I know there are plenty of online string tension calculators, but they usually specify wound or unwound as part of the calculation. A 0.026" string tuned to G2 (the G on a six string at standard tuning) is about 35 lbs and specified as "wound". Now, I can get 0.026 unwound strings and would like to swap out the wound 26 for an unwound 26.The question is "what is the string tension of an unwound string tuned to G2 on a 25" scale?

Since the inner wire of a wound string is smaller that 0.026" I assume it would reach tune at a lower tension than a larger wire (0.026 unwound". Problem is, I haven't found any information on this.

Anyone know how this would be calculated?

Views: 862

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

My personal observation is that plains of the same gauge as a wound, at the same note, feel quite a lot stiffer. I also find that heavy plains under lot of tension sound quite dead, and don't seem to sustain as well as the equivalent wound string. Maybe that's just my perception, but there's no arguing with the physics of the actual tensions exerted.  From the  d'Addario tension charts (I use d'Addarios a lot, but not exclusively) the figures are 32.8 lbs for a wound .026 , and 38.7 lbs  for a plain .026. These figures are for a 25 1/2 inch scale, nickel wounds.

This is nearly 20% more tension for a plain string, so you can expect to feel that difference quite clearly..which may be a good or bad thing, depending on what you are looking for.

Thanks ChickenBone, Wayfinder.

I was thinking of the plain string mainly for slide playing.

I was able to go over to www.StringTensionPro.com and play around with strings. I started with the A'ddario Phospor Bronze acoustic light set which has a 0.024" wound G string. At a scale of 25.5 it is listed to have 30.06 lbs of tension. Using their on line app, I was able to swap out the wound 0.024 for a High Carbon Steel 0.024 plain string. The tension calculation for this was 33.04 lbs. that's about a 10% increase in tension going from the wound to the plain. I don't think that gets into the "scary" tight range, so I may give it a test to see how it sounds and how it affects slide noise.

I'll pass along the findings when I get some strings.

Thanks for the help.

BTW, that StringTensionPro web site is amazing for doing "What if" kind of things.

http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf

I found this. You might find what your looking for in all that.

Thanks, Paul.

I had found that chart, but it is a bear to read. Maybe my screen just can handle it.

I think the String Tension Pro web site is close to what I need.

Information overload. It was a bit much. LOL

I know have a reason for forgetting dates that are important to my wife. It's all because of the computer age.

How do you do your fish scale measurements? is it just a matter of tuning the string on your guitar then measuring tension with, say, one inch of string deflection?

Anyway, I found that the StringTensionPro.com side provides the information that I needed. The three lb difference between a wound 24 and a plain 24 is quite acceptable.

Now I need strings so I can see how it sounds and feels.

Archery scale makes perfect sense.

I've tried a ton of different string brands and (although it is subjective) I've found D'Addario strings to sound good and last a long time. I recently sprung for a set of their EXP coated strings. They are supposed to last four time as long as regular un-coated. They certainly sound good. We'll see about longevity.

I currently use either D'Addario EXPs, or Elixirs, on my commercial gits almost exclusivly. They do last. For months. That's playing them, hard, 3-4 times per week. Then again, I only change 'em when I snap my G string...

So to speak.

Yes, they're more expensive. I wouldn't recommend them for a 3- or 4-string CBG, just because of that. Which doesn't mean I haven't tried them. My Swampy has EXPs on it. I also wouldn't recommend the coated strings for slide use; you'll wear the coating off very quickly.

Thanks for the review. I hadn't considered the effect of slide play on a coated string.

RSS

The Essential Pages

New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources


Forum

crossover guitar.

Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 21. 11 Replies

Tune up songs

Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies

Duel output jacks

Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies

How to Get Your Own Music on Spotify

Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 21. 2 Replies

CB Bass Guitar

Started by Mi Rankin in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Justin Stanchfield Jan 27. 5 Replies

Latest Activity

A.D.EKER commented on Dar Stellabotta's video
Thumbnail

A Cigar Box Guitar Six Stringer Built by Louie Lamanna

"i See Your ready to Blow away the GRAND STADIUM ! tree strings more of DAR DELIGHT !! Shine Girl !…"
5 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

Im Troubled (Tribute) Mc K Morganfield by BCB - A.D .Eker 2024.

"Thank you for the kind comments Doug! Glad you liked the Picture !"
5 hours ago
BrianQ. commented on Dar Stellabotta's video
10 hours ago
BrianQ. liked Dar Stellabotta's video
10 hours ago
Southern Ray commented on Southern Ray's photo
Thumbnail

Project Punch!

" Thank ya again Keith!"
12 hours ago
Southern Ray commented on Southern Ray's photo
Thumbnail

Punch Project!

" Thank Ya Keith!"
12 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on AGP #'s photo
Thumbnail

AGP #527 - ''Led-Zep 2''

"This build really strung you along Alan! Reminded me of all my fishing line experiments; a lot of…"
14 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

Im Troubled (Tribute) Mc K Morganfield by BCB - A.D .Eker 2024.

"Diggin’ the slow blues. I like that last pic Andries! Look at all those cool guitars. Yeah!!!"
14 hours ago
Dar Stellabotta posted a video

A Cigar Box Guitar Six Stringer Built by Louie Lamanna

This video is the unboxing and the demonstration of a beautiful, six stringer built by Louie Lamanna. Join Louie and I June 15 at the second annual Pittsburg...
15 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
Thumbnail

Hail the Resurrection Day: 2-String Violin Chugger Cigar Box Guitar

"Happy Easter to you too Andries! The passion is definitely in full swing. Turns out I’m…"
16 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
Thumbnail

Hail the Resurrection Day: 2-String Violin Chugger Cigar Box Guitar

"Happy Easter Doug ! the Passion is in full swing !"
16 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on Ricky D's photo
16 hours ago

Music

© 2024   Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

\uastyle>\ud/** Scrollup **/\ud.scrollup {\ud background: url("https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963882636?profile=original") no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;\ud bottom: 25px;\ud display: inline !important;\ud height: 40px;\ud opacity: 0.3 !important;\ud position: fixed;\ud right: 30px;\ud text-indent: -9999px;\ud width: 40px;\ud z-index: 999;\ud}\ud.scrollup:hover {\ud opacity:0.99!important;\ud}\ud \uascript type="text/javascript">\ud x$(document).ready(function(){\ud x$(window).scroll(function(){\ud if (x$(this).scrollTop() > 100) {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeIn();\ud } else {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeOut();\ud }\ud });\ud x$('.scrollup').click(function(){\ud x$("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: 0 }, 600);\ud return false;\ud });\ud });\ud \ua!-- End Scroll Up -->