Why do baritone guitars need bigger strings?!

[Tawlks]

If the standard gauge for a 6 string guitar tuned to E on say a 24.75 scale is 10-46, then if tuned to A would need something like 13/14 - 58 strings, or so I'd assume.

So assuming Baritone tuning is implied to be A, then why are 13-72 gauge strings used, especially with the extra tension from extended scale. Tawlks just does not understand.

 

[gbsmusic]

Less buzzing

 

[Jordon]

Proper intonation and tension. The scale has a large impact on the tension, but not as large as you'd think.

Example:

PRS CU22 (25" scale) tuned drop B (B, F#, B, E, G#, C#) with 11, 15, 19p, 36, 50, 60 gauge strings.

PRS Mushok Baritone (27.7" scale) tuned drop A# (A#, F, A#, D#, G, C) with 12, 17, 22p, 38, 52, 62 gauge strings.

The tension is actually quite similar on both guitars despite the scale, tuning, and string gauge differences.

 

[glassjaw7]

I've played baritone axes in drop B and B standard with EB skinny top heavy bottom sets and it sounded great.

 

[Tawlks]

Proper intonation and tension. The scale has a large impact on the tension, but not as large as you'd think.

Example:

PRS CU22 (25" scale) tuned drop B (B, F#, B, E, G#, C#) with 11, 15, 19p, 36, 50, 60 gauge strings.

PRS Mushok Baritone (27.7" scale) tuned drop A# (A#, F, A#, D#, G, C) with 12, 17, 22p, 38, 52, 62 gauge strings.

The tension is actually quite similar on both guitars despite the scale, tuning, and string gauge differences.

I guess that makes sense but I still find it kinda hard to believe. Thanks.

but I don't get how on a 25.5 scale, in A# the bottom string would be a 58 or something. :S a 72 on the EB set seems ridiculous to me, even without the extra scale.