strings and tuning

Posted by Mark Ayers on May 20, 2011 at 7:56pm

I was wonder what range of tuning to go with depending on the string type and size

 

For example: for this build, #2, that I am finishing I have some Darco by Martin Acoustic D5500 medium guage

E-1 Steel .013

B-2 Steel .017

G-3 Bronze wound .026

D-4 Bronze wound .035

A-5 Bronze wound .045

E-6 bronze wound ,056

 

What range of tuning would you recommend for these? And also should I use 4-3-2- so I have the last string smooth steel?

 

Thanks for leooking and letting me know. I hope to complete this build tonight

 

mark

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Replies

  • Sean Laffey May 21, 2011 at 11:17am

    I think in "frets" to work out string tension, for example if I use a Regular No3 string  ( designed to be played as G) then if I want it to be in D it has to be 7 frets tighter, probably too much.

     

    A string set sold for a 25 inch guitar is designed  to have even tension across the strings, typically in the range of 25 - 30 lbs per string, the lower strings are better at higher tension as that way they deliver slightly more energy to the bridge.*

     

    So on a 3 string CBG  with a regular scale length aim for a maximum tension of  90 lbs.

    See a neat calculator here:

     

    http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com/stringxxiii.html

     

    Look at the other  instruments listed and check their scale lengths, you might find something close to  how you have built your CBG.

     

    * We don't have flat response hearing, a low E and a high e at the same actual decibel level will not sound the same volume, the Low E will sound quieter, hence the need for a bass boost.

     

  • Jess May 21, 2011 at 9:18am
    Mark:  I use the 5-4-3.  the 5 & 4 are wound strings and the 3 is not.

    Mark Ayers said:

    Jess

     

    I just looked again and from what you said according to size I would be using the 5-4-2. So do yu use all three of the strings that are would or do you skip the 3 string and use the steel 2 string? no I have confussed myself.

     

    Thanks again...

  • Sean Laffey May 21, 2011 at 8:49am

    Are you using a pickup? If so what sort?  A piezo picks up the tones from the bridge and the top, so in that case  acoustic strings are probably the way to go..

    A magnetic pick up requires a good deal of Iron in the steel of the string (so avoid bronze windings), in which case  I'd opt for steel electric guitar strings to drive the magnetic flux of the pickup, and the height of the pickup under the strings can be critical , a 3mm gap might be all you can get away with.

    Gauge depends on scale length and how substantial the neck is and the neck to body joint, check on line for the  force on the strings.. most manufacturers have a table of tensions  somewhere on their web site.

  • David L. May 21, 2011 at 5:22am

    Hi Mark,

     

    If you want to play around with different tunings I find this calculator useful to decide what string to pick so they don't end up slack or  tight.

    http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.htm

     

    David

  • Mark Ayers May 21, 2011 at 1:08am

    Jess

     

    I just looked again and from what you said according to size I would be using the 5-4-2. So do yu use all three of the strings that are would or do you skip the 3 string and use the steel 2 string? no I have confussed myself.

     

    Thanks again...

  • Mark Ayers May 21, 2011 at 1:06am

    Jess,

     

    this helps a lot thank you. I am 1/2 hour away from being ready to string it up and should accomplish that in less that 3 ;)

  • Jess May 20, 2011 at 11:06pm
    Mark:  I suspect everyone has a personal preference, but I like acoustic strings.  I use the 5-4-3; .046-.036-.017 tuned G-D-g; or D-A-d; or G-B-e, and I'm very plesed with the results.  Jess
This reply was deleted.