same string tension on all strings?

[kkmm]

I have played around with the string tension calculator for a while. It's a neat tool.
Here is the key question: are all the strings on an instrument to have about the same tension, as long as the total tension is within the range intended for the instrument?

[Nick Gellie]

My understanding is that you are correct.

[multidon]

In an ideal world yes. But it is difficult to get exact. Ballpark within a couple pounds either way is ok. Call it a margin of error. And I've been told it's best if the two center courses are a little higher than the two outside courses. I think the logic is the other way around will have the tendency to pull the bridge ends out of position.

[kkmm]

Thanks for the confirmation, I realize well that we can only get the tension in the ball park. The default settings for various instruments in this calculator provide good examples.

[foldedpath]

I've always followed that idea, at least as a general guideline. Comes in handy when using custom string sets for odd tunings, or just fine-tuning personal preference for the feel under my fingers. Some examples below:

1) I use the D'Addario J80 strings on my 22" scale Weber OM, but I replace the stock .012 E pair with .013's because the stock strings are significantly lower tension than the other strings, and feel a bit wimpy to me. Look at the chart here for the J80 set and it stands out. I don't know why D'Addario doesn't use a .013 on top:

Item #	Note	Inches	mm	lbs	kg
LE012	E	0.0120	0.3048	18.590	8.439
LE022pb	A	0.0220	0.5588	25.430	11.545
LE032pb	D	0.0320	0.8128	23.820	10.814
LE046pb	G	0.0460	1.1684	21.690	9.847

2) I prefer GHS mandolin strings to D'Addario J74's, partly for the tone (currently using Silk and Bronze), but also because the A strings in GHS mandolin sets are .016's instead of the .015's in the D'Addario set. Again, spot that weak pair in the J74 set:

Item #	Note	Inches	mm	lbs	kg
LE011	E	0.0110	0.2794	23.250	10.555
LE015	A	0.0150	0.3810	19.260	8.744
LE026pb	D	0.0260	0.6604	23.360	10.605
LE040pb	G	0.0400	1.0160	24.480	11.113

3) One more example -- I use Elixer light gauge Nano PB strings on my steel string acoustic guitar. Because I almost always keep it in Drop-D tuning, I buy individual .056 gauge strings for that bottom D, because tuning down the stock .053 to D doesn't have enough oomph. Using an altered tuning like this often requires a change in string gauge for best effect.

Everyone should experiment and come up with their own setups and preferences. Stock string packages aren't always the answer. It's a little more expensive to substitute individual strings, but if you can find a package that's close enough for just one substitution like this, it's not terribly expensive to buy a bunch of singles.

[luthierseye]

Hi and good hunting for your favorite string set.

I have a custom built OM with a 19" scale that I play mostly fingerstyle and some flatpicking- I don't do bluegrass. My set of choice is:
E .012 - 12.96 lbs (.013 sometimes)
A .020w - 17.2 lbs
D .034w - 19.14 lbs
G .052w - 19.27 lbs and sometimes with a .026 octave string

I buy JustStrings PB ball end single strings; they are reasonably priced and work fine.

I like to keep the tensions slightly under 20 lbs on the A-D-G courses= it makes fingerstyle so much cleaner. Some may consider this set a bit light but I love it. To each his own.

[zoukboy]

I have played around with the string tension calculator for a while. It's a neat tool.
Here is the key question: are all the strings on an instrument to have about the same tension, as long as the total tension is within the range intended for the instrument?

Not necessarily. Many factory sets have varying tensions from string to string (just run the tensions for a D'Addario J16 or J17 or J74 set:

len 25.5"

E4 .012" PL == 23.35#
B3 .016" PL == 23.3#
G3 .024" PB == 30.24#
D3 .032" PB == 30.53#
A2 .042" PB == 29.94#
E2 .053" PB == 26.06#
total == 163.42#

E4 .013" PL == 27.41#
B3 .017" PL == 26.3#
G3 .026" PB == 35.3#
D3 .035" PB == 36.84#
A2 .045" PB == 34.04#
E2 .056" PB == 29.04#
total == 188.94#

len 13.875"

E5 .011" PL == 23.23#
E5 .011" PL == 23.23#
A4 .015" PL == 19.25#
A4 .015" PL == 19.25#
D4 .026" PB == 23.46#
D4 .026" PB == 23.46#
G3 .040" PB == 25.28#
G3 .040" PB == 25.28#
Total == 182.45#

That said, if you are making up your own custom sets there is nothing wrong with balancing the tensions as long as you like the sound of each individual string/course. I have always found the lower tension for the .015 A strings in the J74 set to be unsatisfactory on a standard scale mandolin but fine on my longer scale (15.5") Newell (on which I use lighter strings for the E, D, and G courses .010, .024, .036).

I would say that what is important tension-wise is the overall tension of the entire set and you feel free to experiment with small changes in gauge/tension for individual strings as long as you don't increase the overall tension of the set too much.

[John Flynn]

String tension calculators are interesting to use, but I would only consider having similar tensions a starting point. I have done it and found that one course can be too slack or too taut for my tastes. The former results in a "flabby," buzzy kind of a tone and the latter can result in a hard, slightly muted tone, or at least that's my humble attempt to describe it. I think name-brand strings sets generally tend to have a nice balance, which I doubt is by accident. There has probably been some trial and error there. I find it's more critical with an OM than a regular mandolin.

[kkmm]

String tension calculators are interesting to use, but I would only consider having similar tensions a starting point. I have done it and found that one course can be too slack or too taut for my tastes. The former results in a "flabby," buzzy kind of a tone and the latter can result in a hard, slightly muted tone, or at least that's my humble attempt to describe it. I think name-brand strings sets generally tend to have a nice balance, which I doubt is by accident. There has probably been some trial and error there. I find it's more critical with an OM than a regular mandolin.

I totally agree.