String thickness and odd tuning

[SteveXFR]

I'm using a bit of an odd tuning on my 5 string,  drop A# so I'm tuning down the B string a semitone and tuning the other strings up a semitone. I'm using a fairly standard 5 string set with .45 to .130 gauges. Would I be better off dropping to a lighter gauge on all but the B (A#) string?

[itu]

Try this:

http://web.daddario.com/StringTensionPro/

Take a look at the string tension and vary thickness.

You may be using another brand, but this should give you a ballpark.

This is slightly older but is a good paper to have at hand:

https://www.daddario.com/globalassets/pdfs/accessories/tension_chart_13934.pdf

[PaulThePlug]

Rotosound also have tension info on their site

[Andyjr1515]

From a neck strength point of view or sound, @SteveXFR ?

5 string necks have proportionally much more timber either side of the truss rod slot (assuming one rod) and so I think one semitone either side is unlikely to cause a problem other than maybe the need to tweak the truss rod a touch.

Tone-wise, I would have thought that a gauge thickness difference would have more impact than a semitone tension change on the existing gauges, so I personally I would stick with the present strings.

 

Edited July 8, 2021 by Andyjr1515

[SteveXFR]

I was more worried about neck strength but as you mentioned, there's a lot of wood in there

[itu]

8 hours ago, Andyjr1515 said:

From a neck strength point of view or sound, @SteveXFR ?

And I was thinking about the feel! How simple from me.