string gauge used in tuning to Eb

kaibu23 · January 3rd, 2004, 11:56 AM

If a few players who tune down a half step would let me know what gauge they use it would be appreciated. I'm curious what people are doing.

Or even if you dont' tune down but still want to comment that would be great. :)

I'm currently using 10s and was asked to play in Eb and now I'm wondering if I should go for a heavier set of strings. It almost feels as effortless as my 2003 tele did when I got it with the stock 9s on it (yep, I'm pretty much a new guy 'round here, taking it all in!) which is kinda cool. Happy with the tone too.

Thanks.

bluesy · January 3rd, 2004, 12:09 PM

I tune down a half step off & on and it seems like the tension is similar to using a lower gauge strings tuned to standard pitch (i.e., 11's feel like 10's, etc.) I'm currently using EB 10-52 and it was a little difficult to set the relief and action for minimal buzzing with 10's on top and a 24 3/4" scale length. I'd try a set of D'addario 11's and see if you like them.

jz63 · January 3rd, 2004, 12:48 PM

I've been tuning down to Eb for about 10 years now because it suits my voice. i was using .011's at the time but I've since moved up to .012's because I was used to the heavier string tension of the .011's at 440hz. The extra string mass does seem make difference tone wise, at least to my ears.

January 3rd, 2004, 11:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
kaibu23 TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 31	string gauge used in tuning to Eb If a few players who tune down a half step would let me know what gauge they use it would be appreciated. I'm curious what people are doing. Or even if you dont' tune down but still want to comment that would be great. :) I'm currently using 10s and was asked to play in Eb and now I'm wondering if I should go for a heavier set of strings. It almost feels as effortless as my 2003 tele did when I got it with the stock 9s on it (yep, I'm pretty much a new guy 'round here, taking it all in!) which is kinda cool. Happy with the tone too. Thanks.

January 3rd, 2004, 12:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
bluesy Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Minnesota Age: 48 Posts: 559	I tune down a half step off & on and it seems like the tension is similar to using a lower gauge strings tuned to standard pitch (i.e., 11's feel like 10's, etc.) I'm currently using EB 10-52 and it was a little difficult to set the relief and action for minimal buzzing with 10's on top and a 24 3/4" scale length. I'd try a set of D'addario 11's and see if you like them. __________________ "You don't get down off an elephant, you get down off a duck."

January 3rd, 2004, 12:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
jz63 Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: London U.K. Age: 39 Posts: 485	I've been tuning down to Eb for about 10 years now because it suits my voice. i was using .011's at the time but I've since moved up to .012's because I was used to the heavier string tension of the .011's at 440hz. The extra string mass does seem make difference tone wise, at least to my ears.