Strings for low tuning

[OMGKITTENS]

I play a Washburn D-10 with an alternate tuning: CFCFCF. It works really well for Swedish folkmusic, but i need strings that really works with the tuning. I play on a low price 0.13-0.58 set but the bass strings tend to sound like crap most of the time. I play with a plectrum.

What strings do you recommend?

[Michael Martin]

A plectrum? Now there's a word I don't hear often. I like the sound of it.

 

I play my dread de-tuned to D or even Dflat on the bottom string (standard tuning, just 2 or 3 half-steps lower). I find that for best results, I need to raise the action slightly to avoid string buzz on the lower strings. A very slight adjustment of the truss rod seems to accomplish this.

 

I always use light gauge (11s). I don't know whether different strings would act differently, but I'll bet other HC folks know...

[Freeman Keller]

So you are tuning your high E string UP to F and your low E way down to C? First, here is a really handy reference for string tension with different gauges and tunings

 

http://p082.ezboard.com/ftheunofficialmartinguitarforumfrm19.showMessage?topicID=27.topic

 

If you go to the bottom you'll find a reference to the Universal String Tension calculator - download it and install it on your computer, then experiment with different gauge strings to get approximately the same tension as lights at standard or mediums at D# (165 pounds, give or take).

 

I would be really leary of the 0.013 tuned up to F, you might want to consider dropping that down to an 11 or so. I think the 0.058 is probably about right for the C string, I play in open C (CGCGCE) and use plane old mediums. The Kottke 12 string is braced for C# as its base tuning and uses a 0.056 for the low E, and Leo tunes down from there. Ledbelly's old Stella was tuned to C and I believe strung with an 0.060 base E so I'm guessing the 58 should be ok.

 

When you say "sounds like crap" what does that mean? No volume? Buzzing? No balance from bass to mids? My old Yamaha loves open C and the 0.056 sounds big and full tuned to a really low C.

[OMGKITTENS]

I tune E down to C and so on... Well, the problem is that the bass string sounds like it

[OMGKITTENS]

Sorry got it wrong. I tune down LOW E to C and so on... Now then;)

[Freeman Keller]

 

Originally posted by OMGKITTENS Sorry got it wrong. I tune down LOW E to C and so on... Now then;)

 

 

I understand that. I just wanted you to confirm that you are tuning your first string UP to F and your second one UP to C. Third down, forth down, fifth way down, and sixth way way down. This isn't all that different from open C, which, as I said, I use mediums (actually, medium-lights 0.012 to 0.056). I think an 0.013 is to heavy to tune up two steps as is a 0.017 second string. But I gave you the calculator - try to find a string gauge that will be approximately the same as whatever your git was designed for - lets say lights at concert or mediums down one half step.

 

Is the low string really out of tune or does it sound that way? What it the intonation like - with that low tension you might have to compensate the 6th string (the harmonic should be dead nuts on, how many cents is the 12th fret octave off from the harmonic?).

 

My humble opinion is that you probably need less tension on the top two strings (smaller gauge) and more on the bottom. But as I said, the Kottke taylor is designed to be tuned down 3 half steps, then Leo goes down from there for his open tunings, and the big 6th string is a 0.056 like yours.

 

And it shouldn't make any difference if you play with a pick (plectrum) or not unless you have a very hard attack.

 

Also, if you are asking if there are any string brands or compositions that are better, in my opinion, no. I would stay away from the lower tension strings like Martin Fingerstyle or any silk and steels, otherwise the tension is a function of core wire diameter which is pretty constant. Of course composition and coatings will change the way a string sounds but it should make it sound out of tune.

[OMGKITTENS]

The total string tension is only 52 kilos, according to the calculator, witch is pretty low i guess. And the bass string, is pulling only 9 kilos instead of 15 like it would in normal tuning. There

[Michael Martin]

 

Originally posted by OMGKITTENS Now it

[Freeman Keller]

 

Originally posted by OMGKITTENS The total string tension is only 52 kilos, according to the calculator, witch is pretty low i guess. And the bass string, is pulling only 9 kilos instead of 15 like it would in normal tuning. There