Tuning a RG550 to B

[vale]

Hi !
Does anybody know if I can tune my Ibanez RG-550-LTD to B ?
If the answer is positive, how can I do it ?
What kind of strings should I use ?
Should I change the springs ?

Thank you very !!!

[Globbits]

Yeah it should be fine, many bands do it on RG's, you may want to invest in some thicker strings, and the trem will need a bit of attention though.

(Did you get that 550 from a bloke in mitcham through an ad in a British guitar magazine..?)

[darren wilson]

Originally Posted by vale

Hi !
Does anybody know if I can tune my Ibanez RG-550-LTD to B ?
If the answer is positive, how can I do it ?
What kind of strings should I use ?
Should I change the springs ?

Thank you very !!!

Yes, you can probably tune it to B. Use the heaviest strings you can get your hands on. The GHS Zakk Wylde signature strings look ideally suited for the task. They come in .010 to .060 or a special "low tune" set that are a whopping .011 to .070! You can get them at juststrings.com. The only limiting factor is the maximum thickness you can put through your tuners, and what will sit properly in the locking nut slots.

After you've re-strung, you'll need to do a complete set up on your guitar, adjusting the truss rod, bridge angle and intonation. If you're unfamiliar with this process, take it to a guitar tech or try it yourself using the tutorials here or here.

You may or may not have to add another spring... it depends on how much the lower tension of the downtuning is counteracted by the heavier strings. You won't really know until you get it tuned and strung up.