Silhouette string tension

[budx13]

I have an almost new Silo Special that I bought of eBay for a very good price. I like strat style (25.5" scale) guitars because the strings are very tight and snappy. This guitar does not seem to share that characteristic. They seem to be kind of loose and sloppy. Is there some adjustment I can make to remedy this??? Thanks in advance

 

[beej]

Hey there-

All 25.5" guitars are going to have the same string tension, given the same strings & tunings. What you're probably feeling is the difference in playability. Low action and a low nut usually contribute to the feeling of looser strings.

You can set up the guitar with higher action, that would make them feel stiffer. Or move to a heavier string gauge. (If you're using 9s, go to 9.5 or 10s.)

Good problem to have! Most people want their guitars to play easier.

 

[budx13]

I have some other 25.5 scale guitars that have lower action than the Silo but the strings have more snap and tightness, even unfretted, than this guitar. I'm not sure what is the cause of this difference but if someone out there knows I would sure appreciate a shout.

 

[beej]

I get that there could be a sound difference (snap, for example, could reflect the woods. I've got a few that 'pop' differently.) But tension-wise there won't be a difference, esp. for open strings.

You've got the same strings on as the others?

 

[budx13]

I know you mean well Beej, and I appreciate your input, but there is definetly a tension difference with this guitar compared to others of the same scale length that I have. I have been playing for over 30 years and I am very knowledgable about guitars. I know what my fingers tell me. Again, thank you for your input.

 

[V_S]

Nope, there are differences... they're caused by the angle of the strings from the bridge to the body. That's most notable with Les Pauls, where you can change that angle easily by lowering or raising the stop tail piece. The higher the stop tail piece the looser the strings.

But tension-wise there won't be a difference, esp. for open strings.

 

[budx13]

Is this a common thing with this guitar? Do a lot of Silo owners have this complaint or is there something different about my guitar. I'm going to take a closer look at it tonight to see if there is anything I cam make an adjustment to.

 

[V_S]

Don't think so... it's not really something to complain about. More a matter of taste.

 

[beej]

But the looser the strings, the more you have to tighten them to maintain the same pitch ...

The nut, string break angle, they definitely affect the 'perceived tension', how playable the guitar feels. But in real terms, tension for a vibrating string is a factor of string length, mass and pitch. If you're striking an open string and not bending a note, that's what you've got.

That said, the action, saddle heights, etc. can definitely be adjusted to suit your preferences. It's a great guitar, so hope you can set it up to your liking!

 

[jadaxis]

budx13, I know exactly what you're talking about. Mine is the same way. Just a couple weeks ago I asked almost your exact question here on the forum. My Silo strings *feel* like they have more play when using the exact strings and tuning as my Axis...which is the same scale length.

 

[budx13]

I had a set of graphite saddles that I have had since the early 90s. Needless to say they have been on and off of several guitars that I have had over the years. I had been thinking of putting them on the silo so I did it last night. After a quick setup and tuning I noticed an improvement. The strings have more snap and resiliency when picked. The next things I need to do is install a trem setter and replace those wimpy DiMarzio pickups with Carvins. I'll keep y'all posted.

 

[ScoobySteve]

Is it trem? How many springs, tension in the trem claw?

 

[budx13]

Hey Steve...It's a trem and I use 3 springs

 

[threeminutesboy]

How come we still don't have a pic of that guitar if you don't like it and if it's a SSS I might be interested

 

[V_S]

That's partly true... as long as you don't touch the string (and make some other simplifications. Wikipedia says that for unwound strings frequency is a function of lenght, diameter and tension.). We're probably talking about something like a tension gradient. As soon as you bend or even only fret a note you start to increase tension. And for looser strings with low string break angle the tension increases less. That's not only a feeling, it's definitly there, too.

But in real terms, tension for a vibrating string is a factor of string length, mass and pitch. If you're striking an open string and not bending a note, that's what you've got.

 

[beej]

There's no gradient on the string- it should have a uniform tension across it from nut to bridge (it might bind and be slightly different on the outsides ... which is why some guitars tend to go out of tune when you bend notes). As soon as you fret a note you shorten the string length. Pressure from your finger bending the string over the fret adds tension (why notes can go sharp if you press too hard). But again, it will be exactly the same on guitars with the same scale length & strings.

What you're describing is 'playability' (or other term to describe why it feels easier to play)- it's easier to fret and bend notes on a guitar with low action, a low nut and the bridge set up a particular way. But that doesn't change the tension of a given string.

If you decrease the tension on a string (loosen it), the note goes flat.

 

[V_S]

I don't mean a gradient for different tensions at different positions of the string, but different tension increase for same amount/way of bending the string.

 

[shredhed]

If it has the same strings on it as when you got it, try changing them. They may be of a brand you never treid and if they are new they could feel the way you describe.

Only way to know for sure is to put your usual set on and go from there.

Good luck