I have looked through a lot of threads and many that talk about using classical guitar strings on a tenor uke for low G but can anyone tell me what the classical guitar string gauges recommended for a low G on a baritone would be?
Thanks...
I did extensive testing of various sets of classical strings that I had on hand when I was exploring fifths tuning.
Some of my findings may be helpful to you.
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com...7-Tuning-ukes-in-fifths&p=1779628#post1779628
D'Addario has an excellent web page 'String Tension Calculator' which helped me a lot to make sure that I'm not going to pull the bridge off with too much tension. Mind you, this is
NOT the old PDF file that they offered where you have to do the math yourself. You just input the values you want and it gives you the string gauges for each tension and you can adjust ALL the variables to your liking.
You can find it here:
http://stringtensionpro.com
If you look at MOST uke string sets, across manufacturers, they offer the tenor and baritone sets with tensions anywhere from about 10 to 15 lbs per string or 40 to 60 lbs per set. This is regardless of string material, be it nylon, nylgut, fluorocarbon, wound, or otherwise.
As such, from the String Tension Pro calculator, if you select CUSTOM string set, 4 strings, put in your scale length, desired tuning, and start with some known gauges/tension, and then submit it, you can go back and modify everything after it gives you the initial result.
You can then compare those results to the string gauges in the sets you have on hand, and since most classical sets I've seen list the string tensions on the package, you can make an educated guess as to which strings to use from your existing stock.
Sometimes the wizard returns an error if your selection is 'out of range' and for that you simple 'go back' in your browser a page or two and try different options, rather than start over from scratch.
For fifths tuning, that's what I did, and it involved about a half-dozen string changes to get the feel and the tone I was looking for, since not all the strings I have are D'Addario nor a perfect match to the gauges that the D'Addario wizard gives you, but this is much quicker than just guessing and doing a few dozen, very frustrating string changes without an idea of your target string gauge and string tension.
Please report back and let me know if this info helps you out.