String Gauges?

[Drache713]

I've been using either Dean Markley or Ernie Ball 10-56 strings for my 7-string as long as I can remember, but now I'm considering using GHS 10-60 (same gauge, just a 60 instead of a 56) because I've been reading into the XL scale length Ibanez and like the idea of increased clarity and attack etc., but I'm happy with the scale length of my 7621 and I'm pretty content with the feel of the low e, a, and d strings on it (and I perfer the look of the 7621 to the 7421XL anyways). Would the bigger gauge of the low b increase clarity and tension? I would consider possibly getting a Light Top, Heavy Bottom gauge of strings but I don't really feel like special ordering them and the local stores around here don't carry them often, let alone in a 7-string set. It's hard enough to find a 7-string set of GHS 'round here, but it's pretty easy to make an intonation adjustment for one string if I have to go back to EB or DM for a while. I also heard something about GHS strings being contructed better, like having soldered ball ends instead of twisted or something, anybody know about this?

[Two hands31]

Korn uses Dean Markley strings in exactly that guage. So you'll get a similar sound to theirs, clarity wise, depending of course on the rest of your rig. But listen to "Alone I Break" or "No One's There" for some clean-tone examples of theirs.

[Drache713]

Two Hands, does Korn use 10-46 with a 60 low a or do they use 10-52 with a 60 for the low a? big difference, the GHS set i was talking about is 10-46 with a 60 low b.

[Two hands31]

Um...it may be the thicker one, but I can't remember completely. All I know is that they have a 60 on the low A (cuz they tune down a step), and they use light-top heavy-bottom strings, so it may be the 52.

[Globbits]

pretty sure its a 52...

[Jim Soloway]

Originally Posted by Globbits

pretty sure its a 52...

On a 25.5 inch scale? That must flop around like a loose rubber band. I tune to an A using a 72 and I still felt like I needed the XL scale to maintain sting tension.

[Drache713]

Jim, the .52 is their low e tuned down to D on a 25.5 scale, their low a is a .60

[Jim Soloway]

Originally Posted by Sempetra7621

Jim, the .52 is their low e tuned down to D on a 25.5 scale, their low a is a .60

Thanks, although a 60 still seems awfully wimpy to me. When I first started playing 7 string, I was using an 80 for my low A. I've tried everything from a 60 on up and I finally settled for a 72 as what I considered to be the best compromise between articulation, intonation, and playability.

[Two hands31]

I think the Mike Mushok (Staind) uses a 72 or something on his low-G tuning. Then again, I'm also pretty sure Meegs Rascon (Coal Chamber) uses a 72 on his 6-strings, tuned to B (or A sometimes).

[SeRcH]

Hehehe, I use a .52 for my 7th string, and i tune it to A!

[Jim Soloway]

Originally Posted by SeRcH

Hehehe, I use a .52 for my 7th string, and i tune it to A!

I'm amazed you can get enough tension on that to even hear a specific note.

[Two hands31]

Hey, I've tuned my Strat with Custom Lights (9-46) down to B, and even drop-A before, had to play real light, and it didn't sound very good, but it kinda worked.

[cltek]

25.5" scale. 0.52 here.

Just an opinion/observation... In my playing of the various sevens that I've owned, the heavier the string, the more tension, the better the 'clarity' of any given note. However, depending upon your style of playing tone preferences, you may prefer what some call 'attack' over the aforementioned attributes of the heavier strings.

In general, the sound the larger strings make is 'bigger' and 'full'. With the increased scale length and the heavier stirings... Those variable can create a beautiful, almost 'piano-like' tone. I like it... Just not my cuppa tea. My personal preference is the lighter strings. I think Jim may have seen a thread of mine on another forum with regard to this matter. But it depends on the player and the preferences thereof, IMHO.

As a side note... Just about every guitar sting on the planet is made by *TWO* companies. One of which is GHS.

Respectfully... CL

[Jim Soloway]

Originally Posted by cltek

25.5" scale. 0.52 here.

As a side note... Just about every guitar sting on the planet is made by *TWO* companies. One of which is GHS.

Respectfully... CL

I wonder if that's true any more? With the precipitous decline in the popularity of 7 string in the commercial market, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that the small boutique builders now represent a substantial percentage of the 7 string production.

[cltek]

BTW... Jim...

I listened to the tune you posted elsewhere this morning. Uh... All I can say is... WOW! Thank you *SO* much for sharing man. I love what you do! Oh... Your playing ain't too shabby neither. Thank you for the smile and inspiration.

Respectfully...

cltek