Tension alternatives 4-string as BEAD

[D.Don]

Yeah, I know there are several threads for this, and I have even posted about this in one of them, but here's today's conclusions in this/my particular case.

Strings are D'Addario Half rounds.


Today I use

ENR71-5 (Minus B-string) 20,1475 (EADG)

Item# Note inches mm lbs kg
NHR045 G 0.045 1.14 45.2 20.5
NHR065 D 0.065 1.65 51.9 23.54
NHR080 A 0.080 2.03 43.0 19.50
NHR100 E 0.100 2.54 37.6 17.05

And I am thinking of going BEAD (seeing a luthier tomorrow just to discuss the mods to the hardware).


I have come to the conclusion that using a custom kit like this

Item# Note inches mm lbs kg
NHR065 D 0.065 1.65 51.9 23.54
NHR085 A 0.085 2.16 50.0 22.68
NHR110 E 0.110 2.79 44.8 20.32
NHR130 B 0.130 3.30 34.5 15.65

Would give me 20,54 (BEAD), in theory, which is pretty much what I have today.


Though if I instead settle for a standard kit (lots easier for future string change), and just add a single B-string and use the G-string to something else (I am sure all of you can think of many ways to use a G-string better.......)

ENR72 (23,56 EADG)

Item# Note inches mm lbs kg
NHR050 G 0.050 1.27 53.9 24.44
NHR070 D 0.070 1.78 62.2 28.21
NHR085 A 0.085 2.16 50.0 22.68
NHR105 E 0.105 2.67 41.7 18.91

I end up like this,

Item# Note inches mm lbs kg
NHR070 D 0.070 1.78 62.2 28.21
NHR085 A 0.085 2.16 50.0 22.68
NHR105 E 0.105 2.67 41.7 18.91
NHR130 B 0.130 3.30 34.5 15.65

Which gives me 21,36 (BEAD), a little more, which I really don't mind at all, quite the opposite in fact.

Now, I would like to hear some input on this from someone else who possible has more experience than I do of these cases.

Anyone?

Thanks!

D.Don

[knuckle_head]

Originally Posted by D.Don

Yeah, I know there are several threads for this, and I have even posted about this in one of them, but here's today's conclusions in this/my particular case.

Strings are D'Addario Half rounds.


Today I use

ENR71-5 (Minus B-string) 20,1475 (EADG)

Item# Note inches mm lbs kg
NHR045 G 0.045 1.14 45.2 20.5
NHR065 D 0.065 1.65 51.9 23.54
NHR080 A 0.080 2.03 43.0 19.50
NHR100 E 0.100 2.54 37.6 17.05

And I am thinking of going BEAD (seeing a luthier tomorrow just to discuss the mods to the hardware).


I have come to the conclusion that using a custom kit like this

Item# Note inches mm lbs kg
NHR065 D 0.065 1.65 51.9 23.54
NHR085 A 0.085 2.16 50.0 22.68
NHR110 E 0.110 2.79 44.8 20.32
NHR130 B 0.130 3.30 34.5 15.65

Would give me 20,54 (BEAD), in theory, which is pretty much what I have today.

Thanks!

D.Don

Only issue with where you are is that your G string looks light as compared to your D string - this makes total tension a bit off. Your custom set looks good to me, but I'd suggest considering a .135 for your B.

A question; Do you like the tone your getting from the strings you currently use? No point in fixing what ain't broke. If you are pleased with the feel and sound of them then consider .065 .080 .105 and either .130 or .135 - the choice would come down to how it feels and sounds on your B.

[D.Don]

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

Only issue with where you are is that your G string looks light as compared to your D string - this makes total tension a bit off. Your custom set looks good to me, but I'd suggest considering a .135 for your B.

Thanks for the input, I appreciate every little piece of information here!

I never use the G-string... (rarely).. I play a lot in higher positions as I started off on a fivestring from the start. ..

Yeah .135 would probably be better, but then I will have to look elsewhere but d'addario, I kind of like them, and they are easy to get where I live (Paris music stores are lousy on non standard stuff).



Cheers!

D.Don

[D.Don]

I went with

Item# Note inches mm lbs kg
NHR070 D 0.070 1.78 62.2 28.21
NHR085 A 0.085 2.16 50.0 22.68
NHR105 E 0.105 2.67 41.7 18.91
NHR130 B 0.130 3.30 34.5 15.65


This all turned out very well and the tension is GREAT, the B-string is maybe just slightly too "thumpy" but at the same time, for blues/roots and hiphop/rnb I get a REALLY fat sound ..

Is there any other manufacturer who has half rounds / semi-flats? As far as I have found GHS brite flats are the closest ones?

D.Don