Can be downloaded from:
Download details: Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package (x86)

JMP2203 · 09-16-2009, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Humanoid

Gotta have Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package installed.
Can be downloaded from:
Download details: Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package (x86)

i instal that and still have the same problem:

initialization error

to run this application, you first must install one of the following version of the .net framework:

v2.0.50727

Humanoid · 09-18-2009, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMP2203

i instal that and still have the same problem:

initialization error

to run this application, you first must install one of the following version of the .net framework:

v2.0.50727

Well.. then install the .NET Framework?

Lots of software nowadays use these libraries, so it's a good deal

Download details: .NET Framework Version 2.0 Redistributable Package (x86)

Slide · 10-16-2009, 01:38 AM

A very good post. I used the excel sheet to calculate some different sets for my guitars with different tunings. Since my local shop doesn't have a ready supply of D'Addario singles, I opted for Ernie Balls. I calculated my sets from the perspective of progressive tension. Very good results, although I don't like the sound of Ernies at all. Since this method yielded very good results I might try a set of Elixirs next time, though I'll have to order the singles from the net. Thanks a lot to the thread starter!

lastninja · 09-27-2010, 07:56 AM

very confused about what set I should use for my 80 tuned down C-F down an octave

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08-22-2007, 08:00 PM	#27
MerlinTKD 7-String Drummer! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 2,809 Thanked: 23 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	So I got my string set... and I think I miscalculated. I knew I wanted to drop-tune to A, so I ended up getting a .68 for the 7th string... and it's way too big. It fits in the tuner and the nut, but is oversized for the bridge (ESP LFR). Plus, the jump in size is DRAMATIC. With a .34 5th and .46 6th, the .68 felt like a monster. Under my fingers, it felt out of place, like it didn't match. The set came with a .59, but I may eventually compromise with a .62 or .64. Anyone else have similar issues? *Don's Music City - Winston-Salem*

02-03-2008, 02:27 PM	#28
soldierkahn BAD MAMMA-JAMMA Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 1,387 Thanked: 18 $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 6 reviews	how do i figure out my tension on my 1077 (27" scale) tuned to A standard with these gauges 11 - 14 - 21 - 28 - 38 - 49 - 60 - Looking for an Ibanez RG970XL Last edited by soldierkahn; 02-03-2008 at 02:31 PM. Reason: they're all daddario too, lol

02-03-2008, 04:08 PM	#31
soldierkahn BAD MAMMA-JAMMA Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 1,387 Thanked: 18 $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 6 reviews	wow, to me those gauges sound wildly off, lol i use 10-48+58 for Bstan on my 25.5 7, so i figured if im tuning a step down, to have the right amount of tension, i move two steps up on string gauge, lol 11-49 set seems to work well. i dont like how loose my low A is though, but refuse to use any thicker than a 60, because then it sounds too bassy Looking for an Ibanez RG970XL

02-06-2008, 11:37 AM	#33
soldierkahn BAD MAMMA-JAMMA Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 1,387 Thanked: 18 $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $soldierkahn is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 6 reviews	yeah i dont like 56s, 58s are much more sonically solid Looking for an Ibanez RG970XL

08-16-2007, 08:36 AM	#26
robanomoly ss.org newcomer Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: New Freedom, PA Posts: 155 Thanked: 4 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If anyone is interested, I created a simple Excel spreadsheet for determining string tension based upon scale length and string gage. It is located here.

Today
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02-03-2008, 02:59 PM	#29
Apophis Banned Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Poland Posts: 18,280 Thanked: 71 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	String Guage and Tension Calculator - Version 0.1.4 - 26 apr 1998

02-04-2008, 04:31 PM	#32
Ultramog ss.org Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: North Jersey Posts: 16 Thanked: 2 / 1 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I've been using the Zakk Wylde low set 11-70 and dropping a 30 in for the G string in the middle. Works pretty well, but a more progressive set would be Ernie Ball Skinny/Fat 10-52 + a single 70. This is what I'll order next. Couldn't cobble together anything better at the Guitar Center. This is on a Blackjack (26 1/2" scale.) I was a bass player forever, so the feel of 70 doesn't bother me and I really appreciate the tension; notes on that string are much more consistent with the others than with the .56 that came on the guitar.

03-05-2008, 10:59 AM	#34
Ultramog ss.org Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: North Jersey Posts: 16 Thanked: 2 / 1 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I've been using the DR Jeff Healey set (nickel 10-56) plus a GHS 70 for a week now. Significant improvement to playability. Action is more even from string to string and as you go up the neck. Unwound strings sing more than the 11s I was using. The .56 E is noticeably chunkier and I have to angle the pick more to avoid catching on it. But the axe (Blackjack) just feels happier so its more fun to play. Hooray.

03-05-2008, 01:04 PM	#35
ohio_eric SS Contributor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 9,248 Thanked: 189 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	You use a .010 - .056 set with a .070 tuned to B? Those are some pretty manly strings.

