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| Baritone string selection/tension. http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=16357 |
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| Author: | Steve Saville [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 11:28 am ] |
| Post subject: | Baritone string selection/tension. |
I have just completed my first baritone. It is a 27.5" scale, Adi on myrtle OLF SJ size, deep body. I put on medium strings and tuned it 2 steps down from standard. It was pretty dead, but when I tuned it one step below (DGCFAD), it really came alive, but still it needs to be played somewhat forcefully to drive the top. I calculated the string tension at 175 lbs. The client wants to run baritones strings and tune it 3 steps down, BEADF#B. I calculate that tension at 197.5 lbs. It is a thin top at about .090" with standard X braces and lattice bracing instead of the tone bars and double sides. I left the X braces a little taller (stiffer) than I would have for a standard build. Would you be concerned with a 12% increase in tension from what seems to drive the top? Granted, by my own description, it seems like it could use a little more tension. Because this is my first baritone, I'm wondering if string selection is more experimental than calculated, and if there is an upper number for tension that I should be concerned about. Thanks! |
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| Author: | dberkowitz [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Baritone string selection/tension. |
Steve, by my calculations, you're around 165 with EJ17s (13-56) or 168 if you're using Newtones that have a 46 and 36. Not enough gas. No way to tell you, just gotta do it. Try this:70 56 42 32 20p 16p in B you get 183.65lbs on a 27.5 scale. |
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| Author: | Steve Saville [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 1:18 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Baritone string selection/tension. |
Dave, Thanks for the response. I'll try those strings. For choosing stings, do you really let your ears decide more than tension calcs? Obviously, not enough tension and the tone sufferers and the strings buzz. Too much is dangerous to the top, but is there a point when too much tension causes a noticeably difference in tone? Is there a point that you know you have too much tension just by listening, or do you just try to stay below a certain amount of tension? |
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| Author: | dberkowitz [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Baritone string selection/tension. |
Look at the discussion about bari strings below. As a general rule, fatter wire gives you better tone, but higher tension at a certain point gives you more fundamental and less harmonics. |
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| Author: | Steve Saville [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Baritone string selection/tension. |
Yes, I was that thread after I posted this one. I've read it through a few times. Thank you for your help here and there! Interesting observation on fundamental vs harmonics. I've never heard harmonics from an Adi top like this guitar. It is extraordinary. Too bad I'll loose that with larger strings. |
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| Author: | dberkowitz [ Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:30 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Baritone string selection/tension. |
Steve, let me qualify that previous answer. You get harmonics, but at the expense of the fundamental. In a baritone, you want more fundamental. More harmonics on a low tuned guitar means mush. Besides, as a general rule, the Adirondack needs a harder attack and gives more fundamental anyway. I've never built a baritone with an adirondack top. German, Sitka, Cedar, and eventually Lutz. |
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