What Are Balanced Tension Guitar Strings?

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 26 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 102

  • @Stringjoy
    @Stringjoy  6 років тому +17

    So I believe I got the tension spreadsheet uploaded to Dropbox correctly, download it at this link, you'll need Excel for it to work: bit.ly/tensioncalculator

    • @tommygerald7323
      @tommygerald7323 3 роки тому

      I dont mean to be off topic but does someone know of a trick to get back into an instagram account?
      I was dumb forgot the login password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me

    • @jeffersonmatthew7942
      @jeffersonmatthew7942 3 роки тому

      @Tommy Gerald Instablaster ;)

    • @tommygerald7323
      @tommygerald7323 3 роки тому

      @Jefferson Matthew Thanks for your reply. I found the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm.
      I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

    • @tommygerald7323
      @tommygerald7323 3 роки тому

      @Jefferson Matthew It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy!
      Thanks so much, you really help me out!

    • @jeffersonmatthew7942
      @jeffersonmatthew7942 3 роки тому

      @Tommy Gerald You are welcome :D

  • @Stringjoy
    @Stringjoy  6 років тому +9

    Thanks to everybody for all the great video ideas by the way, most of ours have come directly from questions you've all asked us to cover here in the comments. Y'all rock.

  • @SteelSkin667
    @SteelSkin667 6 років тому +4

    I wholeheartedly agree with that approach. I have been playing balanced tension strings for years (from an Italian-sounding competitor), they just feel so much better than regular strings.

  • @daraboy1973
    @daraboy1973 3 роки тому +1

    Where have you been all my life . I've just put a balanced set of D'Addario 10- 46 my action is low they are a massive improvement but not quite right I think the 10-48 will solve my issues . I'm ordering a set as soon as I finish writing this . StringJoy is going to be my go to from now on . The tension on the lowers will sort the other half of my issue with slight buzzing . My guitar has been leveled dressed adjusted within an inch of its life the balanced tensions are and clearly always have been the missing link .

  • @ZRJZZZZZ
    @ZRJZZZZZ 3 роки тому +5

    I applaud the mathematical/scientific analysis. Bravo!

  • @xxXthekevXxx
    @xxXthekevXxx 6 років тому +11

    Will you be releasing a version of this tension calculator on your website? It would immensely help with choosing string gauges!

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  6 років тому +8

      Check the description!

  • @DRChevalier
    @DRChevalier 5 років тому +1

    A very clear presentation that I found educational. Thank you, my questions are answered.

  • @marvymelody
    @marvymelody 6 років тому +4

    I like to use a light top heavy bottom set (10, 13, 17, 32, 42, 52) just because that way it’s a little easier to do drop tunings as well as standard tuning, and also, that way the bottom strings don’t flop around too much when you really strum them hard. Is there any way a light top heavy bottom set can be optimized, kinda like what you guys did with the 9 and 10 set?

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  6 років тому +4

      Yep, absolutely! We do this with our Light Top / Heavy Bottom set actually, the two tweaks you want to make are a .0135 for the B instead of a .013 to balance out the plain strings, and then there are really two approaches on bottom. Either moving the 5th string to a .040 from a .042 to better smooth out the tension difference between the .030 and .052 (so .030 - .040 - .052 all together), or bumping up the 6th string to a .054 (so .030 - .042 - .054 all together), will balance things out better.

    • @marvymelody
      @marvymelody 6 років тому +1

      Stringjoy cool, thanks for the info!

  • @joeyjohnson5850
    @joeyjohnson5850 6 років тому +7

    I would love to be able to download that spreadsheet to play with at home :)

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  6 років тому +2

      Try this link (click the download button, it's an excel doc): bit.ly/tensioncalculator

    • @joeyjohnson5850
      @joeyjohnson5850 6 років тому

      Thanks! You rock!!

  • @Rattnroll94
    @Rattnroll94 6 років тому +9

    Are d'addario balanced sets any good?

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  6 років тому +17

      They're better than their standard sets, but we like ours better (obviously). They don't account for the geometrical differences of plain and wound strings with their sets, so theirs are balanced purely based on the tension math. Unfortunately tension equations only take mass into account, and not any geometerical differences (what I'm talking about here are the fact that a wound string of a given mass will be more flexible than a plain string of the same mass). Long-story short: their wound strings will feel fairly slinkier than the plain strings in their sets, ours fill feel the same as the plain strings.

