• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

A question about stringing and tuning 12-string basses

Heard back from the seller's techies - curious thing, they claim it's for EADG tuning, here's a tiny pic with the gauges and spec:

s-l1600 (3).jpg


I have trouble believing that a .11 G won't snap before reaching pitch....
 
  • Like
Reactions: GKon
Heard back from the seller's techies - curious thing, they claim it's for EADG tuning, here's a tiny pic with the gauges and spec:

View attachment 5136378

I have trouble believing that a .11 G won't snap before reaching pitch....
So who's got the magic "how much tension can a string take before it breaks" calculator? I've got the Stringjoy tension calculator, a .011 G4 would pull 54.2 pounds, way beyond breaking I'm sure, but how do I find the actual breaking tension?
 
So who's got the magic "how much tension can a string take before it breaks" calculator? I've got the Stringjoy tension calculator, a .011 G4 would pull 54.2 pounds, way beyond breaking I'm sure, but how do I find the actual breaking tension?
Try this online calculator.
Guitar String Diameter Calculator
By inputting “34” scale, “G” and “4” for pitch, you'll see that no matter what "desired" tension value you input, you'll always be at or above breaking point. Hence the need for special steel or lower tuning.
[The "warning" sign disappears at or below 70% - I don't know how conservative it can be considered, in practical terms: even a .012 guitar high E bent up a whole tone is below 70%, it seems.]
 
  • Like
Reactions: bholder
Try this online calculator.
Guitar String Diameter Calculator
By inputting “34” scale, “G” and “4” for pitch, you'll see that no matter what "desired" tension value you input, you'll always be at or above breaking point. Hence the need for special steel or lower tuning.
[The "warning" sign disappears at or below 70% - I don't know how conservative it can be considered, in practical terms: even a .012 guitar high E bent up a whole tone is below 70%, it seems.]
Thanks! I can use that in reverse to answer the question "well, then just how high can I tune it without breakage"? ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: HaphAsSard
Thanks! I can use that in reverse to answer the question "well, then just how high can I tune it without breakage"? ;)
Well according to that, I'm already there! BEAD is as high as it'll go, it's at 73% (breakage warning) already now at D4!

So that settles that.
 
Hey there! I just got the same bass, but in black. And, I broke the thicker of the 2 G octave strings. Having watched a couple of Youtube vids, and some comments here on TB, I tried stringing both octave strings an octave above the "normal" string, but didn't realize that every other 12 string set of strings I'm finding has both octave strings at the same gauge vs the 3 different gauges per each note on these.
Oh well. Looks like I'm going to buy a set of SIT strings. I'm leaning towards the stainless because in that set, all strings are wound, whereas on their nickel set, the G octave strings are plain.

And thanks for the name of that FB page. I'm going to take a look and follow.
410566089_5284909388300138_2695379482468491079_n.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: bholder
Heard back from the seller's techies - curious thing, they claim it's for EADG tuning, here's a tiny pic with the gauges and spec:

View attachment 5136378

I have trouble believing that a .11 G won't snap before reaching pitch....

Prior to reading your post, I had just finished measuring my strings. Here's what I found (give or take):

E: .95, .60, .40
A: .75, .45, .25
D: .60, .35, .18p
G: .40, .25, .18p

Although I like the idea of different gauges, I had to tune the thicker of the two octave strings to the same octave as the main string. This made the E string super floppy.

I then tried to tune the thicker of the two G octave strings one octave higher than the main G string, and it snapped. Oops.

I just ordered a set of SIT stainless strings. Both octave strings are the same gauge, so both get tuned one octave higher than the main string.
I bought the stainless because all of the strings are wound. I have an 8-string where the D and G octave strings are plain, and they're a bit twangy for my tastes.