Tuning to baritone?

keithb · #1 10-18-2003, 04:11 PM

Has anyone experimented with tuning a 'normal' guitar to a baritone tuning? I'm thinking of taking my 25.5" scale Strat-clone, putting 13's or heavier on it, raising the action and tuning it to a baritone tuning (probably B E A D F# B).

Has anyone tried this? Will it be unplayably loose?

Gearjunky · #2 10-18-2003, 05:12 PM

Just get a set of Baritone strings.
I have one of my Les Pauls set up that way.
You will also have to enlarge the saddle grooves and the nut grooves.
It plays the same as a regular guitar with the exception of having fatter strings.
There are a bunch of companies that make them.
D'Addario, Elixir, Fender, GHS, John Pearse, La Bella, Etc.....

keithb · #3 10-19-2003, 12:39 AM

I'm worried about the intonation being terrible....did you encounter any problems with intonation?

Thanks!

BucketBot · #4 10-19-2003, 02:51 AM

I'm pretty sure you'll have to adjust the intonation a bit.

Two hands31 · #5 10-19-2003, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucketBot

I'm pretty sure you'll have to adjust the intonation a bit.

A lot, actually

Gearjunky · #6 10-19-2003, 03:11 PM

Yes you will have to reset the intunation, but that is extremely easy. All you need is a good tuner and the necessary tools(screwdriver/allen key).
You will have to reset the intunation even if you were just tuning down the guitar with regular strings.

Drew · #7 10-19-2003, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearjunky

Yes you will have to reset the intunation, but that is extremely easy.

...provided it's a fixed or vintage-style bridge set for no float. Resetting the intonation on a floyd will have you pulling your hair out after the first hour or so. It's definately doable, it just takes a rather long time.

-D

Gearjunky · #8 10-19-2003, 06:31 PM

It shouldn't take more than an hour for a beginner, as long as your mechanically inclined.
Here's a link to how to do it properly.
http://216.239.37.104/search?q=cache...hl=en&ie=UTF-8

Drew · #9 10-19-2003, 07:02 PM

Ok, maybe i exaggerated the time the tiniest bit, but you get what i mean- unless you have one of those nifty little edge intonation tools that allows you to make adjustments under string tension, the constant "loosen string, make adjustment, tune to pitch, check tuning of other strings, fine-tune until perfect, check bridge angle, adjust and retune if necessary, recheck intonation, repeat until intonation is perfect when bridge is flat at concert pitch, then move onto the next string" battle isn't exactly the kind of thing one looks forward to with glee. And, while not mechanically difficult, nevertheless not what i'd call "easy" unless you're into things like, oh, filing tax returns, balancing your checkbook by hand, and mowing the lawn with a pair of tweezers and a razor blade.

*tongue-in-cheek mode off*

-D