String gauge for detuned query...

Kalimna

Greetings,

In the 'band' we have got together at work, amongst the covers we tried is Biffy Clyro's Captain, which seems to be in drop C tuning. All my guitars have variations on a theme of 10's for strings. These seem a little 'flappy' at drop C.
What gauge would you recommend for this, instead of 10's. They will be going on either a 25" or Gibson LP scale guitar.

Ta muchly,
Adam

ICBM

11s or 12s. Try 11s (preferably 11-50 or 11-52 rather than 11-49) first because you'll probably get away without widening the nut grooves, which you won't with 12s.

Either that, or if it's just for one song, consider a Digitech Drop pedal - not cheap, but works extremely well and will avoid needing to take another guitar - or two, if you're gigging and need spares.

Kalimna

Thanks ICBM - will try some 11's. Didn't realise a pedal could do the work also...

guitarfishbay

D'Addario 11-56 set is worth a go.

ICBM

Kalimna said:

Thanks ICBM - will try some 11's. Didn't realise a pedal could do the work also...

Well, it will give you D standard - you'll still need to drop the bottom string to C (D on the actual guitar) manually.

It really does work remarkably well - I was sceptical until I heard one, but in a band mix it's really hard to tell it's not a down-tuned guitar. The guitarist in my band has used one as far down as C standard and it sounded fine, especially with a bit of dirt on.

DeeTee

I keep seeing stuff about the Digitech Drop. Does the Whammy have a similar setting? If I'm intending to get a Whammy anyway, am I going to be wasting my time with a Drop as well?

Edit - Ignore. Answered my own question - The Whammy DT does this too, but a regular Whammy doesn't, by the look of it.

Alnico

I've got an unused set of D'Addario 12-60 which are too light for me to use with tuning down to B standard.

I was going to use them for tuning down to D but then changed my mind.
They'd work for tuning down to C standard.

You'll need some nut files / a Tech if your guitar has a traditional style nut.

You can have them in the post for early next week if you want them?

I don't want anything for them and it's £1 to post them so give a pound to the next homeless person you see from me if you want?

oldmansanj

I have been using Ernie ball skinny Top heavy bottoms 10-52 for drop b quite comfortably.

Kalimna

Alnico - That's very kind of you indeed, but I think I have some 11's somewhere which I shall try first. Before I have to go re-filing nuts!

Cheers,

Adam

Alnico

Kalimna said:

Alnico - That's very kind of you indeed, but I think I have some 11's somewhere which I shall try first. Before I have to go re-filing nuts!

Cheers,

Adam

No worries.

These will stay in the stack of new strings until I or someone needs them.

Alnico

Those 12-60 strings have food a new home now.