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Thread: Tension/strings on a BR 40-T

  1. #1

    Default Tension/strings on a BR 40-T

    I'm tuning to GDAE and am using some 80/20 guitar strings I have to Frankenstein a set of strings for my BR 40-T. The strings would be .42w 32w 22w 12.

    String tension calculator has this at 94 lbs. I've seen 80 as the sweet spot, but I've seen people posting gauges that bring it up around 110 lbs.

    The John Pearse 450 set is around 90 lbs. Does my set look good to those that know the instrument and/or tune in GDAE? Thanks!

  2. #2
    Tired & Cranky Monte Barnett's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tension/strings on a BR 40-T

    I’ve been using 42w 32w 23w 14 on mine since March of ‘20. (After all of my experimenting with instruments, tunings, scale lengths, etc., I’ve had to make a reference list to keep track!)
    Monte

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  3. #3
    Registered User fox's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tension/strings on a BR 40-T

    There are quite a few similar post on this forum, I believe the BR 40 t is rated to 100lb total tension but some folk have converted them to 160lb 8 strings!
    However the general consensus seems to be 12p 20w 30w 45w as that is even tension on every string and feels good under the fingers but of course, personalising your own set around that area is fine and may suit you better too.

  4. #4

    Default Re: Tension/strings on a BR 40-T

    I went with Fox’s recommendation with some single strings ($1.60 each on JustStrings). Tension and intonation are perfect.

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    Registered User zoukboy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tension/strings on a BR 40-T

    When I had one of those I used these gauges and they balanced very well:

    len 22.875"

    E4 .013" PL == 22.06#
    A3 .020" PB == 21.27#
    D3 .030" PB == 21.81#
    G2 .045" PB == 21.74#
    total == 86.88#

  7. #6
    Registered User zoukboy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tension/strings on a BR 40-T

    .012 at E4 on a 22.875" scale is actually several pounds lighter tension (18.78#) than the rest of that set, so I went with a .013. A .0125 would be 20.43# but they are hard to find.

    Quote Originally Posted by fox View Post
    There are quite a few similar post on this forum, I believe the BR 40 t is rated to 100lb total tension but some folk have converted them to 160lb 8 strings!
    However the general consensus seems to be 12p 20w 30w 45w as that is even tension on every string and feels good under the fingers but of course, personalising your own set around that area is fine and may suit you better too.

  8. #7
    Registered User fox's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tension/strings on a BR 40-T

    There is some variation in the string calculators and obviously personal preference as well so I dont think there will be a ‘one for all’ set.
    I am very happy using 12p 18w 30w 45w on my lighter built 23” tenors.

  9. #8

    Default Re: Tension/strings on a BR 40-T

    Quote Originally Posted by zoukboy View Post
    When I had one of those I used these gauges and they balanced very well:

    len 22.875"

    E4 .013" PL == 22.06#
    A3 .020" PB == 21.27#
    D3 .030" PB == 21.81#
    G2 .045" PB == 21.74#
    total == 86.88#
    I went with this recommendation and intonation and tension are perfect. Thank you!

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