Gauges question?

CBgaragebassist · #1 09-18-2010, 05:11 PM

For kicks and giggles, I decided I want to use the tuning F# C# Ab Db Gb. What gauges are reccomended? I'd most likely use Circle K if that helps.

ixlramp · #2 09-18-2010, 06:38 PM

So F# C# Ab Db Gb starting from F#0 a fourth below a standard B string? Good to see an interesting mix of fourths and fifths. What gauges do you like for standard BEADG?

CBgaragebassist · #3 09-18-2010, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ixlramp

So F# C# Ab Db Gb starting from F#0 a fourth below a standard B string? Good to see an interesting mix of fourths and fifths. What gauges do you like for standard BEADG?

I've been using a .132 B which isn't satisfying. I've been tuning to C# F# B E A (whole step up, not two 4ths down, just to clarify) recently and that's when i get good tension from it, so that might give you an idea of the tension I'd like from my B.

ixlramp · #4 09-19-2010, 12:41 PM

Okay cool, thanks for the info. So you like a .132 C#. Nice and tight

Circle K Strings have a tension chart pdf here. I looked up the tension of their .130 tuned to C#, 45.2 lbf, and chose the other gauges to have a similar tension, to create a tension balanced set.

F# .043 38.1 lbf
C# .061 41.4 lbf
G# .084 43.0 lbf
C# .130 45.2 lbf
F# .190 42.3 lbf

I made the C# the tightest string, with a gentle tension roll-off above and below. I think a F# .200 at 46.8 lbf would be perhaps a little too tight.

I personally find a slight and gradual reduction of tension towards the highest string works extremely well, there are many good reasons for this which I won't go into now. The alternative is the tension going up and down, up and down erratically by choosing gauges closest to 45.2 ibf, which I personally feels worse. But some may disagree