I'm new to tenor guitars and would like suggestions re strings for GDAE tunning. Also any suggestions for online lessons. Thanks.
Rick
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I'm new to tenor guitars and would like suggestions re strings for GDAE tunning. Also any suggestions for online lessons. Thanks.
Rick
Here’s what I use:
For a 23” scale, D’Addario EJ80
For a 21” Scale, D’Addario EJ72
If you need ball end, you can buy them as bulk singles from JustStrings.
Thanks,
Baron
What scale length Rick?Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Back
Nigel
www.nkforsterguitars.com
Some good choices out there, but it's a learning curve, start with a good set for the scale length (hence Nigel's question) and in time you'll know what's too light or too heavy for you. Since everything I have is 23" scale; I tend to use a set from Clifford Essex on a new to me instrument if that helps ... I haven't gotten my dim head around string tension calculators despite some learned help here!
Not sure what'll happen if I ever get a longer or shorter scale mind!
Scale 23''. Thanks.
Rick
Hi Rick, you are a bit secretive about your guitar but if it is a new model or a good condition vintage 23’’ scale then the chances are it will sound great a feel great with a set made up with a plain 12 for the E then 20 30 45 wound strings.
Many of use simply use guitar strings, bought as singles, most music stores will hold a stock of singles so it is easy to buy and experiment With different strings.
However ... experimenting requires a certain amount of knowledge as you dont want to over stress your instrument.
As a general rule the majority of tenor guitars work very well with around 80lb of total tension or 20lb per string.
That formula also feels great under your fingers so 12p 20w 30w 45w is a long term tried and tested set but offres a bit of leeway for experimenting a little either side of those numbers .
yeah, that's a good rule - one I recall transgressing in my experiments and getting told as such! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by fox
Go fairly light for now -Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Back
PL012
NW017
PB032
PB042
Nigel
www.nkforsterguitars.com
Howdy Rick,
fox has sent you down the path that I would take. I have the same recommendations approximately. Different calculators - different results sometimes.
Phosphor Bronze - acoustic - 23" scale - GDAE tuning: 12-19p-28w-44 should give you about 19 lbs. tension per string ~76 lbs. total.
Attachment 189458
If you don't want to buy individual strings, you can try JOHN PEARSE 450L 80/20 BRONZE TENOR GUITAR STRINGS. From their advertisement:"Strings are plain steel and wound 80/20 Bell Bronze, 013 020w 030w 042w. This is a good set for tuning Martin tenors (23" scale) to GDAE (octave mando tuning)."
Attachment 189459
JustStrings.com is a good source for singles, or bulk individual strings. They also carry the John Pearse Tenor Strings. https://www.juststrings.com/jps-450l.html
Along with Baron Collins-Hill's recommendations:Attachment 189460Quote:
Originally Posted by Baron Collins-Hill
D'Addario Octave Mandolin Phosphor Bronze, EJ80 (2 sets for the price of one pack)
https://www.juststrings.com/dad-js80...ia&kw=dad-js80
and
Attachment 189461
D'Addario Mandola Phosphor Bronze Bluegrass, EJ72 (Again - 2 sets)
https://www.juststrings.com/dad-j72....pia&kw=dad-j72
The more information that you give - the better answers you will receive. What guitar are you looking at/do you play?Quote:
Originally Posted by fox
Check out Baron Collins-Hill's Free Online Mandolin Lessons: https://www.mandolessons.com/. Different instrument - same tuning (you'd be an octave lower obviously) - Many free lessons/videos.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Back
Finally, As you say you are just starting out:
Quote:
Originally Posted by nkforster
Good luck,
Huck
I'm thinking of switching my 22 3/4" scale Acoustic tenor to GDAE and was thinking 042, 027, 017, 012 would work out but after reading this I'm wondering if that might me too light.
Thoughts?
A bit loose perhaps but should be Ok
12p 18w 30w 45w is a nice set and what i use or 13 20 30 46 if you want a bit more tension but it might depend on your guitars make and model and your playing style.
Thanks for the advice everybody! After years of noodling aimlessly on CGDA, I decided to give octave mandolin a try. I just ordered 2 sets of the the John Pearse 450 set for my 60's Harmony archtop tenor, 23" scale. and will let you know how it goes. However, I'm sure Santa will intercept the package from Elderly and make me wait until Christmas to open them...
that being said, I really like John Pearse acoustic guitar set 600L a lot, but moved on quickly from their mandolin strings.
I have rarely got on with CGDA tuning - not because I can't transpose (though I'm no master of that either - just have to think ... fret positions Badger....). I find GDAE (or more specifically, GDAD) to be perfect for me. I can capo to A, Bb, C...
I've just not go on with what my ears hear as a more weedy sound.
It's not to say CGDA doesn't appeal - a friend of mine just started building tenors and his first, slightly flawed but lovely, guitar was in C & it sounded absolutely stunning - had a dulcimer like quality. I'm hoping to convince him to a part ex for his latest build; but it's a long shot!
Chicago Tuning: I have read all of these fine posts. If I were to experiment with Chicago tuning, D-G-B-E, on a 23 inch tenor guitar, what strings should I use?
I used the following with good results on a 60s Harmony and a Blueridge BR40T (but they are pretty solidly built factory guitars - YMMV):
E4 .013" PL == 21.82#
A3 .020" PB == 21.04#
D3 .030" PB == 21.57#
G2 .045" PB == 21.5#
total == 85.93#
"I used the following with good results on a 60s Harmony and a Blueridge BR40T (but they are pretty solidly built factory guitars - YMMV)"
I have a Blueridge tenor converted to pairs, I've been incrementally increasing the tension over time to see what the instrument will take. Currently sitting at 150 lbs., I only needed to tighten the truss rod a tiny bit and there are no signs of distress. I am frankly amazed how well this (very) light guitar is built.
YMMV, I do not recommend just cranking up the tension because I got away with it...
You mean how well it is over built!
We have had another guy using a BR 40t with 8 strings a few years back, it did fail with 140lb after a few months, bridge lifted I think?
Hi all. Bringing up this 2020 thread again to ask a dumb question. I see at the start of the thread that Baron notes that he uses octave mandolin strings with looped ends on his tenor. How is that as I assume most (all?) tenor guitars only accept ball ends? I recently purchased a 1953 Martin 5-15T which I would love to use octave mando strings on but I think it only takes ball end - am I wrong? Paul
Some tenor guitars use a tailpiece and could use loop ends.
I guess if you were mega keen you could remove the balls from old strings and fit them to loop end strings but buying single guitar strings is an easy and cheap way to go?
Some octave mando strings can be pretty heavy, I would stick to the recommended gauges on such a nice vintage guitar!