What's the difference between 8-String Slinkys and Super Slinky Bass strings?

[What is Sleep]

I'm in the process of finding the perfect set of strings for my Ibanez RGA8 8-String guitar. Besides the obvious differences in ball size and string length, is there any construction difference between the super slinky bass strings and 8-string slinky guitar strings, namely the 0.64 and 0.74 gauge strings in the 8-string slinky set?

I would really like to use the 0.065 and 0.080 super slinky bass strings for the low strings on my 8-String, since I detune the low F# to an E. I currently have it strung with a set of heavy top skinny bottoms with 2 single bass strings from a brand who's name escapes me at the moment, but they don't seem to be nearly as nice as the super slinky strings I currently have on my Ibanez Iceman bass.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[DCStingray]

There are two main differences between these strings. Firstly, these strings contain different core to wrap ratios which were optimized for different scale lengths (guitar scale vs bass scale). For instance, both bass strings have two wraps whereas the 64 gauge guitar string has only one wrap. Secondly, the length of the string and location of the string taper on double wrap strings will differ since one is intended for bass scales and the other is intended for guitar scales. I would recommend using the 8 string set for your guitar. Otherwise, you can always order singles to build your own set, but I wouldn't recommend using the bass strings since they're designed for a much longer scale.

 

[What is Sleep]

Thanks oh so much for this information! That will more than likely help my overall sound on the guitar. How do I go about ordering custom string sets? Do they sell a 0.080 (or somewhere close) guitar string?

 

[DrKev]

If you live in the US, UK or France, you can order any gauge string you want direct from the Ernie Ball online store.

 

[What is Sleep]

Thanks for the information guys! I ordered a sets of 0.064 and 0.074 strings. It isn't the 0.080 I'd hoped for, but these will more than likely sound better than the bass strings I have on my guitar at the moment!

 

[DCStingray]

No prob! Glad to help.