I'm getting my new SX2 today. What tunings work with the stock strings? I'm mostly interested in Dobro Open G or C6 OR versions of those tunings tuned up or down but with the same intervals between strings?
What strings would you recommend for C6 for an SX2? (Do these strings work for Dobro Open G too)?
Thank you! Doug
What tunings work with SX2 stock strings (Dobro Open G, Open D, C6)???
Moderator: Brad Bechtel
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Doug Anderson
- Posts: 11
- Joined: 9 Mar 2025 5:43 am
- Location: Minnesota, USA
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Doug Anderson
- Posts: 11
- Joined: 9 Mar 2025 5:43 am
- Location: Minnesota, USA
Re: What tunings work with SX2 stock strings (Dobro Open G, Open D, C6)???
according to the web page, the stock strings on the SX2 are
12-52 (.052w .036w .030w .024w .018 .012) and it is tuned to Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
12-52 (.052w .036w .030w .024w .018 .012) and it is tuned to Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
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Michael Kiese
- Posts: 127
- Joined: 17 Jul 2023 12:27 pm
- Location: Richmond, Virginia (Hometown: Pearl City, HI)
- Contact:
Re: What tunings work with SX2 stock strings (Dobro Open G, Open D, C6)???
Hi Doug,
I always recommend that players use a string tension calculator. There are many free apps and websites.
Here's one:
https://tension.stringjoy.com
You just input your specific tuning and the scale length of your guitar. Then it gives you the tension of each string in foot pounds.
After experimenting, I found 15 ftlbs too low and 30 ftlbs too high. There is a guy on the forum that likes 30 ftlbs of tension for each string. There's no right or wrong, it's just what you like.
If the tension is too low, then the strings will lack volume. If the strings are too tight, then sustain suffers. There are no solutions, only tradeoffs.
It's all just what you like. I recommend 25 ftlbs per string as a starting point.
Use a string tension calculator to create a custom set of strings, and then buy single strings at your local guitar store, or order them online.
If you order strings online, you can create a couple of different sets of strings, that way you take advantage of the shipping you're paying. For example one set each of 30 ftlbs, 25 ftlbs, 20 ftlbs, and 15 ftlbs. Then try 'em out and see for yourself.
Once you discover what tension you like, you can then experiment with different types of strings e.g. Roundwound, flatwound, rollerwound.
Also there are strings made of different alloys. Hours of fun going on a journey of self discovery.
Enjoy!
I always recommend that players use a string tension calculator. There are many free apps and websites.
Here's one:
https://tension.stringjoy.com
You just input your specific tuning and the scale length of your guitar. Then it gives you the tension of each string in foot pounds.
After experimenting, I found 15 ftlbs too low and 30 ftlbs too high. There is a guy on the forum that likes 30 ftlbs of tension for each string. There's no right or wrong, it's just what you like.
If the tension is too low, then the strings will lack volume. If the strings are too tight, then sustain suffers. There are no solutions, only tradeoffs.
It's all just what you like. I recommend 25 ftlbs per string as a starting point.
Use a string tension calculator to create a custom set of strings, and then buy single strings at your local guitar store, or order them online.
If you order strings online, you can create a couple of different sets of strings, that way you take advantage of the shipping you're paying. For example one set each of 30 ftlbs, 25 ftlbs, 20 ftlbs, and 15 ftlbs. Then try 'em out and see for yourself.
Once you discover what tension you like, you can then experiment with different types of strings e.g. Roundwound, flatwound, rollerwound.
Also there are strings made of different alloys. Hours of fun going on a journey of self discovery.
Enjoy!
Aloha,
Mike K
Mike K
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Doug Anderson
- Posts: 11
- Joined: 9 Mar 2025 5:43 am
- Location: Minnesota, USA
Re: What tunings work with SX2 stock strings (Dobro Open G, Open D, C6)???
Mike....Thanks for the response. I appreciate all of the details.
Thank you! Doug
Thank you! Doug