String Gauges/Scale Length?

Sonny Jenkins · From: Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx

Would a shorter scale require a smaller gauge or a larger gauge? i.e. if a 25" scale needed a .018 for a C note,,,would an 18" scale need smaller,,,,or larger gauge?

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

The longer the scale, the more tension on the strings.
So, on a longer scale use lighter strings.
For a shorter scale, use heavier strings. Very Happy

Erv

Tom Spaulding · From: Tennessee, USA

Hi Sonny-

D'Addario makes a string tension app that can help. When asked, chose "Yes", then type in "pedal steel" in the Search field.

It will show you the EPS490 and EPS500 sets.

For E9 gauges, use the EPS490 set as a baseline, for C6 use the EPS500.

You can tweak the scale length, and string material (nickel, stainless steel, NYXL) and once the app runs the calculations, you can get a recommended set of gauges for your scale length/tuning.

Works great for any non-standard tunings, too.

http://stringtensionpro.com/

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