Daniel Schmolze Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 I'm designing an 8-string multi-scale build and I'm trying to figure out a rational way of choosing string gauges so as to most evenly distribute tension. My scale length is 25.5"-28", and ideally I'd like to have tensions similar to a regular 25.5" scale across all strings. If I use something like a .010-.46 set, the tension will get too high at the lower strings before going more slack for the two extra bass strings. Is there an online calculator out there that'll help with this? Otherwise, maybe someone who's been through this can help me out? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Ross Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 (edited) Hey Daniel, My fanned fret baritone (tuned B to B ) with the same scale lengths, I've found a .013 - .056 works well. As a side note, the disparity in scale lengths is too extreme for most tastes, so I'm going to 25.75-27.75". Hope this helps! Edited March 30, 2009 by DC Ross Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WezV Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 my 26.5-28" 6 string is being used with D'addario baritone sets... started with 13-62's - now its got 14-68's although i personal thought iit felt better with the lighter gauge it is tuned A-E-A-D-F#-B, so like B-B with the low B drop tuned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fookgub Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 You can use this applet to get a rough feel for string tensions: http://www.pacificsites.net/~dog/StringTensionApplet.html. It's not 100% accurate, but close enough for general work. Many manufacturers publish string tension data, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Schmolze Posted March 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll muck around with that tension calculator a bit and see what I come up with. My thinking is to start with a .010 on the high E string, then for the remaining strings progressively use gauges that would be considered lighter until the low E, at which point I'll use a .058 and a .068 for the extra bass strings. Here's a preview of the design I'm tinkering with: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 FWIW, I like big honkin' strings on my baritones - they are long scale, like 28.5-29.5", and acoustic instruments to boot (so thicker is the norm), but I string 'em up with 'mediums' (.080 - .015), although I'd like to try some 'lights' (0.070 - 0.14). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Sorbera Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 .080?! Dang does that go through a normal tuner? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 .080?! Dang does that go through a normal tuner? Heh. It's got a thinner wrap to go through the tuner, so yes, no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Sorbera Posted March 31, 2009 Report Share Posted March 31, 2009 .080?! Dang does that go through a normal tuner? Heh. It's got a thinner wrap to go through the tuner, so yes, no problems. I knew that. Just had a momentary brain fart I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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