Maximum uneven string tension?

[tjnx]

I'm thinking about piecing together some custom string sets, mostly going much thicker on the low end and leaving lighter gauge strings on top. How much variation can I get away with mixing light and heavy strings?

Is there any risk of twisting the neck over time if I go too extreme?

 

[FourT6and2]

I'm not a string expert. But what I would do is use the D'Addario string tension calculator to see the individual and total string tension for a standard set, given your guitar's scale length and tuning. Then use the calculator to adjust each individual string to your desired gauge and see what the difference is. I think I read somewhere that, ideally, you'd want somewhere around 15-20 lbs. per string, with a total of about 115-120. So see what the number show.

 

[phillybhatesme]

This is what I use. If I’m playing a Gibson, I’ll toss a 56 on the low D.
I’d love some additional tension on the B but I don’t find myself picking the B string alone for too long to notice the lower tension.

15-20 pounds @FourT6and2 lol
115-120 total? Lollll.

My necks are straight.
My truss rods behave.

 

[VonBonfire]

I'm thinking about piecing together some custom string sets, mostly going much thicker on the low end and leaving lighter gauge strings on top. How much variation can I get away with mixing light and heavy strings?

Is there any risk of twisting the neck over time if I go too extreme?

I don't know there is an exact answer to this but I would think it's related to what kind of neck you got. Pretty sure a wizard or slim taper carve will twist quicker than a five piece fatback carve would.

 

[FourT6and2]

15-20 pounds @FourT6and2 lol
115-120 total? Lollll.

It's really not that controversial. I understand what OP is asking, regarding higher tension on one side of the neck or the other. Look at any typical set of 10s in standard or 11s in a drop tuning. That's the tension you find. And it's just a starting point, no need to freak out about it.

For example, right from D'Addario's website:
"The 11-56 set is designed to maintain a comfortable playing tension when tuning down a whole step..."

 

[tjnx]

I'm not a string expert. But what I would do is use the D'Addario string tension calculator to see the individual and total string tension for a standard set, given your guitar's scale length and tuning. Then use the calculator to adjust each individual string to your desired gauge and see what the difference is. I think I read somewhere that, ideally, you'd want somewhere around 15-20 lbs. per string, with a total of about 115-120. So see what the number show.

My tension is already pretty low as I've tuned down to G std on a 7 string. There are definitely some tradeoffs but I'm not near the 15-20lbs and its working great. My tension is actually so low that I was worried there could be an issue of having a 'normal' tension split with the extra looseness but the neck is pretty robust.

I know there are a few guitarist that have swapped out pretty big strings for 7s so it probably wont be a problem? I tried the GHS custom light set that is 9-62 and the 62 was starting to push it getting through the stock tuning peg, so the next step or two up may require a mod or swap. But just curious if anyone else has experimented with this or if there was a general rule.

I don't know there is an exact answer to this but I would think it's related to what kind of neck you got. Pretty sure a wizard or slim taper carve will twist quicker than a five piece fatback carve would.

That's a good point to consider. Its got a wide neck so I think it will be hard to twist

Brandon Ellis went up on his 7 for Cannibal Corpse because its a shorter 26" scale length. Sounds like some guys are doing 13 to 74 on the max but I guess I should try to match the ratio with my set / tuning.

 

[phillybhatesme]

It's really not that controversial. I understand what OP is asking, regarding higher tension on one side of the neck or the other. Look at any typical set of 10s in standard or 11s in a drop tuning. That's the tension you find. And it's just a starting point, no need to freak out about it.

For example, right from D'Addario's website:
"The 11-56 set is designed to maintain a comfortable playing tension when tuning down a whole step..."

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No, apparently I chose violence when I woke up and we're sworn enemies now.