Help! Which strings to use for tuning down 1/2 step!?

[Papa J]

Hi, first post!

I play tuned down 1/2 step (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb low-high). I use Power Slinky 11s on my Les Paul and it feels great to me. But I am having a problem finding the right strings for my Gibson Nighthawk with Floyd Rose (pictured).

It has a 25.5 scale length and I found that the Power Slinkys felt too slack. I have since been using Beefy Slinky 11s, but these have too much tension and bending is a nightmare!! I am thinking of trying Not Even Slinky which are 12s, but not sure.

Thoughts? Any help is much appreciated

 

[Papa J]

Thnking about it, I guess the Not Even Slinky 12s would be even worse! Maybe regular Slinky 12s?? I hope this is making sense, lol...

 

[DCStingray]

Hi Papa J!

Welcome to forum! If Beefy Slinkys felt too stiff, I would not recommend Not Even Slinkys. In order to get something between those sets, you'll probably have to get some singles to make a set. Can you tell which string(s) feel too stiff?

I ask because some players that buy Beefy Slinkys swap a 20 gauge plain string for the G-string instead of the 22 gauge that comes in the set.

-Chris

 

[Papa J]

Hi,

That's an idea because I am happy with the bass strings, it's really just when I need to bend one of the 1st 2 strings lower down the neck. Thanks, I will try this!

-JP