  • @poseidon3032
    @poseidon3032 5 років тому +1

    How do you gauge string tension or balanced string tension to the headstock one is using? Does it matter between a standard Fender, Les Paul. or even a right-handed guitar with the tuning keys on the bottom? So where does the science begin? Tuning keys, the nut, or both, including, or excluding the headstock design?

    • @the_nondrive_side
      @the_nondrive_side 5 років тому

      You don't it's not speaking length. It doesn't matter unless your doing strums on the headstock.. Telecaster style. The balance will help have the G string come back to pitch on a Trem system

  • @dockhound
    @dockhound 3 роки тому

    Re: pitch listing on spreadsheet. Assuming 5th string, 3rd fret correlates to middle C (C4) on a piano, the A string on the guitar is A4, not A3. All pitches are likely affected.

  • @SchlockstarJoe
    @SchlockstarJoe 11 місяців тому

    Does the tension start at the nut or the tuner? What about locked nuts?

  • @garettoverstreet
    @garettoverstreet 3 роки тому

    On the 10 gauge second adjustment, why not adjust the D string to find a better balance between the other five?

  • @GoDrex
    @GoDrex 5 років тому +7

    with the balanced 9 set - why not a .44 low E string?

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  5 років тому +1

      Great question! This is a tonal balance choice, a .044 in that position on some guitars can really outshine the .032 and .024w. But there's nothing wrong at all with giving it a shot on one of your own guitars, it might work great for you!

    • @TarnaBarTM
      @TarnaBarTM 3 роки тому +1

      @@Stringjoy If you have pickups with adjustable poles, you're in the money. Get a 44 and just bring the low E pole a bit down to compensate for the volume :)

  • @RobCabreraCh
    @RobCabreraCh 5 років тому +1

    As a guy who likes to have some tension on his guitar (I use 11-48s on Standard tuning), I can definitely feel that some of my strings don't feel as good as the others (mainly the A and low E strings, I could use a bit more tension there). So I have been trying some different string gauges to see where I land.
    Right now, I'm about to change to 13 - 62s with a wound G to see if I like that. And I also have a "Balanced Tension" set of 11s on the way, if the 13s don't do it for me. So I wanted to understand what tension-balanced means.
    Thanks for doing this! Great video!

    • @51MontyPython
      @51MontyPython 4 роки тому

      Did you ever try them out? What did you think?

    • @RobCabreraCh
      @RobCabreraCh 4 роки тому +1

      @@51MontyPython Yeah, I had them on for a few days and they felt great. I stopped because the strings didn't fit through the nut and the saddles correctly, and I didn't want to recut the nut just for this. I went down to 12s later and that is what I use for 24.75" scale length guitars.
      And I use Daddario balanced tension 11s on my 25.5" guitars. That's the tension I like.

    • @51MontyPython
      @51MontyPython 4 роки тому

      @@RobCabreraCh What do you mean didn't fit through the saddles?

    • @RobCabreraCh
      @RobCabreraCh 4 роки тому

      @@51MontyPython The strings were so big that they didn't go into the slots completely, they would just lay on top of the slots and buzz like crazy.

    • @51MontyPython
      @51MontyPython 4 роки тому

      @@RobCabreraCh What kind of guitar(s) do you play? Btw, after rereading your OC -- 16-62s -- did I read that right? dayumn. Are you a jazz player? SRV was known for using 13s (though they were custom -- not true 13s) but not even his were _that_ big.

  • @hybridkidd
    @hybridkidd 4 роки тому

    I'm getting different Ibs of tension calculations between the drop box tool you used in the video and the NEW updated tool you left a link for in the description box. Which one is correct?
    For example... 25.5" scale length, .42w (nickel) gauge, E2 (low E, standard) pitch generates 15.8 Ibs on the NEW tool and 14.8 Ibs on the original drop box tool.

  • @shawnadams1693
    @shawnadams1693 6 років тому

    Placed my first order today!! Two sets of .0095, .013, .018w, .026w, .034, .046 Can’t wait!

