heavy gauge & open tunings

[lazybones]

While I know that I have to lighten my touch drastically for slide, I still want more string tension. I'm now playing D'Addario XL medium top/heavy bottom (11, 14, 18, 30, 42, 52) but I'm thinking of going to 12s or 13s if possible. Should I worry about my neck when tuning open E or open A?

I once had an SG that I asked to be setup with 13s but the tech said those would snap the neck off and I shouldn't go above 12s. My LP seems more beefy around the neck joint, but I figured I'd ask first...

any comments/suggestions?

[xsouldriverx]

for electric guitar i wouldnt go above 12s. i doubt it will snap the neck (though after a big jump up you will need to adjust the neck and resize the nut) i played my electric with 12s for a while but for drop tuning mostly and saw no difference between them and 11s witha heavy bottom. 13s are just too much, even for my acoustic, which is almost always strung with 12s. if you really need the tension go with the 12s. i hate rubberband thin strings and i found no problem playing slide with 12s and 11s. i also noted that i liked playing better with a slightly larger than needed glass slide rather than a well fitting metal one.

[xsouldriverx]

for future reference i would also put this in the custom shop section. more luthiers hang out in those parts.

[lazybones]

Originally Posted by xsouldriverx

for electric guitar i wouldnt go above 12s. i doubt it will snap the neck (though after a big jump up you will need to adjust the neck and resize the nut) i played my electric with 12s for a while but for drop tuning mostly and saw no difference between them and 11s witha heavy bottom. 13s are just too much, even for my acoustic, which is almost always strung with 12s. if you really need the tension go with the 12s. i hate rubberband thin strings and i found no problem playing slide with 12s and 11s. i also noted that i liked playing better with a slightly larger than needed glass slide rather than a well fitting metal one.

Thanks for the reply. I figure 12s should be safe (13s WOULD be pushing it), but I'm really curious about anyone out there using open E or open A (tunings that might kill a guitar if I'm not careful).

[River]

I mess about with them, but on an acoustic (where I feel I have to be even more careful). I try to always tune down. You might leave a visitor message for leftyguitarman.