Baritone tuning question

[Geedub]

I recently acquired an Ibanez acoustic baritone strung as follows:

.070
.059
.047
.030
.022
.016

I usually play it in A standard or B standard but would like to go up to either C standard or open C tuning. I'm assuming it is "safe" but want to be certain I'm not over tensioning anything.

Am I safe to go up to either Open C or C standard?

[Steve DeRosa]

Ask the manufacturer first, but IMO you might want to go with a 15-66 set for C tuning - probably need to cherry-pick the gauges yourself...

[Me&MyGuitar]

You can use this very nice calculator by D'Addario to calculate exactly the overall tension with any string set at given scale lenght and all the other variables:
http://www.stringtensionpro.com/

[Geedub]

Originally Posted by Me&MyGuitar

You can use this very nice calculator by D'Addario to calculate exactly the overall tension with any string set at given scale lenght and all the other variables:
http://www.stringtensionpro.com/

Thanks for the link. I entered my data and it returned values as follows:
(Note: To minimize confusion I inverted the string order to match the output from the website.)

Gauge: Tension
.016 7.33
.022 31.12
.030 23.76
.047 31.56
.059 21.91
.070 11.83

How do I apply this information?

[Mycroft]

Knowing your scale length would probably help.

I prefer a .068 low on my 28" scale usually tuned B to B. I could tune it to C but would not leave it there (more likely would use a capo.) You might look for a .066 and give that a whirl.

TW

[Geedub]

Duh on the scale length:

It's 27"

And double Duh on the capo .

[Me&MyGuitar]

Originally Posted by Geedub

Thanks for the link. I entered my data and it returned values as follows....
.....
How do I apply this information?

You should check the overall tension configuring calculator for each tuning, see teh differences and in doubt ask the builder....
I keep my baritone tuned in A and stringed in half-Nashville tuning; that means
having the 3rd and 4th strings substututed with lighter ones and tuned up an octave, I feared an excessive tension but it turned out it is only about 156 lbs.
Keep in mind that a light gauge string set gives on a standard scale guitar an overall tension of about 175 lbs....

[dberkowitz]

In designing many baritone guitars of various scale lengths (albeit, I've never made a 27"; I have done 27.5-29.75 for a fan fret), what I find useful is to take the D'Addario recommendations as a starting point and then you're going to have to use your ears and your hands. Try to get in the same general ballpark of tension at your scale length and pitch (frequency) using the string calculator. String it up and listen -- do the strings sound balanced when played open and with the same attack? Do they feel the same, i.e., to they feel like they have the same tension even if they don't actually have the same tension? Try a gauge or two up or down to balance the set. Once you're happy, you'll need to have a new saddle cut so it will intonate.