Testing String Tension

[UnityGain]

I'm contemplating a longer scale lower tuned electric mandolin, but want to get some idea of what the fingering will be like and how stiff/floppy string guages will be. I was wondering, if I use a guitar and capo on the 5th fret, I'll get an effective string length of about 19 inches, and then take me low E string at about .56 and tune it down/up untill I get the note I'm looking for (G for example) will that string now exibit the same tone and tension carateristics as if it was a .56 on a 19inch scale tuned to G? Or are there any other factors at work? I'd really like to use this method to help me decide on a scale length/tuning/string gage combination that I like because I have a few different options floating around me head and I'd like to narrow them down, hopefully by doing some actual testing and playing.

[alt_2ooning]

Toy around with numbers relevant to your question in the the included link.

http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com/stringxxiii.html

[John Flynn]

There is a downloadable string tension calculator here:
http://www.kennaquhair.com/

These tools are great and I use them all the time (there is another one online for nylon strings), but like anything, they are not perfect and I have had mixed results with them. I have had strings that should work according to the software wind up with way too much tension and I have had strings that should not work actually do just fine. Another caveat is that these programs don't seem to apply at all to T-I strings. The programs would say that T-Is should have a lot more tension than they actually do. There may be other brands that do not apply to also.

So I have the general rule that if the software comes up with the same answer the manufacturer lists in the specs, a change in the gauge for same kind of string will be pretty accurate. If not, it is suspect and I proceed with caution.

[UnityGain]

yeah, I know how to calculate string tension, but I want to feel not calculate it. I have no idea what 23.467 lbs of tension feels like compared to 21.530 lbs of tension, or when a string gets to floppy to sound good to my ear or feel good to my fingers. I'm wondering if I can replicate the feel of different scale lengths, gages, tunings, etc... on a guitar by tuning down and capoing.

[John Flynn]

I get what you're going for. I think your approach would be somewhat valid, but I also think it would not be exact. The neck angle, neck relief and string height can all have an effect on the subject feel of string tension, as well as the tone, and those factors may not be the same on your guitar as they will be on the mandolin. For instance, at a given scale length if you have a really flat neck and low string height, a light string might seem too flabby. But with a little more neck relief and/or string height, it may sound great and still feel good. Conversely, a heavier string might seem to have too much tension, but if you lower the action, it plays great and still sounds good. Also, the width and thickness of the neck, as well as the radius of the fretboard seem to make a subjective difference in feel of string tension, even though they have no real impact on the actual tension or sound. Also if you are going to paired strings, that's a difference too. I find single strings feel heavier than a double course, even if all the strings are the same gauge and length, because the singles bite into my fingertips more. YMMV. But it's worth a try. I'd do it if I were contemplating such a project, but I would also use the software. It's all good, but there's always trial and error involved.