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  6 років тому +1

      Can't wait to hear what you think of 'em Shawn! Holler at me if I can help with anything at all!

  • @poseidon3032
    @poseidon3032 5 років тому +1

    Here's an issue I found. I bought a new strat guitar with a floating trem. I originally tuned it to Eb and ans set the trem as a block bridge. I decided to change it to standard, but that made the trem a floating trem. So I then had to screw the claw uncomfortably all the way in just to get the trem back down. So can you explain the ways that can go about adjusting the tension without having to screw the claw in so much? Maybe even selling springs to go along with the strings as a set?

    • @the_nondrive_side
      @the_nondrive_side 5 років тому

      Add springs. Use all five and a balanced tension set but perhaps a less tension set so from 11-50 try 10-46.. Or float it a half step..
      You probably only have 3 springs.. Get 2 more

  • @kierenmoore3236
    @kierenmoore3236 6 років тому +8

    Hey, baby - I'm just tryin' to ease the tension!

  • @josenatanaelpelayoruiz1069
    @josenatanaelpelayoruiz1069 2 роки тому

    What's the righ amound of pounds there should be to feel the strings not too tigh or loose? Around 80 to 100 pounds?

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  2 роки тому

      Totally depends on the player. Anywhere from 15-33lbs per string is normal.

  • @cursedbyzen9510
    @cursedbyzen9510 8 місяців тому

    Some people say that a little bit lower tension on the lowest string, especially when downtuning and using thicker gauges is normal and preferable, I wonder if thats true :D

  • @tigranayvazyan5974
    @tigranayvazyan5974 Рік тому

    Scott, yet another question here, if you don't mind. I've noticed that even in a balanced set, the high E always feels somewhat stiffer, less bendy, if you will, than its closest neighbors - B and G: There's definitely less give, bending seems harder etc. Why is this - I guess, it's not a tension thing because, again, even on my balanced set that stiffer feel of the 1st string is still there - so what other factor(s) cause this? And how to fix it?)
    Thanks!

    • @HaramGuys
      @HaramGuys Рік тому

      because it is thinner, even with same force, it will exert more pressure on ur fingers

    • @tigranayvazyan5974
      @tigranayvazyan5974 Рік тому

      @@HaramGuys are you sayin' that, everything else being the same, a .009 will be easier on fingers than a .008?

    • @HaramGuys
      @HaramGuys Рік тому

      @@tigranayvazyan5974 9 tuned to have 15 lb vs 8 tuned to a have 15lb, latter will feel more painful

  • @jaywells5283
    @jaywells5283 3 роки тому

    I know it’s a different balance, (but that’s why I’m asking) than the balance of a strings tension, but with balanced tension in mind, and a floyd setup, would a balanced tension set be more or less beneficial?

  • @johnnybrown9581
    @johnnybrown9581 7 місяців тому

    This is great, but it seems like you guys missed something…the string doesn’t start at the bridge and end at the nut (excluding Floyd Rose equipped guitars), it keeps going past the nut into the tuner, and into the tailpiece if we’re talking about a Gibson guitar. But no matter what guitar we are talking about, I’ve yet to see one where each tuner was the same exact distance from the nut. This is another sometimes huge variable in string tension. It’s the reason a lot of people install a reverse headstock on their Stratocasters, since the plain strings would then be slinkier because their tuners are closer to the nut, making less overall length of string.
    Also picture a guitar like a Gibson Explorer. The headstock’s machine head layout is very similar to that of a Strat. Starting from the low E to the high E, each string has increasingly more length. I feel this is a big factor in string tension, and even using a set of .009’s on my explorer makes the high E way more tense than I prefer.

  • @benjaminvalencia4228
    @benjaminvalencia4228 4 роки тому

    Do you balanced sets help in tuning stability with tremolos?

  • @marcheritier4
    @marcheritier4 5 років тому

    Very interesting and well presented . thanks.

  • @Shichman
    @Shichman 4 роки тому

    This was really helpful. Thank you.

  • @anime5h_m1shr4
    @anime5h_m1shr4 6 років тому +1

    Great video! Can you please make a video on different string materials, like Cobalt vs Steel and so on?
    Thank you, keep up the great work!! \m/

  • @echech750
    @echech750 6 років тому +1

    Do you also sell balanced tension acoustic guitar strings, if so would you say they are just as effective?