03-06-2008, 09:23 AM	#36
Ultramog ss.org Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: North Jersey Posts: 16 Thanked: 2 / 1 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I played bass for 17 years; I like fatter low stuff. And I didn't care about playing fast until last week. Actually what got me started was this thread 6 months ago; learning about consistent string tension got me thinking. Anyway, the guitar feels more like a single instrument now rather than separate high-end/low-end beasts.

05-26-2008, 10:08 PM	#37
KholdStare ss.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 154 Thanked: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Wow, Mind Riot, thanks so much for pointing this out! For quite some time now I've been annoyed at the floppiness of the low E-string on my six. I always had to tune a tiny bit flat, so that when it went sharp from digging in, it wouldn't be out of tune, but that caused all kinds of intonation issues ARGH, it was driving me nuts Time came to change the strings again, so I bought a .49 and a regular 10-46 set. Put the 49 on, and WHAM, instant sex Very beefy tight tone, and not to mention doesn't flop around. I love it! Thanks again, and I highly recommend people to try this out

06-01-2008, 02:26 PM	#38
zimbloth Nick // Axe Palace Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 16,668 Thanked: 179 Feedback Score: 47 reviews	Yep this has been an invaluable resource to me over the years. Definitely one of my key bookmarks. The Axe Palace <-- Dealer for: Ibanez, BKP, DiMarzio, ENGL, Diezel, Orange, Fryette, ESP, Caparison, PRS, Vigier, Dean , Parker, Flaxwood, G&L, Schecter USA and many more. NEW WEBSITE IS NOW LIVE: www.axepalace.com

06-17-2008, 05:23 AM	#39
Guitar_Freak7 ss.org Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 12 Thanked: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	thanks MR for posting this. seen it a while back and showed it to a friend that though it was dumb but he to say the least was an idiot and didnt even get it, but then again he dont play 7s so he hasnt had the fbs (flabby b syndrom). was goin to try this a while back but never got around to it. but just ordered a few sets of 10's for a 6er and a few .064 singles for the b, once i get them in ill post back on how they worked out.

04-10-2009, 12:09 PM	#40
ryuu ss.org Regular Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Germany Posts: 2 Thanked: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Schecter C7 Hi, i wonder which set would be good for a Bb tuning on a 26,5" Schecter C7. Atm i have a D'Addario EXL120-7 set tuned to B. Any of you have an idea? Greetings Ryuu

08-12-2009, 09:21 PM	#41
sh4z SS.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 495 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	D'Addario EXL120-7 - Your set @ 25.5" tuned to B according to D'Addario Diameter Tension Item# Note inches mm lbs kg PL009 E 0.009 0.23 13.1 5.94 PL011 B 0.011 0.28 11.0 4.99 PL016 G 0.016 0.41 14.7 6.67 NW024 D 0.024 0.61 15.8 7.17 NW032 A 0.032 0.81 15.8 7.17 NW042 E 0.042 1.07 14.8 6.71 NW054 B 0.054 1.37 13.8 6.26 To get the tensions ideal it is best to use a completely custom set @ 25.5" Scale - A good set for Bb @ 25.5" IMO maintaining similar tensions. .0095p @ 13.0 lbs. .013p @ 13.7 lbs. .018w @ 14.3 lbs. or .017p @ 14.7 .024w @ 14.0 lbs. .034w @ 15.7 lbs. .046w @ 15.6 lbs. .060w @ 15.2 lbs. Now @ 26.5" Scale .0095p @ 14.1 lbs .013p @ 14.8 lbs .018w @ 15.5 lbs or 17p @ 15.9 .024w @ 15.2 lbs .034w @ 16.9 lbs. .046w @ 16.8 lbs. .060w @ 16.4 lbs. Alternatively you could use a 10-46 set and add a 60 or an EXL110-7 Regular Light 7-String 10-59 --- Hope this helps ^^ ---

08-13-2009, 03:26 AM	#42
Humanoid SS.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Oulu, Finland Posts: 125 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	You can also try my free software which uses D'Addario's string tensions and calculates the same tension for different tunings Humanoid - Software You have five earth minutes.

09-15-2009, 08:46 PM	#43
sh4z SS.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 495 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Very cool! thanks humanoid

10-16-2009, 01:38 AM	#48
Slide ss.org Regular Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tallinn, Estonia Posts: 9 Thanked: 5 / 1 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	A very good post. I used the excel sheet to calculate some different sets for my guitars with different tunings. Since my local shop doesn't have a ready supply of D'Addario singles, I opted for Ernie Balls. I calculated my sets from the perspective of progressive tension. Very good results, although I don't like the sound of Ernies at all. Since this method yielded very good results I might try a set of Elixirs next time, though I'll have to order the singles from the net. Thanks a lot to the thread starter!

09-27-2010, 07:56 AM	#49
lastninja ss.org Regular Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Mel Burns, Australia Posts: 11 Thanked: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	very confused about what set I should use for my 80 tuned down C-F down an octave

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