Back and forth between standard and drop D

[Gonzo476]

I'm playing in two bands, one of which tunes in drop D. I would like to know what gauge should I use to switch between E and D and if changing the tuning very often would cause any setup issues (neck warping, intonation etc.). Would a 105 be enough?

Thanks in advance!

[grifff]

What tuning will you be playing in more often? I think a compromise is in order and the tuning that you play in more should dictate the thickness of the string.

[Gonzo476]

Originally Posted by grifff

What tuning will you be playing in more often? I think a compromise is in order and the tuning that you play in more should dictate the thickness of the string.

Well, that's the thing...it's more or less 50/50. That's why I was asking if it would be possible to find an intermediate solution.

[Von Felgenhauer]

since it's only a step down, I would think maybe one gauge thicker would be fine if you find it a little loose to your liking now. I would also recommend a hipshot d-tuner, I've used one for years and love how easy it is to switch tunings with a flick of a lever.

[Gonzo476]

I have a pretty light touch with my picking hand, so I don't mind the string being a bit floppy. You think a 105 would be enough? Right now I'm using DR Nickel Lo-riders 45-100

[TDSLaBassiste]

Go one step up. If you're not dedicated to DR's, I'd recommend Rotosound Billy Sheehan Signatures.

[Gonzo476]

Originally Posted by TDSLaBassiste

Go one step up. If you're not dedicated to DR's, I'd recommend Rotosound Billy Sheehan Signatures.

I'm afraid I'm in love with the tone of my dead Lo-Riders

[ixlramp]

Yes a 105. A 110 at D has the same tension as a 100 at E, so the compromise for switching between is a 105. It'll be a little tighter at E, and a little looser at D.
See http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf.

[Gonzo476]

Originally Posted by ixlramp

Yes a 105. A 110 at D has the same tension as a 100 at E, so the compromise for switching between is a 105. It'll be a little tighter at E, and a little looser at D.
See http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf.

Thanks a lot for the link! I'll just step up to the medium set of Lo-Riders then.

[ixlramp]

By drop D do you mean DADG or DGCF?

My advice is for DADG<->EADG, what i meant is keep your favourite gauges for ADG and just change the E to a 105, otherwise you end up playing unnecessarily tight ADG strings, the increase in tension is big, especially from 45 to 50. Try to build a custom set of singles ... you can build a custom DR set here Build your own string set! or contact DR who are happy to put together a custom set for you.

Or even better if you want to try a balanced tension (even tension) set i can advise on the gauges for that too. Either way a custom set will work far better than a pre-packaged set for EADG<->DADG.

If you meant EADG<->DGCF then i would stick with your current set as the next gauge up will be very tight in EADG. 45-100 can do DGCF no problem.

[Gonzo476]

Originally Posted by ixlramp

By drop D do you mean DADG or DGCF?

My advice is for DADG<->EADG, what i meant is keep your favourite gauges for ADG and just change the E to a 105, otherwise you end up playing unnecessarily tight ADG strings, the increase in tension is big, especially from 45 to 50. Try to build a custom set of singles ... you can build a custom DR set here Build your own string set! or contact DR who are happy to put together a custom set for you.

Or even better if you want to try a balanced tension (even tension) set i can advise on the gauges for that too. Either way a custom set will work better than a pre-packaged set for your particular needs.

If you meant EADG<->DGCF then i would stick with your current set as the next gauge up will be very tight in EADG. 45-100 can do DGCF no problem.

The medium set I'm talking about is just 45 65 85 105 instead of the medium-lite I'm using right now, which is 45 65 80 100. I think that it would suit me just fine.

[ixlramp]

Ah i see that's cool

[jabsys]

105 for E/Drop D was the best compromise for me, 110 was just too tight at E, 100 was playable at D but not ideal if you play hard.