I need some counsel about what gauge strings to use for a (low to high) 1-5-1-3 minor-5-1 (open E minor tuned down) six string in the key of B on a 22.5" scale.
I bought a baritone guitar set which is 68-56-44-26w-18-14, but I fear it will be a mismatch on such a short scale.
John Ely's Steel Guitar String Gauge guide points to a set that is lighter on the low end and heavier on top than the baritone set: Suggested ranges are: 60-64/46-50/34-38/31-36/20-22/17-19.
Using the baritone 68 on the bottom, I can cadge together a set that is very close to the highest gauges on "Ely" set. So 68-50-38-36-22-18. Is that workable? If it makes a difference, I play without any picks on aged hands and generally prefer lighter but not floppy strings.
Thanks in advance for any counsel y'all can provide!
PMac
Boston GuitarSlacker
String gauge geekery
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Patrick McDonald
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Stephen Cowell
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Re: String gauge geekery
You've got the Ely string gauge chart, the only other thing to consider is your scale length. For my 25" guitars I go for the thinner end of his recommendations... for my shorties I go the other way.
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Tim Whitlock
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Re: String gauge geekery
I'm have no experience with baritone strings, other than adding a .068 to the bottom of my Stringmaster, but Stephen's advice seems sound. Curious as to what, if any, modifications to your instrument you had to make for thicker strings. Seems like the nut would have to be customized to get the strings to sit correctly. Also, how does the guitar stand up to the much greater tension?