Question Which strings to choose...

[dracou]

Hi all,

I have an LTC EC-2005 (30 years anniversary) and an LTD H-1000 Deluxe, both with EMG81 pickups. On my EC-2005 (edit: EC instead of EX), I have 10-13-15-26-36-46 strings, and it is tuned in a half step down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb) and I feel that the strings are a little too much flabby. For the Deluxe, I don't know it exactly which strings are on it but I'm tuned in drop C# (C#-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb).

So the situation is that we need to tune our guitars in my band, again, a half step lower in order to play in D (D-G-C-F-A-D) and drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D). I'm looking for a normal or classic "string-tension" and I whish that the 3rd (normally G string) keeps being "plain steel" (no nickel wound).

1. Which strings do you suggest for the EC-2005 in D (D-G-C-F-A-D) as 10-13-17-26-36-46 is a little too flabby for me?

2. Which strings do you suggest for the Deluxe in drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)?



Thanks in advance for any help.

Regards,

JB

 

[Greg Suarez]

Tuning below D will run you into problems on a standard scale neck length. What makes your situation even more challenging is your EX is based on a Gibson design, which means it also mimics Gibson's shorter neck scale (24.75"). Your H-1000 is a 25.5" scale (common Fender scale) which will help more in drop tunings, but still be a problem at C# and lower.

I had this discussion with another board member in the past. Tuning any lower than D, even with very thick strings (with wound G strings), is a losing battle unless you have a baritone guitar. Baritones were designed for lower tunings since their necks have a scale length of at least 26.5". This extra length provides the tension required to give the strings more tautness so they aren't floppy and unplayable.

I would not recommend tuning any lower than drop D unless you have a baritone guitar.

 

[dracou]

Hi,

I wrote EX, but I have an EC-2005 (Les Paul body).
Anyway, I note your suggestion to go with a baritone guitar.

For info: I've put 11.52 on my EC-2005 in D and it seems to be just good.
For the drop C (H-1000 Deluxe), I've put some 13.56 (with wound G indeed) and I'll have to test because I feel that it's buzzing when I play without amp.