missclarktree
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Post by missclarktree on Dec 16, 2013 17:29:14 GMT
The Seagull website recommends that strings should only be altered by one gauge either way, otherwise it could put the wrong amount of tension on the neck. But don't alternative tunings create a much bigger difference in tension? Does it matter?
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Dec 16, 2013 19:52:00 GMT
I'm guessing a bit Alison, but most alternate tunings I would use tend to lower the pitch of the strings (at least the heavier ones) which is why sometimes heavier gauge strings can be used. I think if you were to try to tune up too much with a heavier gauge then that would place increased strain on the neck.
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Post by bellyshere on Dec 16, 2013 20:31:33 GMT
Tuning guitars differently can mess with the neck. When I was younger and only had one guitar I used to tune it all over the place and didn't really care much about the neck. Nowadays I have guitars set up by my man Frazer for specific tunings. Slight variations in tuning wont harm too much though.
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missclarktree
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Post by missclarktree on Dec 16, 2013 22:22:04 GMT
So if keep a specific guitar for alternative tunings and compensate with appropriate string gauges, perhaps it's not too big a risk to the guitar. I was just thinking some people on here have expensive guitars and how devastating it would be if they got damaged.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Dec 16, 2013 22:31:34 GMT
You don't need a specific guitar for alt tunings, but it can be convenient. Oh yes, and it's a good excuse for another guitar! Keith
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Post by bellyshere on Dec 17, 2013 8:31:37 GMT
The man is right. You don't need another guitar but it's what I tell the misses as to why I need more guitars.
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leoroberts
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Post by leoroberts on Dec 17, 2013 9:14:18 GMT
You don't need a specific guitar for alt tunings, but it can be convenient. Oh yes, and it's a good excuse for another guitar! Keith Known, I believe, as 'The Dougie MacLean Defence'
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Post by colan on Dec 17, 2013 9:16:16 GMT
The Seagull website recommends that strings should only be altered by one gauge either way, otherwise it could put the wrong amount of tension on the neck. But don't alternative tunings create a much bigger difference in tension? Does it matter? If you want to play guitar with character you have to let it know who's boss. If it won't work for you it's the wrong guitar.
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missclarktree
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Post by missclarktree on Dec 17, 2013 18:09:30 GMT
If you want to play guitar with character you have to let it know who's boss. If it won't work for you it's the wrong guitar. Ah - Mr Steve! One of my heroes. He could make music out of an old shoelace.
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Post by colan on Dec 17, 2013 20:33:30 GMT
I'm sure he could. Looking at your opening post again it seems to me that Messrs. Seagull should have mentioned that strings come in different tensions as well as different gauges. That enables some heavier-gauge low-tension strings to be tuned higher than the note they were manufactured for without exerting a greater pull on the guitar than other, higher-tension, strings might. When I used alternate tunings- for the purposes of syncopated bass thumbing- I only had two; dropping the bass E to D or raising the bass D to E. Cranking up the D string a tone never caused a string breakage or any guitar damage. Then again, I've never thumped a Seagull.
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windminstrel
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Post by windminstrel on Dec 18, 2013 15:01:57 GMT
... I am sure I heard a deep groaning noise from the very depths of my guitar once when I tried re-tuning from DADGAD to 'standard' tuning. I immediately re-tuned and all was well again.
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missclarktree
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Post by missclarktree on Dec 18, 2013 17:11:05 GMT
I'm sure he could. Looking at your opening post again it seems to me that Messrs. Seagull should have mentioned that strings come in different tensions as well as different gauges. That enables some heavier-gauge low-tension strings to be tuned higher than the note they were manufactured for without exerting a greater pull on the guitar than other, higher-tension, strings might. When I used alternate tunings- for the purposes of syncopated bass thumbing- I only had two; dropping the bass E to D or raising the bass D to E. Cranking up the D string a tone never caused a string breakage or any guitar damage. Then again, I've never thumped a Seagull. Thanks, Colan. I have no plans to try funny tunings yet, but will bear that in mind if I ever do. I just thought if Seagull are so particular about string tension on a relatively cheap guitar, how much more risky to try it with an expensive model. PS I also have a phobia of truss rods, which I hope isn't infectious.
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Akquarius
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Post by Akquarius on Dec 18, 2013 18:19:48 GMT
Maybe the whole thing has something to do with Seagull's Set-Neck System. I'm no guitar technician, but as far as I now their integrated set neck system is kind of different. Though I never noticed anything weird on my S12. link
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missclarktree
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Post by missclarktree on Dec 18, 2013 18:54:15 GMT
Maybe the whole thing has something to do with Seagull's Set-Neck System. I'm no guitar technician, but as far as I now their integrated set neck system is kind of different. Though I never noticed anything weird on my S12. linkI'm somewhat blinded with science after reading all that, but they seem to be saying that the neck and the headstock systems are designed to make it stronger, so I don't really understand why they advise a limited range of string tension. Best play it safe and do what they say.
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davewhite
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Post by davewhite on Dec 18, 2013 19:03:01 GMT
The Seagull website recommends that strings should only be altered by one gauge either way, otherwise it could put the wrong amount of tension on the neck. But don't alternative tunings create a much bigger difference in tension? Does it matter? Alison, They don't quite say that on their website. This is what they say: "Can I use a heavier string gauge other than the Phosphor Bronze Lights you ship the guitars with? Yes. You can go up or down one gauge, usually without needing to readjust your truss rod, however if you use a much heavier or lighter gauge this will put different amounts of tension on the neck so an adjustment may be needed. When changing string gauge allow some time for the guitar to settle and then if needed have the truss rod adjusted by a qualified technician."
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