String Tension 101 Page 3
ADVERTISEMENT
1
2
3Here is an example of how to use this tension guide:
Let’s say you play a D’Addario EXL110 set, which is made up of the following strings:
Note
Diameter (inches)
Tension (in lbs.)
E
.010 plain
16.2
B
.013 plain
15.4
G
.017 plain
16.6
D
.026 wound
18.4
A
.036 wound
19.5
E
.046 wound
17.5
Now, if you want to drop tune your low E down to D, here’s how you determine the correct string diameter
to replace the low E:
1. Find the correct alloy and string type chart. In this case, an XL wound nickelplated steel string.
2. Find the current string on the XL nickelplated steel chart and find the current pitch column E.
XL - Nickelplated Steel Round Wound
Item#
Unit Weight
c
B
A
G
F
E
D
C
NW039
.00027932
32.2
28.7
22.8
18.1
14.3
12.8
10.1
8.0
NW042
.00032279
37.2
33.1
26.3
20.9
16.6
14.8
11.7
9.3
NW044
.00035182
40.5
36.1
28.7
22.7
18.0
16.1
12.8
10.1
#1
NW046
.00038216
44.0
39.2
31.1
24.7
19.6
17.5
13.9
11.0
NW048
.00041382
47.7
42.5
33.7
26.8
21.2
18.9
15.0
11.9
NW049
.00043014
49.5
44.2
35.0
27.8
22.1
19.7
15.6
12.4
#2
NW052
.00048109
55.4
49.4
39.2
31.1
24.7
22.0
17.4
13.9
3. Move down from E to your desired new pitch of D on the chart column.
(See #1)
4. Under the D column, locate the tension measurement that is closest to the standard set tuning,
which in this case is 17.5 lbs.
(See #2)
5. Reference the accompanying string gauge that closely matches 17.5 lbs, which in this case is
NW052 at 17.4 lbs.
6. Therefore, the correct string to use for drop D tuning is an NW052.
Using this method, you can substitute for any string in a set or custom-design gauges for open tunings. Fully
understanding string tension can be a valuable tool in improving your instrument’s performance and
increasing the variety of tonal and textural options you have.
ADVERTISEMENT
0 votes
Related Articles
Related forms
Related Categories
Parent category: Life