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  6 років тому

      Yep, all of our acoustic string sets use the same Balanced Tension philosophy as our electric strings!

  • @RogerBarraud
    @RogerBarraud 3 роки тому +2

    Nice video, thanks!
    Have you done a comparison of tone for the various thickness (and perhaps composition (metallurgy) and/or winding configurations/techniques)?
    I get the idea of balancing tensions, but it seems secondary to the tonal qualities, to me.
    Perhaps you could do a weighted compromise or a choice of weightings, if they turn out to be conflicting goals?

  • @itsallaroundyou7085
    @itsallaroundyou7085 3 роки тому

    I used to use strictly martin, then la Bella, just recently I started using elixir after a long time of not based on other people's opinions. Idk Bout other brands but the three of them all use the same guages per set as stringjoy. There's usually a difference slightly in the g string between sets but that's it. I know eventually I'll try these strings but they cost just as much as elixir and they're gonna wear out as fast as any non coated string.

  • @bansanofficial2877
    @bansanofficial2877 5 років тому

    Hi sir, my name is Hamebansan.
    Sir can you help me with my problem.
    My problem is that whenever I tune my guitar, my string always breaks. I have researched my problem but I couldn't find my solution 😣😣 Can you help me solve this problem. And I use to buy D'addario strings.

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  5 років тому

      Take your guitar to a local tech, they'll be able to identify the issue!

    • @bansanofficial2877
      @bansanofficial2877 5 років тому

      Ohhk sir, thanks for responding 😊

    • @poseidon3032
      @poseidon3032 5 років тому

      Can you determine where they're breaking and if they're breaking in the same spots? There's 3 or4(string trees) points of failure and any one of them can put undue stress on your strings. Might even require changing a few parts. Also, you have to stretch the strings and if you try to tune them too quickly, they'll break under the tension before they stretch. I would often tune to lower pitched alternate tunings and play a bit. Allowing the strings time to stretch before I eventually tune them to standard where I'll eventually settle in. You can try going for a lighter gauge set. I use to use .08's. I broke a lot too. It wasn't anything wrong with the guitars. I was really into metal at the time and .08 sets didn't seem to hold up to the abuse well. I ended up switching to lighter gauge picks and that did mitigate a lot of the breakages. Also consider the metallurgy of your frets and strings. There's nickel and there's steel for examples. Steel is harder than nickel. If you're using nickel strings, steel frets will wear them out faster. Also steel strings will wear down nickel frets much faster than if you had used nickel strings instead, eventually leading up to the need for fret redressing, leveling, and/or and even full replacements. It really is a custom recipe that you're putting together yourself. You're tuning a lot more than just strings. At some point, your guitar will be an extension of you, easier for you to play, but uncomfortable for anyone else, depending upon how far you go with your personal setup.

  • @echech750
    @echech750 6 років тому

    Would balanced tension guitar strings prevent warping of most guitar necks?
    I have an old catalog guitar with NO truss rod and am concerned if these balanced strings would help in the long run.

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  6 років тому +1

      I have to admit I don't have much experience with guitars without Truss Rods, but generally just having lower tension is going to be key with that. Balance is good, but it won't have a huge effect as we're really talking about a difference of a few lbs.

    • @xxXthekevXxx
      @xxXthekevXxx 6 років тому +1

      Get the lightest set of strings you can find lol

    • @echech750
      @echech750 6 років тому

      Yeah, but the scale length is 3/4 size, and anything lighter than a 12 gauge is like string cheese. The guitar is holding up well with 12 gauges, but I might try a balanced set of 11.5

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  6 років тому +1

      With that shorter scale it should be able to handle 12s or 11.5s just fine, just keep a reaaaallllly careful eye on it.

  • @kimmolingonheimo
    @kimmolingonheimo 4 роки тому

    all this jargon and still the wound E is loose, WHY?

  • @josephesposito3499
    @josephesposito3499 6 років тому

    64 Million dollar question? Do your 009's balance better then your 010's? Will wound G work with 009's or better with 010's? Thanks...

