Changing to thicker strings?

Joel Meredith · From: Portland,Oregon, USA

I've got an early 70's student ZB and I've always put Earnie Ball Pedal Steel strings on it.
For a while I've been interested in putting on thicker strings for more of a rock / Sneaky Pete type of sound.
My question is, what brand and/or gauge of strings do people recomend and what type of adjustments or issues would I run into if I went to a thicker gauge of strings?
Thanks in advance,
Joel

Jon Light · From: Saugerties, NY

A simple rule of physics is that for plain strings, a heavier string brought up to the same pitch will require less changer movement to change pitch. A .012 on the 3rd string G# will require a shorter pull to A than an .011.
Wound strings are complicated by the unknown factor of what is the gauge of the core? So it's hard to present a rule of thumb. But for sure you will need to tune your levers and pedals. I have no idea how a ZB student works so I can't comment on the wisdom of messing with it. Otherwise, on a modern all pull guitar I'd say go for it. Can't hurt to experiment (well, it can hurt if you bust a piece of chicken wire strung to a gazillion lbs/ft.)
Among the things that you are messing with is the overall balance of sound. You could find that, for instance, the 5th string is a lot louder then the 4th or 6th. There is a reason that the 'standard' string sets are standard. But nothing is etched in stone.

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

I like heavier strings for a fuller/richer tone.
I have used Ernie Ball strings for quite a few years and have had excellent results. Very Happy

Ron ! · Posted 21 Feb 2008 5:58 pm

Erv....can you list the gauges that you used?I mean form string 1-10 on the e9th.I never experimented with this but I might give it a go.

thanks

Ron

Michael Barone · From: Downingtown, Pennsylvania

I’m just a 4-year re-newbie, but here is what I’ve been using since about the summer of 2006, from 1st to 10th:

.014, .016, .012, .015, .019, .022P, .026, .030, .034, .038

On string 4, changing to a .015 caused the F lever to stiffen, but I just moved the pull pin closer to the neck one notch on the pull bar to reset the action as desired. String 1 is raised only to G, so that is why I use a .014 there with no fear. During the last year and a half I had only one string break, a .015, only because I waited too long to change the set. It was a startling experience, causing me to re-learn no fear with using the C pedal.

When I change strings, care is used to gradually bring them up to pitch. I do this:
1- Clean each plain string with Flitz, install the set.
2- Tune all strings to one whole step flat (slowly), let them sit for about 10 minutes or so.
3- Tune up to pitch (slowly), let them sit for a short while again.
4- Retune to pitch, work all of the pedals and levers slowly, retune again, pause.
5- Retune and set nylon tuners if needed.

My guitar stays in tune (within a few cents) for about a week, with a minor tuning adjustment on the 3rd string once in a while. I polish the changer lightly every string change.

I use Jagwire strings, from the forum.

I don’t post much, but just thought I’d share this, since I feel that my experimentation with string gauges and string installation technique is successful with regard to how my guitar responds and what my ear hears. As Jon said, balance is affected, which is why I guess I ended up increasing gauges in this order, 3rd, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 1st. These gauges work for me.
_________________
Mike Barone
2006 Carter S10, Sho-Bud Pro-1
Hilton Pedal, Nashville 112, BJS Bar,
5 Guitars & 3 Keyboards, Effects

Smooth Jazz keyboard & Guitar on internet radio at: http://www.jango.com/music/Michael+Barone?l=0

Jody Sanders · From: Magnolia,Texas, R.I.P.

I use Frenchy's Silent Series semi-flatwound nickel. My gauges- .013P, .015P, .012P, .015P, .018P. .022P, .026W. .030W, .034W, .038W. Great tone and sustain. As I play up to 3 gigs each week, I change the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th strings every week to eliminate breakage worries and to keep the "main pulling" strings fresh so to hold their pitch better. Jody.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

You could change guages and tune down to a D9th. That would help even more than just larger string guages. Your ZB has a lot more sustain than Sneaky's Fender. To get closer to his sound, you should use a very small bar, or a hollow bar. This will reduce the sustain and give you more of a percussive sound. Also, don't skimp on the number of effects you use, especially a delay of some sort. Sneaky used one religiously.

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

Ron,
I am using gauges very similiar to Buddy Emmons recommended gauges in his S.I.T. string set.
This is what I've been using for several years:
1 - 13 gauge
2 - 15 gauge
3 - 12 gauge
4 - 14 gauge
5 - 18 gauge
6 - 22 gauge (plain)
7 - 26 gauge
8 - 30 gauge
9 - 34 gauge
10- 38 gauge
BTW: I prefer nickel strings for the wound.

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