Wednesday, May 20, 2009

String Tension 101: Open tunings, scale length variety and more...

Hey everyone, for this week's blog I've chosen a subject that is one of the most requested and least understood... String Tension. Okay, okay... not the most exciting stuff, but is pretty cool if you're into drop/alternate tunings or want to explore trying different string gauges with different scale instruments, for example.

D'Addario has always openly shared string pitch/tension/alloy information with the public. In 1999 we published the first known String Tension Guide, which has grown to be the most popular download from the web site. We often get questions related to the tension guide and how it works. In some ways, it's very simple, but can get as complicated as you need with detailed scientific formulas to determining very specific results. To assist with sorting through the potentially intimidating information, I've written a String Tension 101 article, which helps describe the logic and explains how to effectively use the content contained in the guide. The link is attached above.

Also, while we are on the topic of strings, check out our most popular videos on proper stringing techniques hosted by master luthier and published author, John LeVan.

I hope this information is helpful and easy to understand, but if you have any questions, post away. We have acoustical engineers and string design experts on hand to answer your toughest questions. Enjoy! Brian

13 comments:

  1. Someone told me you're coming out with a flatwound set for mandola and octave mandolin. I can't wait!!!

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  2. I use the EXL140 with an added 0.68 on a 25"1/2 scale 7string. I want the same tensions on my 27" scale 7string. What product would suit me well?

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  3. I also heard you were coming out with new flatwound sets! ... and also can't wait!

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  4. I buy single flatwound Chromes for my 5-String electric and love them. Putting together a set for 5-string isn't too difficult since my instrument (Mann EM-5) takes ball end strings.

    Now, if I had an option for loop end strings for my other 3 acoustic mandolins, well that would be great. These are great strings and I think they would be a welcome option for the mandolin community at large.

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  5. I will enthusiasctically support a possible new loop end flatwound string set for Octave Mandolin and mandola. Please offer them!

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  6. +1 for loop end flatwounds from me: the alternative TI sets are great, but at £30 a set here in the UK, way too steep on the price. Making the D'Addario flatwounds available as loop ends would really corner this market IMO.

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  7. Flatwounds for 20"-26" scale Octave mandolins, and Bouzouki's???

    Heck Ya'! Count me in as a customer if they come to be...

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  8. Plus one for Flatwound Mandolin family, especially if you'll include wound second strings in mandolin sets.

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  9. Count me in for flatwound strings for Octave Mando... !!!!

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  10. Many Mandola (Octave Mandolin) players in mandolin orchestras in Australia suffer from lousy G strings, which do not have enough tension to give good tone and volume. At the same time, they do not want to demolish their roundback instruments with too much tension. A set of flat wounds with a slghtly heavier G string would be great - with loop ends, of course! d.g.milne@hotmail.com

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  11. Add my voice to those calling for options in OM strings. The J80s are just don't work in an ensemble or mandolin orchestra setting, certainly not on my shorter-scale (20.5") instrument. There are really no options out there - c/mon folks, D'Addario should lead the way.

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  12. Hi,I have gone through your blog..and found some awesome work done by you...thanks for showing those beautiful stuffs..cheer up!!'N' keep up the good work.!

    g string set

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  13. I am hopeful that someone can explain the "magic number" of 386.4 that is used in the D'Addario string tension documents. I have not been able to reconcile the D'Addario equation to the classic tension equation that uses Newtons, meters and N/m as units. Thanks.

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