Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Slightly different string question -GDAE capoed

  1. #1
    Registered User Cary Fagan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Toronto, Ontario Canada
    Posts
    1,174

    Default Slightly different string question -GDAE capoed

    Hi all,
    I'm playing a 23 inch tenor but am capo-ing it at the 2nd fret and tuning GDAE. Right now I've basically got D'Addario Octave mandolin strings (12, 22, 32, 46) on it. It sounds pretty decent but I'm sure that slightly heavier strings would work better since the tuning has less tension. I'm thinking of either:
    D'Addario mandola strings (14, 23, 34, 49)

    or EJ18 guitar strings (more convenient with ball ends): 14, 27, 34, 49. Does that sound too heavy on the D and A strings?

    I could also use EJ17s for the D and A (26, 35)

    Any opinions? Other suggestions?
    Cary Fagan

  2. #2
    Registered User Cary Fagan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Toronto, Ontario Canada
    Posts
    1,174

    Default Re: Slightly different string question -GDAE capoed

    Well, I got no answers to this question but in the end I decided to try D'addario EJ72 mandola strings. I just put them on yesterday but I'm so far pleased.
    Cary Fagan

  3. #3
    Registered User fox's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Guernsey... small island just off the coast of France
    Posts
    1,764

    Default Re: Slightly different string question -GDAE capoed

    Have you tried working with one of the on line string tension calculators?
    It is good fun once you learn how to make them work.

  4. #4
    Registered User zoukboy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Lubbock, TX
    Posts
    1,251

    Default Re: Slightly different string question -GDAE capoed

    Quote Originally Posted by Cary Fagan View Post
    Hi all,
    I'm playing a 23 inch tenor but am capo-ing it at the 2nd fret and tuning GDAE. Right now I've basically got D'Addario Octave mandolin strings (12, 22, 32, 46) on it. It sounds pretty decent but I'm sure that slightly heavier strings would work better since the tuning has less tension. I'm thinking of either:
    D'Addario mandola strings (14, 23, 34, 49)

    or EJ18 guitar strings (more convenient with ball ends): 14, 27, 34, 49. Does that sound too heavy on the D and A strings?

    I could also use EJ17s for the D and A (26, 35)

    Any opinions? Other suggestions?
    Hi Cary:

    The set you are using is designed for that scale length. Here are the string tensions with it tuned to standard pitch:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	tenorguitar1.JPG 
Views:	71 
Size:	26.9 KB 
ID:	193090

    And the same set tuned down a whole set, you see you lose approx. 20# of tension:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	tenorguitar2.JPG 
Views:	64 
Size:	25.6 KB 
ID:	193091

    Here are the gauges I'd suggest to get the tension back up:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	tenorguitar3.JPG 
Views:	78 
Size:	26.7 KB 
ID:	193092

    Good luck!

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •