Baritone string sets?

[6stringcowboy]

I just bought a used Gretsch G5260T and the specs from the Gretsch site say the strings that come on it are .014-.018-.024-.044-.056-.072, and guessing since it doesn't say .024w, it's a plain 3rd string.

I've searched and found no sets that match the gauges listed on the Gretsch site, does anyone know of a set that does?

I'm considering juststrings dot com to get the exact set by purchasing single string gauges. I'll wait until the guitar actually gets here though as it's used and who knows what the nut will look like even though it was listed as being in "excellent" condition.

 

[W.L.Weller]

Here's a calculator you can use to "dial in" string tensions with the Gretsch's scale length (29.75"?) and your preferred tuning:

Stringjoy Guitar String Tension Calculator

The Stringjoy Guitar String Tension Calculator is the easiest and best tool to build the perfect balanced tension set of strings for your guitar or bass.

tension.stringjoy.com

I think Stringjoy and LaBella will both also sell you a custom set of strings.

Stringjoy Signatures | Custom 6 String Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings

Stringjoy Signatures feature nickel-plated steel wrap wire wound on a hexagonal steel core. Focused, modern tone with balanced tension profiles.

stringjoy.com

BGE-L Electric Baritone – Light

www.labella.com

 

[Dan German]

That’s pretty stout stringing, IMO. That’s a long-scale baritone (29.75”), but I have a Danelectro-necked baritone that length, and I use D’Addario Baritone Light (13-62). Even the Mediums are 14-68. As you say, best to see what the nut looks like—if it’s good, you might as well stay close to the specified gauge, at least to start.

And no, I don’t know of a set with those gauges.

 

[W.L.Weller]

I'm sort of hoping that the string gauges shown on Gretsch's website ( Nickel Plated Steel Gauges .014-.018-.024-.044-.056-.072, Tuned B to B ) are a mistake/typo.

That combination of scale length (29.75"), tuning (B-B) and string gauges result in, not only an excessive amount of string tension, but an unbalanced amount, where the 3 low strings are much tighter than the 3 high strings.

Compare those numbers to a Telecaster (or any 25.5" scale) strung with .011s:

All by way of saying, I wouldn't go crazy trying to track down the gauges specified on the Gretsch site if you're going to tune it B-B (or even A-A).

I've had good luck with the baritone sets sold by LaBella on my 29.75" scale Danelectro. I just ordered a few sets from Stringjoy, they're lighter than the LaBella light gauge baritone strings, but after a quick setup, I'm enjoying them as well.

 

[6stringcowboy]

I'm sort of hoping that the string gauges shown on Gretsch's website ( Nickel Plated Steel Gauges .014-.018-.024-.044-.056-.072, Tuned B to B ) are a mistake/typo.

That combination of scale length (29.75"), tuning (B-B) and string gauges result in, not only an excessive amount of string tension, but an unbalanced amount, where the 3 low strings are much tighter than the 3 high strings.

View attachment 1100170

Compare those numbers to a Telecaster (or any 25.5" scale) strung with .011s:

View attachment 1100184

All by way of saying, I wouldn't go crazy trying to track down the gauges specified on the Gretsch site if you're going to tune it B-B (or even A-A).

I've had good luck with the baritone sets sold by LaBella on my 29.75" scale Danelectro. I just ordered a few sets from Stringjoy, they're lighter than the LaBella light gauge baritone strings, but after a quick setup, I'm enjoying them as well.

Yeah, I saw that after you posted the link and was wondering about it.