#1
|
|||
|
|||
Tenor Guitar Tuning Conundrum
I just finished building a tenor guitar and put on some D'Addario J66 strings. All is fine except for string 1.
According to what I've seen online, it should tune up to C3, G3, D4, A4, which I expected to be ascending notes from the C below middle to the A above. However, string 1 would simply not go that high. It topped out at F# and broke. I put it back on and tuned it up to A3 where it is reasonably happy, but this means the tuning goes up from C3 to D4 and then back down to A3, which is functional, but kind of odd. Is this correct, or have I got a defective string? |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
What's the scale length? On my Blueridge BR-40T, I can get the high A with the J66 set. You have to tune it slow, bit by bit. And it will still break from time to time. I carry a package of extra .010 strings with me to each gig, just in case.
The scale length on the blueridge is 22.75 inches. If your scale length is longer than that, you will have a very tough time getting the high A. You could try a lighter gauge string...If your scale length is longer, you could try down tuning a half step or more.
__________________
http://www.seanrydermusic.com Eastman E10OO Eastman E1D Eastman E1OM Martin 000RS1 Eastman PCH-GACE Recording King RP-06 Blueridge BR-40T Tenor Gold Tone TG10 Tenor |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Ah, my scale length is 25". I figured I'd be OK with the tuning because on the pack of strings, it says that the tension measurements are based on a 25 1/2" scale, so I assumed my tuning would match.
For now, I'll just leave string 1 the octave lower. Sort of an inverse ukulele thing. D'Addario was kind enough to replace my broken string. Thanks very much for the insight. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Figured it out
Actually Tenor Guitars have a 23 in scale & the tension measurements are based on a 23 in scale. Keep in mind that the Tenor Guitar scale length needs to be 23 inches (or less) to help keep the tension of the High A String down. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Tune it like a baritone uke. Then it'll actually get played.
|
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Figured it out
The old J66 String set used a 25.5 in scale for the tension measurements but that's a a Standard 6 string Scale Length, it's way too long for the High A String. Tenor Guitars usually have a Shorter scale length that matches that of a Tenor Banjo at 23 inches so the newer version (renamed as EJ66) now uses 23 in scale for tension measurements.
|
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Update
Quote:
|
#9
|
|||
|
|||
C G D A:
.036 .024 .016 .010
Can vary slightly according to scale length.
__________________
stai scherzando? |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Try an .028/.018/.012/.008 custom set - JustStrings.com has the strings you need in bulk, for less than what you'd pay for a few EJ66 sets...
__________________
"Mistaking silence for weakness and contempt for fear is the final, fatal error of a fool" - Sicilian proverb (paraphrased) |
#11
|
||||
|
||||
Well the original post was 2015 so the OP may not be seeing this now.
__________________
~~~~~Bird is the Word~~~~~ Martin D-41, Larrivee L-19; Gibson L-130; Taylor 614-ce-L30; R Taylor 2 H&D Custom OM; Bauman 000 Cervantes Crossover I; Kenny Hill 628S; Rainsong Shorty SGA; CA GX Player, Cargo; Alvarez AP70; Stella, 12-string; 2 Ukes; Gibson Mandola; Charango, couple electrics |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
I wonder if it would be possible to just lock threads that have not been posted on for five years or thereabouts.
__________________
stai scherzando? |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
Figured it out
Actually the J66 String set had a typo on it, the tension measurements are actually based around a 23 inch scale not a 25.5 in scale.
|
#14
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|