Drop B String Gauge

String gauge is personal preference. A 13-56 would likely be too heavy on the higher strings for most people.

If you're using a set of 9-46 in E Standard I would suggest an 11-56 set instead to get you a similar tension profile for Drop B.

 

I would go heavier, honestly.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E3CN6/?tag=sevenstringorg-20

I put these on today to try them in B standard and they feel amazing.

 

I use these:

https://www.thomann.de/de/ernie_ball_eb2620_powerslinky_egitarrensaiten.htm

I discard the .046 string and use it as a 6-string set.

 

11 - 56 if you like some slack, 13 - 56 if you like some tension.

 

I still say that a 56 is too small for B with that scale length.

 

Its a taste thing. I use a 52 in B on a 25.5" scale.

 

I mean, more power to you, I just can't see myself being able to do that. For weedly deedly, maybe, but for heavy riffage? Thin wet spaghetti noodle...

 

All I do is heavy riffage and it works for me.

 

Maybe you have a different approach than I do. I play like I'm picking on a belt sander.

 

Put your guitar in drop D and see how u like the tension on the low string. If u like it then the 11-56 will be very similar tension in drip B to your current set up in drop D.
If u want to go heavier then try the 12-60 set

 

I use these for drop B on a 25.5 scale and I wouldn't recomment going lower, especially on shorter scales. I find tuning the low B annoying already.

If you can't make up your mind, use the D'addario string tension calculator to find out what set gives you the tension you want.

 

I used a 10 - 59 7-string set and loose the 10, but I tuned to standard B.

 

11-56 in drop B will feel pretty similar to the 9-46 in standard, though the 56 may be a bit loose. You might also try their 12-60 set, but if you do, I would also recommend changing out the plain 3rd string for a wound 22 or 24