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I just became so curious when I stopped by my local music store when I saw a 7-string set...10-56. Throw away the 10, you have a six-string set of 13-56!

But I've never tried a set this heavy before, I don't even know if it's safe, or quite what to expect. I imagine there is a lot of bottom end to be had with a set like this, but those with more experiece with mad heavy strings please chime in.

You'll definitely need to set the guitar up again, and probably widen the nut slots a bit to accomodate for the thicker strings.

Sets that heavy in standard tuning can be very hard on your hands, so only use them if you can handle it without hurting yourself.

Actually this might not be such a good idea lol. I might be able to handle 12s (if I can find them) and 11s have never been a problem for me.

It's cool I kept my receipt.

Try 'em out. If you can handle 11s with no problem, you can get used to 13s. You can always tune down a bit, too.

Heavy strings down tuning =

13-56 in standard might be a bit overkill but I use 13-65s(not a typing error) for C# to B and it's much better than with thinner strings.

On my Ibanez EX i tried the idea. A GHS 7set, discarded the 10 and popped them on. Because the nut is a locking one, i didn't have to fuss about with re-slotting. Put an extra spring in trem. Tuned full step down. Very nice. Thick, chunky tone. Had to tweak Mr truss-rod. Now it's great. And plays great. Heavy string bending is not so buttery...but hey. 13 - 60

korovamilkdud
Also watch the neck stress- Looks like you are on an LP and that neck can take a lot, but I've got a 61lp/sg which makes me very careful-

but in general, the thincker the strings the better my tone (11 or 12 is where I'm living these days)


Originally Posted by nuntiusYou'll definitely need to set the guitar up again, and probably widen the nut slots a bit to accomodate for the thicker strings.

Sets that heavy in standard tuning can be very hard on your hands, so only use them if you can handle it without hurting yourself.

1.... I play 12-52 in standared tuning and used to lay 13-56.... the axe will hold up fine, but will need to be set up again.

You won´t kill yourself if you try it, esp if you know that you can handle 11s... if nothing else, spend a month with a downtuned chugging axe... you may suddenly find the universe a better place


Originally Posted by korovamilkdudI just became so curious when I stopped by my local music store when I saw a 7-string set...10-56. Throw away the 10, you have a six-string set of 13-56!

But I've never tried a set this heavy before, I don't even know if it's safe, or quite what to expect. I imagine there is a lot of bottom end to be had with a set like this, but those with more experiece with mad heavy strings please chime in.

Be careful...... you don't want to hurt your hands or wrists due to the extrat tension. You would be wize to go up one gauge at a time. If you play 10's try a set of 11's. PLay them for a month and see how you react to them. If thats OK go to 12's and so on.

You will also have to do a complete setup. intonation, action truss rod etc. A properly set up guitar will make a world of difference.

I used to play 13-56's in Eb all the time. It's hell on the hands till you get used to them but then it really helps later. I could never play much on them other than SRV stuff but I recently went down to 11's or 10's and my vibrato and all around technique is so much better its shocking. Give 'em a try.

Or, buy a cheap axe like an Agile, and set that up as your 'heavy guitar.'
Possibly an inexpensive 7 string?

tune down a whole step, atleast, and you should be fine

i do a whole down on 52's amp; it's pretty perfect as far as bends are concerned

It depends a bit on the scale length IMO. I played 12-54 on my Gibson SG without problems. Sure, they were a bit tight, but nothing unplayable or unbendable. I nowadays use a 12-52 setup as I like a bit slinkier feel.

Tuning it just to Eb will also help with the feel a lot if you find it too stiff.

Don't be afraid to try it out, just adjust your guitar accordingly!

Well I'm using 11s again, but I may try 12s somewhere down the road. I've also thought of just using my current set but with a 52e or 56e on the bottom. We sometimes drop to D, and we have one song that would require the low string dropped to C. But we may just use a different axe altogether for that.

Heavy strings won't hurt the guitar -- the heaviest strings are used on acoustics and they are far more delicate than any solidbody.

Heavy strings can do damage to your neck. If I was you, if you're going to keep heavy strings, I'd tune down and make sure you set up your guitar to handle them.

To echo the guy above, I tune down a whole step with .012's, not out of necessity, but just because it's so badass.

It might be weird at first. I always play .012's, always. The store I usually go to was out, so I got the next best thing, Ernie Ball Beefy Slinkies (11-54). Ick. I couldn't play the lower strings to save my life. Just a thought.

--Jon

Pete Townshend used to use 13-56's on his SG's and Les Pauls back in the Who's hey days of the 70's.... He needed thick strings as all the bashing his guitars took from spining his arm around he would break thinner strings. He used such thick strings that the G string was a wound string.... He used to thru the wound g string away and use 2 B sized strings for the B and G strings.... Pete has said that when he is warming up for a show he can hardly bend a string, but once out in front of the audience he has no trouble as he is raved up.. The lighter G string aloowed him to bend lots of country style bends on the G while holding notes on the B and the E... See the little solo on Behind Blue Eyes for an example of that.....

Anywyas for myself i have never used thicker then 10's.... I did try 11's for about a day but got them off the guitar! Oneday i should try some thicker strings again.

WhoFan

I think that Pete's specials had the larger tenon?
I know folks that claim to bowed the early 60's sgs as a result of heavy strings-
I may be wrong as you know pete's gear far better than I-


Originally Posted by zionstratI think that Pete's specials had the larger tenon?
I know folks that claim to bowed the early 60's sgs as a result of heavy strings-
I may be wrong as you know pete's gear far better than I-

Most of Pete's stage guitars were never around long enough to worry about the stress of large strings.... Yes i believe the SG's Pete liked the 60's P90 Specials had the longer tenton joint.... the neck pickup was back a bit from teh neck so there was slightly more wood there... But not that strong as i have video somewhere of Pete at Tanglewood CA 1970 Breaking the neck off an SG really easily! Just one good pull on the neck and it snapped! throws it down and walks off! Part of that SG bitting the dust can be seen in the end credits to the Kids Are Alright movie...

WhoFan