String Tension

[Gothika777]

I've got 3 electric guitars, an esp ec1000 and a prs custom 24 and a 50 pound strat copy. My esp ec1000 is alot easier for me to play as the strings are not as tight and while the strings of the prs and the strat are tighter and this makes it harder to alternate pick fast and to express my self. I was wandering what can be done about my prs? (note: i've never got my guitars set up properly)

[H.E.L.Shane]

ONE.. get your guitars set up properly.... but you will need to give the tech some info when you take the guitars in.

NOW THEN....

The Strat has a 25.5" scale... the ESP has a 24.75" scale and the PRS has a 25" scale..

IF the string gauges are the same on each guitar, the ESP will have the loosest strings because the scale is the shortest. This is because a shorter string needs less tension to reach the same pitch.

This is why most of the guys that down tune usually use a 25.5" scale (or longer!) The longer the scale the more tension will be on your string when you drop two notes.

Now then.. a larger string gauge will also require more tension to reach the same relative pitch, which is why I use Ernie ball skinny top heavy bottom on my stage guitars which are downtuned to drop-C

Now then.. The PRS... try a lighter gauge of strings or drop tune it a half step, or both!

The action may be higher on the prs as well.. (just cause its a PRS doesn;t mean its going to automatically play well... A properly set up Eppi LP will kick the snot out of a poorly setup PRS singlecut!)

[Gothika777]

If I wanted to learn how to set up my guitars what would u suggest?

[Exluthier]

I can't stand Dan Erlewine but his Guitar Player's Repair Guide is about as good as it gets if you want to learn to set up a guitar.

[Gothika777]

I guess i could get the book and try and set up my strat copy, as round here a set up will cost me £69, 20 more than i paid for the guitar

[zeppelin101]

Originally Posted by Exluthier

I can't stand Dan Erlewine but his Guitar Player's Repair Guide is about as good as it gets if you want to learn to set up a guitar.

Whether or not you like the guy, his book is the definative source for these things.

[monsterwalley]

Originally Posted by H.E.L.Shane

ONE.. get your guitars set up properly.... but you will need to give the tech some info when you take the guitars in.

NOW THEN....

The Strat has a 25.5" scale... the ESP has a 24.75" scale and the PRS has a 25" scale..

IF the string gauges are the same on each guitar, the ESP will have the loosest strings because the scale is the shortest. This is because a shorter string needs less tension to reach the same pitch.

This is why most of the guys that down tune usually use a 25.5" scale (or longer!) The longer the scale the more tension will be on your string when you drop two notes.

Now then.. a larger string gauge will also require more tension to reach the same relative pitch, which is why I use Ernie ball skinny top heavy bottom on my stage guitars which are downtuned to drop-C

Now then.. The PRS... try a lighter gauge of strings or drop tune it a half step, or both!

The action may be higher on the prs as well.. (just cause its a PRS doesn;t mean its going to automatically play well... A properly set up Eppi LP will kick the snot out of a poorly setup PRS singlecut!)

I'm glad this thread came up. The guitar I built for my daughter was scaled down to 84% with a 20.706" scale neck. "Camille small build" thread. I noticed that the strings never had as much tension as I thought it should. I installed 9's on it since she is starting out, I wanted it to play easy for her. I know I can't play it without too much pressure making the notes go sharp.

So, I should be able to install 10's on it and get more tension. She would still be able to play it fine since the neck is a shorter scale is that correct?

[Gothika777]

Just to let u know the books on order now! I know the string tension is definately to high as the tremelo bridge thing is at quite a steep angle relative to the top of the guitar where as it should be nearly parallel I think.

[Exluthier]

Cool. The trem can be adjusted by tightening the spring claw in the back, though with heavier strings you may need to add a spring.

[Loserface300]

quick question.... do 24 fret 24 3/4 scale equipped guitars have a stiffer feel......

[Ole'Lefty]

No-same feel-the scale isn't changing, just the extra fretting opportunity.O'L