Heavy Gauge Strings

[zim]

I've always used Ernie Ball Super Slinky - 9-11-16-24w-32-42. Still today I use them even though I tune to D.



When I was first starting I think I heard something about thicker gauge strings make it harder to solo(?) and that discouraged me from using them, and I've always heard thicker gauge on a floyd rose will require another spring in the back and this will make my action higher.



So my question is how much of a difference would there actually be to my action and ease of higher notes?

[Uros]

9s for D



duuude!



Currently, I am using a 11-54 Beefy set, with additional .68 for a low A string (7.stringer here), and I even plan on maybe switching to 12-56 with .70 for the low A, 'cause I really like to feel the tension when I play, but that's me.



If you are concerned with that higher notes reach, just use this Skinny top Heavy bottom set (it's a mix of 10s for the first 3 strings, and 11s for last 3 - <!-- m -->http://www.zzounds.com/item--ERN2215<!-- m --> ).



I wouldn't recommend going under 11s (at least for the bass strings), if you want some decent tightness in your tone.



In any case, I also recommend to set up intonation on your axe every time you change strings, even if you are using the same set. It really pays off.

[M.Bison]

I'm using a set of D'Addario 10's with a 68 for my low Bb. I can't stand not having tension on the lower strings. After a while though the fatter strings can sound more rubber bandy.

[FUKKET]

i'm not a guitarist, but on my guitars I have heavys too.

on my bass i have standard gauge



i think I used 11-56 (myabe 60 or whatever comes after 56).



i have a mate who uses 12s. he's a blues/funk/country player.



did you know that SRV once had 16s as his top E!??!?!

that's insane! must have torn the shit out of his fingers on those big blues bends - probably too coked up to feel it.

[cat hallucination]

i think the fatter you go, the and fatter the sound, which is why blues guys are especially drawn to them, and you really can get a mean punch with thick strings. wider dynamic range overall, better for the tube amp brown sound. see below, i read somewhere that vaughn used 13's...listen to the punch. you can't get that from light gauged strings. action height is relative; bigger strings, bigger vibration, etc. requires the strings to be further from the board. as far as soloing difficulty, it's not bad at all. and an extra spring? that person was probably exaggerating. maybe for 16s .

[youtube]tWLw7nozO_U[/youtube]

[Abzu]

11-56, tuned to C

[Mr. P]

I use 10-56 or 10-60 when tuning to E - D. I really like to strong bottom sounds no matter where I tune.

[vO)))id]

12 for D is the way to go.

[TamPron]

i actually like my high strings to be a bit loosey goosey, it allows for crazier bends and vibratos, which i like doing alot.

[Uros]

You should use heavier strings and work on your finger strength. Vibratos are much ballsier and bigger that way, imo.

[cat hallucination]

that's true. when i switch to electric from acoustic, its easier in that way. it's like doing warm up baseball bat swings with a donut weight. when you take it off, the bat is like a feather.

[Haunty]

[quote name="cat hallucination"]i think the fatter you go, the and fatter the sound, which is why blues guys are especially drawn to them, and you really can get a mean punch with thick strings. wider dynamic range overall, better for the tube amp brown sound. see below, i read somewhere that vaughn used 13's...listen to the punch. you can't get that from light gauged strings. action height is relative; bigger strings, bigger vibration, etc. requires the strings to be further from the board. as far as soloing difficulty, it's not bad at all. and an extra spring? that person was probably exaggerating. maybe for 16s .

[youtube]tWLw7nozO_U[/youtube][/quote]



I've read it was 15s. Ted Nugent once picked up SRV's guitar, and said he could barely play a damn note. SRV was notorious for having to glue fingernails back on and shit.



Fuck, man... Dick Dale uses 18s.

[vO)))id]

LOOSEY GOOSEY *jack black*

[jawn galliano]

9s for life, my tiny sexy leopard elevator hands (which are attached to diminutive stick-arms) can't cope with heavy guages :(



well, on the higher strings anyway. the EB fat/skinny packs are a nice compromise.

[Spirits of the Deep Waters]

I use heavy gauge 13- for 7 string in Bb. It's WAY to fat for solos and fast powerchording. I have to change.

[Loki]

It's mostly preference, really. I've always used 11's for E and Eb. I just tried switching over to 9's for a change of pace and (especially being used to heavier gauges) it's like gliding over the frets. The only other tuning I use frequently is C, and even then 11's will due fine if I'm not looking to change strings yet, but typically I prefer 13's for that.



I need another guitar, switching so much between tunings and gauges is a pain and probably not doing much for my neck alignment or intonation.

[zim]

I'm still using 9's on D but I'm about to go get some new strings and I was wondering - If I have three springs in my Floyd will I need to add a fourth for any gauge over 9? At what gauge should I add another spring?

[Spirits of the Deep Waters]

[quote name="zimberly"]I'm still using 9's on D but I'm about to go get some new strings and I was wondering - If I have three springs in my Floyd will I need to add a fourth for any gauge over 9? At what gauge should I add another spring?[/quote]



If you go over 12, you should add a fourth.

[Uni777]

That depends on the type of springs, Small or large spring cavity and the length of the springs. And there is a set called power springs. very heavy springs ment for short cavities. Also a thing to remember: the more a spring streches the less tension it will produce.



Installing the two outer springs on an angle helps too sometimes.

so not :



I I I



but:



/I \



attatch the springs on the middle three hooks of the plate.

[zim]

I bought a pack of Ernie Ball Regular Slinky - 10-13-17-26-36-46



i've noticed a big difference tbh, my left hand felt pretty tired after jamming for awhile

[captain twat. IV.]

wimp

[Shredlord]

[quote name="hbw"]
[quote name="dog hallucination"] Ted Nugent once picked up SRV's guitar, and said he could barely play a damn note. [/quote][/quote]



I'm not at all surprised...

[neckred]

10-46 is perfect for my guitar and my floyd, but the lowest i ever tune is C#

[Hugo.]

12s tuned to B on my warrior FWIW.