Low F#
 

I'm considering dropping the high C from my 6 string, in exchange for a low F#. I'm wondering if anybody has some reccomendations for who to go with for a decent F# string.

Sure thing. Circle K and Pyramid strings might be the thing you are looking for!

http://circlekstrings.com/store/6-strings.html

http://www.pyramid-saiten.de/catalog...log_12_eng.pdf

there are some (few) options around but your best bet is, Circle K strings.

another thing is that for this thick strings in almost certain that you will have to modify your nut for the string to fit in and also possibly (but not necessarily)the hole in your tuner too.


looks like Mr_Music90 was faster to mention them :)

Basicly those are the only 2 I know :p Not so well known with company's that make F# strings.

neither do i but here is another option:
Warwick Black Label Stainless Steel Dark Lord

Ah yes, that was the custom 4 stringer tuned F# B E A :p Could work as well, then you have to buy 2 single strings extra..

Thanks for the pointers everybody. Hopefully I won't need to modify anything for it to fit.

I'm almost certain you'll have to modify the nut on it. The F# will be one fat string!

You'll need to file your nut a bit otherwise the strings will be sat there on top like your mum trying to fit into a bucket seat.

Most F# strings have a gauge of .175 so I'm pretty sure you have to modify the nut ;) Also, if you get thicker gauges for the other strings (for example, the E string is a .105 and it gets fitted with a Low B with a string gauge that's .130), you have to modify those parts of the nut too.

So I've tried moving all of the strings down a spot to test, and they all fit withing their new slots. So I'm remaining optimistic that this pattern will repeat for the F#. If not I'll do what I have to.

Fitting isn't the problem, the height of the strings mostly is ;) It should be close to the fretboard.

That's what I mean by fitting lol. they're fitting within the slots, and sitting where they should.
I should note that this is a Warwick. So I can adjust the height of the just-a-nut. So far I haven't had to, though I can see how that may change with the added tension of the F# string.

pics and video clips once you are done please :)

Another option for stainless steel strings is Rotosound drop zone strings. .02 :O)

Warwick 2 piece bridge? You might have trouble with Circle Ks as they have a short taper of 1.625" http://circlekstrings.com/CKSIMAGES/CircleKspecs.pdf. However some people are using CKs on 2 piece bridge Warwicks, i don't know how they made them work. A shame for you since i consider them the best subcontra strings available. Another option is SIT / Snakeskins from Conklin http://www.conklinguitars.com/bass_strings.html, these probably have a longer exposed core which should work well with a Warwick 2 piece bridge (but contact them to check). You want the .165 for F# the .150 will be too loose.

Going from B-C to F#-G should with a .175 F# string should result in very little tension changes on the neck. Maybe even slightly less tension.

Yeah, sure thing! :p I think you should get atleast .165 for a F# string, although I recommend .175

The Warwick F# string is a .175 gauge, and works very well. It is what we recommend for our basses with the low F#. Thanks!

Thanks. I was concerned about the tapering at the bridge. I've had bad experiences with D'iadarrio not tapering their B strings at the bridge, and it's a pain to keep them in place.