Guitar Setup for Drop A tuning

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Zork
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Guitar Setup for Drop A tuning

Post by Zork »

Hi, I plan to set up my Flying V (24.75 scale) in sort of a Drop A tuning. I want to use the Ernie Ball "Skinny Top Heavy Bottom" set (.010, .013, .017, .030, .042, .052) and leave out the .010 high string and put in an additional .068 as the lowest string. My tuning would be AEADGB and occasionally ADADGB or ADADGC.
I usually use the Ernie Ball "Burly Slinky" set (.011 - .014 - .018 - .030 - .042 - .052) with a wound .020 3rd string in standard tuning, so I figured I would have a similar feel and tension.

I already prepared a new nut for the guitar and ordered a set of nut files from Thomann with the strings to get the nut slots to the correct size. I also plan to widen the slots in the bridge saddles accordingly with the the nut files. Then I'll tweak the overall action, neck relief and pickup height properly.

Anything I else I should consider? I'm sure some of you have loads of experience with low tunings like that. Thanks for your input!
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Re: Guitar Setup for Drop A tuning

Post by Zork »

For a little bit of background story: In my band I'm playing a Bass VI in all fourths tuning and half-capoed the highest four strings in the second fret, effectively giving me EAEADG tuning. I noticed I barely play any note below A, so I'm thinking I might as well do without the inconviniences of the long scale length and the thick strings and expand the range towards the higher end with a high B or C string. The lack of "oomph" due to the thinner guitar strings and the shorter scale length should be compensatable with the humbuckers of the V instead of the single coils of the VI.
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Re: Guitar Setup for Drop A tuning

Post by Blackened Soul »

Yes.
I have literally had a Flying V set up to B standard since 1997.. and have done this to many guitars…. I use to buy singles for a 16-70 set.. and I did what you suggest with a set of 11 and using a bass D string for the B/A… anymore though… I just use the Ernie ball 13-72 baritone set… I think though if I was in dropped A all the time I’d want a 74.. but that is just me… I mean keep in mind it’s going to sound like a guitar vs longer scales get you that in between a guitar and a bass thing.. but it’s a good sound…. For a sonic reference… every crowbar album in in B standard with a couple drop a songs..


Also here is a quick play through of the v I put together a while ago string withe the Ernie ball 13-72 baritone set with SD black winter pickups

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Re: Guitar Setup for Drop A tuning

Post by Zork »

Cool, thank's for the input. I used the Ernie Ball Baritone Set before on an actual baritone guitar and had to drill out the tuner for the lowest string to fit. Worked out, bit didn't want to repeat that...

I think I like the tension of the .068 just fine so far The third string could maybe be a bit lighter, but it's alright.

Did you ever had problems with the nut? I'm afraid it might snap on the lowest strings slot due to the fat string and the pretty wild angle to the tuner.

Great playing by the way and nice video. What kind of V is that?
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Re: Guitar Setup for Drop A tuning

Post by Blackened Soul »

Thanks! It’s a precision guitar kits https://precisionguitarkits.com/product/v-type-mto
Nope never had a nut snap, but I use propped nut files…
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