Heavier Guitar Strings

[Shinji Hirako]

I've been wanting to switch from .011 - .049s ( D'Addario EXL115 ) on my Les Paul to a heavier bottom string set. I tune to a standard tuning typically, sometimes Eb, Drop D, and Drop C#.. Well since my set of strings have failed me and broke, I've decided to purchase a heavier set of strings.

I know the best route is to buy both, test, and decide but I figure I'll save 5 bucks and just ask your opinion on the matter.

I'm torn between two sets of strings, D'Addario EXL116 and D'Addario EXL117.

EXL116 consists of... .011, .014, .018, .030, .042, .052. That's from the treble e to the bass E.

EXL117 consists of... .011, .014, .019, .032, .044, .056. That's again from treble e to the bass E.

Anyone who has experience with either is encouraged to reply!
My only concern is with standard tuning I'm confident that the EXL116 set with be fine for standard tuning but I am curious of the EXL117... would that work well for standard tuning? That's basically all I'm hoping to find out.

I don't want to be limited to only Drop D style tunings, has anyone ever tuned a set of similar strings ( W/ similar scale length to a Gibson Les Paul ) to standard tuning w/o any difficulties?

Thanks to whoever replies

 

[BornToLooze]

I used to use DR DDT 11s in standard and they're 11 to 54, so you should have no problem with either set.

EDIT: I also used to use the Dunlop Zakk Wylde set, which is 10-60, but that was getting a little too heavy.

 

[Shinji Hirako]

Alrightt thanks

I'm just hoping these things will fit in the nut once I get them

 

[snaredrum]

i do drop D with no problems with a .050 string. - use the GHS gilmour boomers that he puts on his goldtop.

 

[snaredrum]

i honestly think that once you get past ~.052, it's just because you can...

 

[patrickBOOTH]

I personally don't know how anybody can play with light strings. Not only do heavier ones sound better I find that the resistence actually helps you control things like vibratos better. I just think I play better when I have to work a bit harder.

 

[335Reasons]

I personally don't know how anybody can play with light strings. Not only do heavier ones sound better I find that the resistence actually helps you control things like vibratos better. I just think I play better when I have to work a bit harder.

OK, vibratos I agree, but bends is an entirely different matter. 10's have been known to go up 2+ steps. Correct me if I'm wrong but heavier strings are prone to breakage more often, especially if you pick near the bridge and bend at the same time. Anyway the OP should decide himself after experimenting with heavier gauges. He might want to use heavier strings and tune half a step down. Nevertheless if you play with other musicians you have to make sure others are able to comply. YMMV

 

[patrickBOOTH]

The only time I have ever broken a string is if they were really old and needed to be replaced anyway.

 

[River]

I just think I play better when I have to work a bit harder.

Masochism or machismo? Not much difference, I suppose.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Masochism or machismo? Not much difference, I suppose.

More the former than the latter.

 

[NovaSDF]

I had gone from .10's to .11's on my SG to get rid off buzz, then a poster on here suggested Dunlop "Heavy Core" strings. They are stiffer than normal strings and designed to stay stable with drop tunings. Tried those in .10's and they feel more like .11's when you play them. Very impressive strings, and I absolutely love them.

When changing string size, remember there's more to it than the nut. Heavier gauge strings require more tension force to bring them to pitch, so it's possible you may have to also readjust your truss rod and action height. Didn't make a huge difference on my LP when I was playing with different gauges from .09 to .11, but an enormous difference on the SG. Even when switching from GFS Boomer's in .10 to the Dunlop Heavy Core .10, I had to tighten the truss almost 3/4 of a turn.

 

[Shinji Hirako]

I know I'll need to adjust the truss rod on my guitar, that will just take a little time to do and is easily adjustable. I will have to tighten it some, adjust my action, and of course intonation after changing my strings but I'll brave though the annoying set up stuff

 

[InfiniteeZ]

You may have to Hollowfy to play those heavy gauges!

/only OP will get this

 

[snaredrum]

i play thicker strings to work my arthritis. seriously.

i mean, the tonal contribution is awesome, but it's physio really

 

[broke_player]

I use Ernie Ball Heavy bottoms.

.010 .013 .017 .030 .042 .052


I typically tune down half a step. The lighter strings E, B and G are easy for bends while the lower three E, A and D give me that heavy chug sound I like. Best of both worlds.

 

[BornToLooze]

Alrightt thanks

I'm just hoping these things will fit in the nut once I get them

A 56 will still fit in the nut, at least on mine, but the 60 didn't really fit in it.

 

[Shinji Hirako]

You may have to Hollowfy to play those heavy gauges!

/only OP will get this

LMAO. I'll possibly have to use my bankai also

 

[Shinji Hirako]

A 56 will still fit in the nut, at least on mine, but the 60 didn't really fit in it.

I really hope so ! I'll be against doing any "nut work" myself.

And yeah, those Zakk Wylde Gauges, the extreme ones, are anything but normal for a guitar

 

[randelli]

use the ghs gilmour boomers that he puts on his goldtop.

+1

 

[Zoosadist]

EXL117 for drop C#