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  6 років тому +1

      Hey Joseph! Both our .009s and our .010s balance very well, they just have different levels of tension overall. You can use a wound g on a .009 set, however it will have a bit more tension on it than the plain strings in the set.

    • @josephesposito3499
      @josephesposito3499 6 років тому

      Thanks, can I ask one more question? I asked you about using a wound G and you gave me some custom gauges that you would use...if I want to use your .010 balanced set...with a wound G...would the tension match, as well as the custom gauges you gave me? .0095 / .013 / .018W / .024w / .032 / .044 - these are the gauges you suggested based on my love of Pete Townsend style chords & violin like leads...would your balanced 010.s work as well or better, with a W .018 as opposed to the custom gauges you gave me? Thanks ps. Chords & tuning stability are more important to me, than fast leads......

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  6 років тому +1

      Of course! And yes that .018w would work even better on a set of 10s in place of a .017 than it would on a set of .0095s

    • @josephesposito3499
      @josephesposito3499 6 років тому

      OK, thanks I'm going to order a couple of sets by the end of this week, as well as a couple of wound G's...thanks again!

  • @the_nondrive_side
    @the_nondrive_side 5 років тому

    I just buy D'addario sets. Weird but sensible path to it.. Started with 7-38 moved up with hybrid slinky... To heavy tops skinny bottoms but at some point switching acoustic to electric back and forth the G string tension differences really threw feel out.
    G string tension can be 30lbs or more on some wound acoustic sets and only 15lbs on an electric set with and equivalent E string.. So a 10-52 vs a 12-52 set.
    Lately running 11-50 and 12-52 balanced tension sets and switching doesn't take adjustment..
    I have a short scale acoustic guitar that I have noticed prefers the D and G tension to be much higher.. 12-53 and literally the same B and e as my regular acoustic just heavier middles

  • @Moonwizard420
    @Moonwizard420 6 років тому

    7000th sub! :)

  • @charlesjayatilaka6952
    @charlesjayatilaka6952 6 років тому

    YO Stringjoy.!!! XD Bruh...Your stuff are crazy awesome, fun nerdy educational and just epic :P Appreciate it loads. \m/ :D Cheers.

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  6 років тому

      Thanks for saying to Charles!

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  6 років тому

      err, saying so

  • @marvymelody
    @marvymelody 6 років тому

    Also, how does string tension work for multiscale guitars? For instance, on a 25.5”-25” scale neck?

    • @xxXthekevXxx
      @xxXthekevXxx 6 років тому

      As the scale gets longer, the tension gets higher for the same gauge string tuned to the same note.

    • @xxXthekevXxx
      @xxXthekevXxx 6 років тому

      I’m curious what guitar has a 25.5”-25”? Usually it’s >25.5”-25.5”

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  6 років тому +2

      Like Kevin said, tension will increase as the scale gets longer. That said, typically it isn't enough to merit an adjustment to your strings, it will just help a typical string set sit a little better than otherwise. This is different of course if you have a really extreme multi-scale, but those aren't super common.

    • @marvymelody
      @marvymelody 6 років тому

      imhandumdrehen yep, that’s what I was referring to. Love me some Strandbergs.

    • @marvymelody
      @marvymelody 6 років тому

      Stringjoy awesome! Thanks for the info!

  • @robmurrah3224
    @robmurrah3224 3 роки тому

    I would prefer a balanced volume set.

  • @adamkahn8645
    @adamkahn8645 6 років тому +1

    your apple is showing ;)

  • @lavinhotchandani
    @lavinhotchandani 5 років тому

    Come on...seriously???!!! You do know that although the lower strings do show higher tension, it wont't actually feel so to our fingers due to their larger diameter, as the the tension would be spread out over a larger surface area...right? So then why balance them for the sake of even math, while forsaking richer tones?

    • @Stringjoy
      @Stringjoy  5 років тому +1

      We account for this in our balanced tension sets. I believe we talk a bit about why we do so in the video.

  • @Nightdare
    @Nightdare 6 років тому +5

    There's something very wrong with a video about guitar strings where all we have is some guy behind a laptop

    • @Ausf.D.A.K.
      @Ausf.D.A.K. 5 років тому +5

      No, it's not. Maybe you're not bright enough to understand what this guy says. That's your problem.