Rotosound Piano Strings and Drop A Tuning

xian3000 · #1 09-25-2011, 07:57 PM

So here's the thing. I just bought the Rotosound Piano string design (PSD) strings for my 5 string Schecter. On my Schecter I like to have the B string tuned down to A.

For the Rotosound PSD stings you have to leave between 3 to 9 mm (ideally 6 mm) of the exposed core between the bridge saddle and the winding. Here's the guide: http://www.rotosound.com/PSD_guide.pdf

Now here's my theory. Because I want to have the B sting tuned down to A, I'm thinking that I should only have the minimum 3 mm of the exposed core to help reduce the tension difference between that string and the others. I'm thinking this will help because less exposed core = more string winding = more string mass between the nut and bridge. If I'm correct, more mass means higher tension, causing the string tuned down to A not be so floppy.

Does this make sense? What do you guys think? Thanks!

Muzoid · #2 09-25-2011, 08:01 PM

Hmmm...not sure myself, but interested in finding out....so subscribing to this thread.

I do love the PSD's....you need a bit of time to put them on, 1st time took me about 45 mins, but holy moly are they ever awesome!

SLaPiNFuNK · #3 09-25-2011, 08:17 PM

I am not 100% sure how much of a difference that would make with the PSD strings...

The answer may be figured out by using a set of exposed core strings on a bridge that has more length between ball and the saddle and the same strings on another bass with less distance between the ball and the saddle.

I think the difference will be will be very minimal compared to the reduced tension of +/- 7lbs by d-tuning the string though...

SLaPiNFuNK · #4 09-25-2011, 08:26 PM

Tension is being reduced by nearly 20% to detune to from B-A... adding an extra 3mm of string windings will be adding .5% more mass roughly?

xian3000 · #5 09-25-2011, 08:43 PM

hmm interesting.. I just hope to get a good tone on that string tuned to A

SLaPiNFuNK · #6 09-25-2011, 08:46 PM

I think the string will still sound good. I would string it up to the spec's they recommend. It will just not as tight of a string as if it were a B.

But hey its worth a shot!

Personally I have only put together a 4 string set so far...

ixlramp · #7 09-25-2011, 08:52 PM

Interesting theory, and yes i think it will very slightly increase the tension at A. It's a good idea to minimise the length of exposed core anyway since this results in a more harmonic tone (because the string is closer to being full gauge from nut to saddle, and therefore vibrates more like a non-tapered string).

In my experience A needs at least a .145 but that's another subject. It will be floppy.

xian3000 · #8 09-25-2011, 09:19 PM

i would love to get a thicker gauge, but unfortunately the .130 is the only gauge it comes in. I wonder if this "piano tone" will be preserved even when tuned down.

xian3000 · #9 10-01-2011, 04:16 PM

So a put them on my bass a couple days ago and they sound AMAZING. They give the exact tone I was looking for.

Putting them on is a huge pain though. After I would adjust the intonation, I had to take them off and readjust the ends to keep them at the perfect 6 mm of exposed core. That was the frustrating part. I ended up not caring if it was exactly 6 mm. I just made sure it had the minimum of 3 mm but no more than the maximum of 9 mm.

About the drop A tuning, I decided that the tension change with different length of exposed core was so minute and unnoticeable that I decided not to worry about it. It sounds great but it is a bit floppy, oh well.

Despite the pain of setting them up right, I think they're definitely worth it, especially if you're into bright tones!