| I recently changed my Ibanez BTB-575 (35" scale) to F#BEAD. I used a Conklin .150 for the F#, and it's a disaster. Too floppy, and there's this really bad false harmonic...or something that sounds like a note an octave and half-step above what I'm playing, probably due to the ridiculous taper at the bridge end of the string. Moral of that story is: don't use a .150, don't use a Snakeskin. My guess is that .165 will probably work, and .195 will be too big.
For perspective on what I mean by "too big", I have a 25.5" scale guitar tuned in standard with 13-65 (plus a .072 low-B), and do bends on it.
Now, as for modification - you may have to modify your bridge, but if it's a bent plate-type, a drill or even a round file will do it. You'll probably have to file your nut; be careful as you can't unfile, only replace (or shim) if you cut too deep. You'll probably want higher action on the low strings. Truss rod/intonation goes without saying.
To tune a guitar that low, you probably won't have to modify the bridge, but may have to do the nut. If it's a 24.75" scale or has crappy pickups, forget it unless you like a jazz guitar/dub sound. If it's a 27" with EMG's...should work quite well. IIRC, I used a .075 for an F# on a 25.5" and wished for a bit more tension, but most players would find it just right.
Last edited by Geğrven' : 11-17-2008 at 01:42 PM.
| 
