Just De-Tune a 6 String or Go To A 7 String? Opinions!!

[angelspade]

It's going to be a personal choice. I was big on 7's and baritones years ago but have in the last 5 years or so abandoned them and just use heavy strings and tune most of my 6's down to B standard. I really haven't noticed a big problem with intonation that you hear about or sloppiness. They play and feel great to me. That said I have just purchased a project baritone neck and body for an low A and lower axe I'm going to piece together. 7's are cool for a different feel and I don't negate the fact that I could own another in the future, but ultimately I had issues switching live between the two. They do have their place though.......it depends on what you need...

Forgot about Baritones.

I really struggled in the studio with my Gibson explorer tuned to drop B. Logan Mader was producing us at the time, and he strongly suggested that I try a 6 string baritone (ESP VB-400) with 12-52 GHS boomers with the wound 3rd...I gave it a try as I just couldn't get used to a 7 string...Hated it. I went home and spent the weekend with the ESP. GREAT recommendation...the tuning stability, articulation and tone were greatly improved, and I ended up growing into REALLY digging the guitar. Became my main live axe for the next 3 years. just my experience.