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Setting up a six string to BEADGB?

  • 05-12-2010 02:31PM
    #1
    MetalDog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 904 ✭✭✭


    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:


Comments

  • #2
    -Chris-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,035 ✭✭✭✭-Chris-


    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.


  • #3
    eoin5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,141 ✭✭✭eoin5


    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 :D


  • #4
    Malice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,079 ✭✭✭✭Malice


    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.


  • #5
    rcaz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,034 ✭✭✭rcaz


    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 :p

    AFAIK baritone guitars are usually around .013 guage.


  • #6
    Malice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,079 ✭✭✭✭Malice


    El Pr0n wrote: »
    That's kinda exactly the same as putting 7 string-strings on it, isn't it? Except cheaper :p
    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.


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  • #7
    Zombienosh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,911 ✭✭✭Zombienosh


    12's will do it


  • #8
    -Chris-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,035 ✭✭✭✭-Chris-


    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).


  • #9
    rcaz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,034 ✭✭✭rcaz


    -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.


  • #10
    -Chris-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,035 ✭✭✭✭-Chris-


    Yeah, way too loose for me too.


  • #11
    MetalDog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 904 ✭✭✭MetalDog


    Tons of good ideas there guys - thanks!


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