5 string set tuned UP to E-C - TI Jazz rounds

john-boro · #1 10-25-2009, 12:35 PM

Hi,

I'm experimenting with stringing a 5-string TI Jazz round set (118 - 43) onto my warwick corvette, tuned to E-C rather than B-G as intended.

The B string has not arrived yet so I'm using what looks like quite an old, quite low tension d'addario. The TI's B string is 118 (as opposed to 110, the thickest E string I could find in any other sets), but apart from that the rest of the set is thinner or the same as the corresponding string in La bella's jamerson flatwound set.

The obvious possible issue is the neck not being able to take it - how will I find out of this is the case?

Also, has anybody tried stringing a similar gauged set up to this tension?

Cheers

John

knuckle_head · #2 10-25-2009, 01:54 PM

FWIW a .118 would be a right dandy D or even C string.

That said it would be worth the look-see using D'Addario's unit weight/tension chart and/or greenboy's tension spread sheet to give you an idea what you'd be putting your bass through. Normal tensions run between 35 and 50 pounds depending.

I'm not suggesting that it won't work or won't sound good, but you will certainly need to do significant adjustments to the bass to counteract the tension of a .118 E.

john-boro · #3 10-25-2009, 05:58 PM

Thanks for the info!

That chart is very interesting. Based on the standard d'addario roundwounds, an XLB120 (120 gauge I presume) is 50lb when tuned to an E. The rest of them, equating TI's gauges with the nearest d'addario gauge on the chart:

A - 54lb
D - 60lb
G - 53lb
and a 0.43 gauge tuned to C is not measured.. something above 53 though.

Looking at the numbers, I'm a teensy bit scared. Although, I've currently got it tuned like that (except for the TI B string tuned to an E) and apart from a bit of truss tightening, it seems okay...? If it stays like this and holds tune should I be confident that everything's alright?

cheers
john

knuckle_head · #4 10-25-2009, 08:02 PM

If the bass couldn't handle it you'd know by now methinks - keep an eye and if the nut creeps forward keep working the truss rod. If the rod is fighting you in a significant way you should rethink this li'l experiment - otherwise go, man, go!

teleharmonium · #5 10-26-2009, 05:42 PM

I believe the TI rounds are a bit lower tension than the D'addarios you are referencing on that chart. I have been using a TI roundwound set with a high C on a Ric 5 stringer with no problems. So long as it is stable after a few days I think you'll be fine.