Setting up a six string to BEADGB?

MetalDog · 05-12-2010 02:31PM #1

Right guys, just asking if any of you have ever set up a six string guitar to BEADGB? basically the same as a 7 string but without the high E?

If so, what kind of string guage/set up/ do you need and do you need a new nut?
Thanks.

And please no smartarses telling me to "just buy a 7 string" :pac:

-Chris- · 05-12-2010 02:39PM

Buy a set of 7-string guitar strings and bin the high E.

You'll probably have to file out the nut. You'll have to reset your intonation.

It's not that big a deal imho.

eoin5 · 05-12-2010 02:46PM

Its likely it would need a full setup and a bit of work on the nut. As for strings get a normal 7 string set and you'll have a spare high E if you've got another guitar. What kind of a guitar is it?

edit: ^^ beaten to it

Malice · 06-12-2010 01:19PM

You could also just try detuning your regular 6 strings down 2.5 steps but you'd probably need a fairly thick gauge to do that to ensure they stay in tune and that enough tension remains.

rcaz · 06-12-2010 05:57PM

Malice_ wrote: »

You could also just try detuning your regular 6 strings down 2.5 steps but you'd probably need a fairly thick gauge to do that to ensure they stay in tune and that enough tension remains.

That's kinda exactly the same as putting 7 string-strings on it, isn't it? Except cheaper

AFAIK baritone guitars are usually around .013 guage.

Malice · 06-12-2010 06:56PM

El Pr0n wrote: »

That's kinda exactly the same as putting 7 string-strings on it, isn't it? Except cheaper

True but I'm a cheap kind of guy

.

Well not really since I would just go and buy a seven string guitar and save all the nut filing and messing with strings.

Zombienosh · 07-12-2010 11:00AM

12's will do it

-Chris- · 07-12-2010 11:07AM

Ernie Ball Regular Slinkys are .010 .013 .017 .026 .036 .046 .056 for 7-string.

Or you could buy a set of Not Even Slinkys which are 6-string and .012 .016 .024p .032 .044 .056

Depending on what you're used to the Not Even Slinkys might be a little light (or perfect, depending on your preference).

rcaz · 07-12-2010 11:18AM

-Chris- wrote: »

Depending on what you're used to the Not Even Slinkys might be a little light (or perfect, depending on your preference).

I have Not Even Slinkys on my Jazzmaster, they're not that heavy... I'd imagine they'd be very loose at B.

-Chris- · 07-12-2010 11:38AM

Yeah, way too loose for me too.

MetalDog · 08-12-2010 12:32AM

Tons of good ideas there guys - thanks!

Setting up a six string to BEADGB?

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