Tuning a 6 string to low B -- which string gauge?

[Dee]

As the title suggests, what gauge strings would I need for tuning a 6 string to low B, considering I usually use 9-42? I'm putting approx. 85 pounds of tension on this neck, so I wonder what I need to keep the tension approximately the same.

[jaxadam]

I use 11's for drop c, and 12's for drop b, and it seems to work fine for me.

[Dee]

Thanks Adam. No worries, I worked it out.

12, 16, 22, 32, 42, 58

That gives me 88 pounds. Near enough.

EDIT:

12, 16, 21, 32, 42, 56 = 85 pounds.

[jaxadam]

Yeah, that should work pretty good, too.

[Dee]

I don't wanna start off a huge Zachary debate again but looking at the sets available they seem pretty stupid. I have a string gauge calculator here and it seems I'll have to put a set together from singles.

[neptoess]

string gauge calculator ey? I'd like to use that lol. They do sell sets of 12s. And you could just get a 7 string set of 9s and use the lower 6 strings too.

[Dee]

Here you go bro:

http://www.pacificsites.net/~dog/Str...ionApplet.html

It can be a bit confusing at first but you'll get it. Just read the page!

Thanks for the info, btw. I know there's sets of 12's out there but certain strings are often way way too heavy or too light, so the tension is all over the place. No worries, I will put together a set from singles in the gauges I mentioned. I like the strings to rise slightly in tension as they get thicker, just as it should be.

[neptoess]

yea I hear that. How are you tuning? B, F#, D, A, E, B? If so, I'm guessing you're playing some Amon Amarth. haha, Pursuit of Vikings is such a cheesy song but that crushing low B throughout the whole song is so cool lol

[Dee]

I'm not familiar with that band or song, though I'm sure it's fun. It'll be more along the lines of Planet X type stuff.

I will be tuning it as you suggested. I can't afford a 7-string yet so I thought I'd tune down my old RG750 and make do with that for a while. It'll sound just as mean. It has a Bill Lawrence in the bridge position, btw.

[FloridaNative]

Originally Posted by Dee

Here you go bro:

http://www.pacificsites.net/~dog/Str...ionApplet.html

It can be a bit confusing at first but you'll get it. Just read the page!

Thanks for the info, btw. I know there's sets of 12's out there but certain strings are often way way too heavy or too light, so the tension is all over the place. No worries, I will put together a set from singles in the gauges I mentioned. I like the strings to rise slightly in tension as they get thicker, just as it should be.

Cool calculator, Dee!! Thanks for sharing it.

[Dee]

Ah, hello missy.

[FloridaNative]

Originally Posted by Dee

Ah, hello missy.

good morning, mister. No coffee yet? GRRRRRRR friggin Cubans. hehehehehe

[Dee]

LOL! Nope. Still drinking instant, AKA old dish washing water with added floor sweepings.

Could really do with a nice coffee too, I only had 1 hour sleep last night (actually, this morning at 9 AM til 10).

[FloridaNative]

Originally Posted by Dee

LOL! Nope. Still drinking instant, AKA old dish washing water with added floor sweepings.

Oh no way!!! Man, I thought you would be drinking it in case of emergency only until you could get to the store. Ay, you are learning the hard way now about "cuban time". You poor thing.

[Dee]

No worries, it'll get here soon I reckon. Thank you again for your kindness. I still need to send you some fine English chocolate. Which is not very fine at all, that'd be the Belgian stuff, but anyway... I'm broke right now so it'll be later than planned, sorry!