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Thread: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

  1. #1

    Default GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    Hi All,

    I've been playing tenor guitar out of GDAD for a bunch of years, and have a couple questions about string gauges as I don't know much about tension calculation and don't know how to make the online calculators work.

    I've always used 42 30 20 14 for GDAD and have been very happy with it. That said, I wonder how balanced the set actually is tension wise, and if something could be pushed one way or the other to balance things out a little more. Any thoughts?

    Also, I'm interested in building a set of FCGC (whole step down) strings at the same tension as my 42 30 20 14 GDAD sets (or perhaps the tension adjusted set from the above question). What gauges would I be looking at for FCGC?

    In case it matters, I play old Martin 0-18T's.

    Thanks very much!
    Baron
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  2. #2
    Registered User Steve Baker's Avatar
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    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    Go over to McDonaldstrings.com where you'll find a string tension calculator. That will give you a good picture of the tension on your instrument with the current set-up. Then it's a simple matter of factoring in new string gauges until you come close to matching the current load in the new tuning. It's an interesting exercise; have fun.
    Steve

  3. #3

    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    That website isn't coming through for me.

    Thanks,
    Baron
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  4. #4
    Registered User Francis J's Avatar
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    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions


  5. #5
    Registered User Seonachan's Avatar
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    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    I have a 0-17T set up FCGD; I don't know the gauges offhand but can measure them when I'm home.

    I tried playing around with the McDonald calculator and the D'Addario one, but they gave different results! The best I could come up with, coming closest to your current tension at GDAD, would be 48/34/22/15. But in my experience these calculators don't always result in the same feel under your fingers when you apply the results. If I were you I'd start by simply detuning to FCGC (maybe you've done this already) and gradually upping the gauge on any string that feels too loose and weak. Maybe some of your original gauges will feel just as good or better tuned down a step.

    The calculator puts your 2 outside strings at 18-19-ish psi, and the 2 inside at 21-22. On a vintage Martin, a nice light build with no adjustable truss rod, I would recommend staying at or under these tensions - good for the neck and (imo) the sweet spot for resonance and sustain.

    tl;dr - go by feel and ear, adjust accordingly

  6. #6
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    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    How do you get the McDonald calculator to work for a 4 stringed instrument?
    - Jeremy

    Wot no catchphrase?

  7. #7

    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    Thanks very much! I would be interested in those FCGD gauges when you get home. I have tuned down and it's nice but too floppy for my taste.

    The D'Addario calc stops working on the last step on my computer and the McDonald calc is a little too confusing for me, hence the interest in hearing some opinions.

    Thanks,
    Baron
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  8. #8
    Registered User fox's Avatar
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    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    Ok my favourite subject.... for the most even tension based around a 23" scale. Or as close to 20lb a string as possible would be 14p 18w 30w 45w.
    I have been using a 18w for the last few months and I like the efffect and feel, I find a 20w quite tight and the most likely string to break.
    For FCGC try 15 20 32 48 or 14 20 32 50.

  9. #9

    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    Thanks Fox!
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  10. #10
    Registered User Seonachan's Avatar
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    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    Looks like mine are 48-32-24-15 for FCGD. I tuned the D down to C and it's not too loose for my taste. According to the calculators that G is heavy, but it feels fine.

  11. #11

    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    Thanks for the update! I've ordered a bunch of different gauges and will report back with my findings after some playing around with it all.

    Thanks,
    Baron
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  12. #12
    Registered User fox's Avatar
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    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    Quote Originally Posted by derbex View Post
    How do you get the McDonald calculator to work for a 4 stringed instrument?
    It takes a little bit of learning to get to grips with the system, if you want GDAE for tenor guitar... one way would be to click on 'short scale bouzouki' .... change the scale to 23inch (you need to include the word inch). Change the D to E and just use the half the info.

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    derbex 

  14. #13
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    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    I was looking at CGDA so I used the 5 string mando setting, the bouzouki setting didn't like the high A
    - Jeremy

    Wot no catchphrase?

  15. #14

    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    Well, I got a bunch of strings in the mail today and currently have it strung 46 32 20 15 and am really enjoying it!

    Thanks for all the help!
    Baron
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  17. #15
    Registered User zoukboy's Avatar
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    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    FWIW I use this one: http://www.bangzero.org/beta/

    It allows you to specify the scale length, pitches, and gauges and returns tension in pounds. You can also use mass per unit of length data instead of gauge. I use it all the time and have found it very helpful.

  18. #16
    Registered User zoukboy's Avatar
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    Default Re: GDAD / FCGC string gauge and tension questions

    len 23"

    D4 .014" PL == 20.52#
    A3 .020" PB == 21.5#
    D3 .030" PB == 22.05#
    G2 .042" PB == 19.33#
    total == 83.41#

    C4 .015" PL == 18.7#
    G3 .022" PB == 20.79#
    C3 .032" PB == 19.71#
    F2 .046" PB == 18.18#
    total == 77.39#

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