Down tuning capbilities

[68 lost souls]

Hey,

Just wondering if there is much of a difference in the downtuning capabilities in a 24 3/4" scale compared to a 25 1/2" scale?

Thanks.

[spirit]

The longer scale length will have higher tension (will be less floppy) at the same notes.

[silvertonessuckbutigotone]

i think since a lot of major companies use both, they wouldnt be TOO different, or else one wouldnt be used as much, so i'd say they are bout the same

[ThePlague]

a 25 1/2" scale guitar will be a little bit better for downtuning. the longer the scale, the more tension required to bring the strings to the right pitch. so if you start out with more tension, you'll be able to tune farther down while still retaining a playable tension.

[truerussian558]

but it doesnt only rely on scale length, many things influence the tension at aq given note, including String diameter(a biggie), humidity, temperature, and others

[68 lost souls]

Yeah I know there is different tension (thanks anyway) but I was just wondering if there is much of a difference in the tension. I was originaly thinking about using a 25 1/2" length for two reasons, easier playing of higher frets as there is a bigger space and the tension.

I preffer a shorter 24 3/4" scale but I want these things were swaying me. I realised that the differnce in the higher fret spacing is so minute that it doesnt realy make that much of a difference so Im thinking of sticking with the 24 3/4" now.

I just want to make sure I can use (realy) tuning like B F# B E G# C#

[ThePlague]

you're gonna need some heavy strings to drop that E to B using a 24 3/4" scale. i'd probably use 13's.

but yes it is doable.

[68 lost souls]

Cool thanks. Any other opinions?

[spirit]

yes. bananas go good in sandwiches.

[krazyderek]

get some baritone strings, d'addario makes a set of 68's that are meant to be tuned down to B

Personally i use 56's the next set down with a wound third for my standard C tuned guitar.

[68 lost souls]

Thats probably not the exact tuning Ill be using but thats one example that I like (machine head tuning on most of their songs). I want to be able to change between tunings easily enough though so I might use another guitar for this tuning and put baritone strings on it.

Anyone know where you can get plans for a Tony Iommi SG right handed? There not on guitarbuild.

[erikbojerik]

For those of you interested in string tension for down-tuning (or any other reason), here is a pretty good string tension calculator for lots of different stringed instruments.

String Tension Calculator

[MzI]

just get some of the zakk boomers they are like 70s or so, usually when you down tune just get a heavier gauge string

MzI

[envenomedcky]

I have the zakk lows, got them by mistake though, wanted to get the normal ones but got the low tuned ones. the box is the same minus the code on the 2. I was shocked when I got home and found what looked like bass strings. but I like them.

[spirit]

I have them on my LP just now. Tuned to standard!! I'm harder than Zakk Wylde!!

[Setch]

Thats probably not the exact tuning Ill be using but thats one example that I like (machine head tuning on most of their songs). I want to be able to change between tunings easily enough though so I might use another guitar for this tuning and put baritone strings on it.

Anyone know where you can get plans for a Tony Iommi SG right handed? There not on guitarbuild.

Just use standard SG plans. The only difference is in the inlay, and the fretboard, which is extended right upto the neck pickup, allowing for 24 frets. He also has a few mods to the controls, but I forget exactly what... the woodwork is all the same.

[darren wilson]

but it doesnt only rely on scale length, many things influence the tension at aq given note, including String diameter(a biggie), humidity, temperature, and others

That is incorrect. Scale length plays a very big part in string tension. If it didn't, then why are most electric basses 34" or 35" scale?

There are three interdependent factors in determining string tension: Scale length, pitch and string gauge. Humidity and temperature don't change your string tension.

There will probably be a bit of a tension difference between 24.75" and 25.5" scale, but you can compensate to a degree with heavier strings. A few bands play with downtuned Les Pauls, so it's definitely do-able.

Definitely try the Zakk Wylde lo-tune strings. On my 7-string (25.5" scale) i use a GHS Boomers Medium set (.011 to .050) with a .070 on my low B (tuned down to A) and they sound great.

[litchfield]

You will be fine if you use heavy guage strings. There are short scale 7 strings that sound fine. I play short scale and have no issues tuning down. I play with 11-54s too