It is currently Tue Mar 17, 2020 2:39 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: Optimized/Progressive String Sets
Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 7:44 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2011 6:54 pm
Posts: 1175
I've been buying Standard gauge 10-46 strings, 10-13-17-26-36-46, for some years, in bulk singles, 12 to a pack, and content with them.

Until recently that is. I thought maybe the high three - E - B - G could use a little thicker gauge. The E sounded tinny and the B & G were finicky to balance the tuning.

Maybe it's because of changes to my #1 Strat; Callaham Bridge, Blender Pot and Bridge Pickup Base Plate made a big difference in tone and sustain.

Maybe my "ears" are better.

Maybe it's the weather! :lol:

So I looked at balancing the gauge of strings and research brought me the concept of Optimized/Progressive String Tension Sets! :roll:

The science seems to have some merit, but the relevance to real playability?

Is this that last straw I was warned about so long ago? :P

Following are examples of the gauge & tension on std and custom sets as found on Jemsite:

http://www.jemsite.com/forums/f21/string-tension-charts-73846.html

Standard 10-46 Set
E: .010" [PL] = 16.21 pounds
B: .013" [PL] = 15.38 pounds
G: .017" [PL] = 16.57 pounds
D: .026" [NW] = 18.41 pounds
A: .036" [NW] = 19.54 pounds
E: .046" [NW] = 17.48 pounds

Total Tension = 103.59 pounds

************************
Custom 10-49 Set
E: .010" [PL] = 16.21 pounds
B: .014" [PL] = 17.84 pounds
G: .018" [PL] = 18.58 pounds
D: .026" [NW] = 18.41 pounds
A: .036" [NW] = 19.54 pounds
E: .049" [NW] = 19.68 pounds

Total Tension = 110.25 pounds

The B-G and low E are heavier in the custom set and the tension is progressive unlike the standard set. (excepting the G-D which are close)

Any opinions are appreciated.

p.s. chromeface, I'm not gonna put a Mid Boost in. :lol:

_________________
Took me a long time to learn that a Good Set-Up is the best Parts money can buy


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Optimized/Progressive String Sets
Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 7:23 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Oct 03, 2012 5:25 pm
Posts: 7
Because of many variables I have a couple of theories. The first is maybe the nut on the high e is worn or cut too wide and making a vibration tiny sound? The reason you may hear it now is because of the modifications to the bridge more sustain, better sound quality, and yes you may indeed be hearing it better......also different tone. They have fillers for the nut and one slot could be recut if that is the problem on the e.

The g and b strings are a separate minor problem,(I think). It could be the way the two gauges vibrate differently than your 10, 13, 17, 26, 36, 46 set. I would think the 14, and 18 are vibrating at a more rapid rate now because of the increased solidness of the bridge or saddles causing a temporary rise in pitch. Not sure of the solution for that. I can think of a few but my guess is you can too.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Optimized/Progressive String Sets
Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 10:04 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2011 6:54 pm
Posts: 1175
You have a good point crowdaddy, thanks for the suggestion. :)

I took a good look at the Nut and the high E slot is a bit wider than the string, while the other strings fit more snugly in their slots.

I intend to get a new Nut cut and wanted to double check my string gauges beforehand. That's when I came across the concept of buying strings by their tension rather than thickness (gauge).

Hadn't gotten the thicker strings yet, just wanted to know if anyone here had considered it before.

Having to carefully tune the G & B strings, depending on the key of a piece, are part of the sorry lot of musicians playing a tempered tuning instrument, it'll never be quite right. I seem to be hearing that better on this instrument now.

_________________
Took me a long time to learn that a Good Set-Up is the best Parts money can buy


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: omar59 and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: