String gauge issue

[LukeJackson]

Hey guys, quick question
I went to the shop to pick up a new A string (80 - 95) but the guy gave me a D (60 - 75) a 70 to be exact, now i don't have time to head back there so is it possible to use it a A string? i tune to drop A# but on a 5 string so i tune up.
Thanks for the help

[Grand Wazoo]

You probably can but, your D string will have a very tight tension, will be likely to snap, and put extra pull on your neck requiring for a truss rod adjustement.

Finally when you pluck your strings that D will feel odd, as it will be a lot tighter than the rest of them. If I were you, I'd go back to the store and get the right string for the job.

[LukeJackson]

i guessed as much well time to rush around tomorrow thanks for the advice

[Vibrating G String]

Wouldn't it be less tension and not more? He'll be detuning a D to an A.

[Grand Wazoo]

either way it's a bodge, if that is the case he would end up with a flappy string that will sound like a rubber band compared to the other strings.

[charic]

Lower gauge = less tension if I read this right.

[Ou7shined]

I think the moral is, don't buy stings in dribs and drabs, get a full set at a time then there won't be any confusion.

[Mykesbass]

[quote name='Ou7shined' timestamp='1321436131' post='1438995']
I think the moral is, don't buy stings in dribs and drabs, get a full set at a time then there won't be any confusion.
[/quote]

Agree with this - I had to replace a D string on a gig once - the difference in tone and volume from the new string was so huge and so off putting I changed the rest of the strings in the break.

[Twigman]

[quote name='Ou7shined' timestamp='1321436131' post='1438995']
I think the moral is, don't buy stings in dribs and drabs, get a full set at a time then there won't be any confusion.
[/quote]

Not necessarily - I recently bought a 'set' of strings which were supposed to be 100/80/65/45 but in the bag were 100/65/65/45
A packing error

[mcnach]

and don't ask for a "D string"... specify the gauge you want...