The McDonald Patent Universal String Tension Calculator

Setup, repair and restoration of Rickenbacker Instruments

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wim
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The McDonald Patent Universal String Tension Calculator

Post by wim »

As I feel the thomastik infeld strings are also a tad too high tension, I tune them down to D.
With reduced tension these strings clear up, are easier on the fingers and the neck.
The set is .010 to .044, twelve string of course.
In an attempt to calculate the reduction in tension I came upon this string tension calculator.

http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com/stringxxiii.html

Do you think it is usable to calculate string gauges for standard tuning with a total tension worth that of the dropped tuning.?

When I did this I ended up around .009 to .040 strings, but is this a correct way of working?
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kennyhowes
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Re: The McDonald Patent Universal String Tension Calculator

Post by kennyhowes »

wim wrote:As I feel the thomastik infeld strings are also a tad too high tension, I tune them down to D.
The flatwounds? Really?

Might be time for a setup on your guitar!

And if the TI set is too much, definitely don’t try the Pyramids...
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wim
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Re: The McDonald Patent Universal String Tension Calculator

Post by wim »

You will have to be more specific.
TI doesn't even sell 12 string sets, while pyramid has a few different flat wound sets.
I found TI's to sound better, but not to create a lot less tension. The set I mentioned above.

The tool calculates the tension to 98 kg
If I drop tuning to D it gives me 78 kg.

What I would like to do is create a set with about 78 to 85 kg.
I know the numbers may not be correct, but it's about the ratio
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wim
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Re: The McDonald Patent Universal String Tension Calculator

Post by wim »

This set ended up at 81,64 kg

09/09
13/13
18w/09
24w/12
32w/16
40w/20w

A set like this will surly sound brighter, but less tight.
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