strings

[dtapper]

i'm making a 8 string bass into a tapper, so i'm wondering if i should just detune my strings a whole step so i can have normal tuning or do i need to get strings made that are that tuning so i don't have floppy strings? just for the record my tuning is eadg on melody & BEAD on bass side, uncrossed. i have 26 frets so i will have 2 octives. my thoughts are a dampner at 1st fret so i will have open tuning, so to say, at 2nd fret. i not sure if short scale strings would work in this or not, how long is short scale? all advice welcome & needed thanks.:confused:

[lactose]

You might find these helpful:

http://www.pacificsites.net/~dog/StringTensionApplet.html

http://www.cs.helsinki.fi/u/wikla/mus/Calcs/wwwscalc.html

http://www.liutaiomottola.com/formulae/tension.htm


I believe you usually want around 15 lbs of tension on a string. On my megatar, I set the damping material so it half way muted the strings. So I got some muting, but was also able to hammer / pull and get the bottom note.

[dtapper]

i'm checked out the string charts & i'm having some trouble making heads or tails of it (hayseed) does anyone have an idea on the best gauge for ADGC which would be a detuning of a whole step lower than a 5 string?:confused:

[Tom Drinkwater]

You should measure the scale length first. Then go to daddario.com and check out there string tension guide. I have been doing alot of research on strings lately too. If you have any questions about the tension guide I may be able to answer them. Get ready for a few hours of calculator work. It should give you a good idea of what strings you need.

[dtapper]

i finally got the info i needed toget started. a gent on another forum i belong to has a bass that's set up similar to the bass side of what i'm wanting to do so i'm on my way! i want to thank lactose & tom for their help on this subject.:D