gerardo1000
Well-known member
I understand that if I use tenor strings the tension could be too high. What if I use concert strings ? Thank you for your advice.
can I tune a baritone to cGEA using concert strings?
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UkeStuff
Well-known member
People do all kinds of things.
I personally try to buy strings that are created for that application. I'm not a big fan of gCEA on baritone, but I understand those that want it.
In that case, I'd recommend that you buy gCEA strings for your baritone (they are out there) which are matched for the length of the instrument plus the tension needed to hit that higher pitch that DGBE. I would think that concert strings would be stretched out too long on baritone (if they even fit) causing even greater tension to tune to gCEA. I don't think it would hurt the baritone (especially if it had a truss rod), but I'm not sure it would feel good to play.
I personally try to buy strings that are created for that application. I'm not a big fan of gCEA on baritone, but I understand those that want it.
In that case, I'd recommend that you buy gCEA strings for your baritone (they are out there) which are matched for the length of the instrument plus the tension needed to hit that higher pitch that DGBE. I would think that concert strings would be stretched out too long on baritone (if they even fit) causing even greater tension to tune to gCEA. I don't think it would hurt the baritone (especially if it had a truss rod), but I'm not sure it would feel good to play.
gerardo1000
Well-known member
My reasoning is that, being concert strings lighter in gauge, they should create less tension, not more tension. But I am not sure, that is why I am asking for opinions!
UkeStuff
Well-known member
Someone once suggested stringing a tenor with soprano strings to lessen the tension; I'm not sure how that would work. The soprano strings will be thinner, and then be required to stretch further to reach the same pitch, which should result in higher tension. At least in my world.
On a similar note, baritone strings, placed on a soprano, should be thicker, and with less tension for the scale (a reduction of 5-7 inches), the tension would be less than that of a baritone (and the strings should feel floppy).
Ken Middleton is really the master of this domain; it would be interesting to ask him about this thoughts.
gerardo1000
Well-known member
Thank you for your comment. I also have a Kala super tenor (19" neck) and if I follow you, it would be better if on this instrument I use baritone strings (meant for 20" necks) instead of tenor strings (meant for 17" necks)? The teason why I am asking this question is because Kala customer service recommended me to use tenor strings for their super tenors, not baritone strings... I am confused!
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UkeStuff
Well-known member
I'd have a hard time saying, "Better." In the case of your super tenor, how is it tuned? Or how do you plan to tune it?
gerardo1000
Well-known member
super tenor is tuned cGEA, high g re-entrant tuning. Kala says I should use regular tenor strings, which are supposedly made for 17" long necks. But super tenors have 19" long necks.
UkeStuff
Well-known member
If it were my instrument, I would order Baritone gCEA strings for that application...and probably contact Ken Middleton at Living Water Stings and see what he would recommend.
Thinner strings give lower tension, thicker strings give higher tension. This is an absolute fact, check any of the string tension calculator websites, ie : D’Addario.
I have used concert gauge strings on a baritone to tune it gcea, it will work. Problem being is length, check before you blindly tie off at the bridge. You can use double length like Worth, sacrificing the second section. As Choirguy says there are companies that make baritone sets for this purpose.
I have used concert gauge strings on a baritone to tune it gcea, it will work. Problem being is length, check before you blindly tie off at the bridge. You can use double length like Worth, sacrificing the second section. As Choirguy says there are companies that make baritone sets for this purpose.
cdkrugjr
Well-known member
Yes, and it works well. Remember you're both adding length and raising pitch, so you'll want light strings for this application.
My current strings on my erzatz Renn Guitar (Kala Spruce-top bari) are Worth clear, Low G. The downside as mentioned is length. Worths justify their high cost by claiming you get two sets out of each, which isn't true as I'm using them.
Sometimes I like the longer scale for "normal" non-Renn music, and sometimes I prefer the sound of a low-G Tenor.
The Jazzy Ukulele videos are done on a Low G Baritone because he likes the scale length.
My current strings on my erzatz Renn Guitar (Kala Spruce-top bari) are Worth clear, Low G. The downside as mentioned is length. Worths justify their high cost by claiming you get two sets out of each, which isn't true as I'm using them.
Sometimes I like the longer scale for "normal" non-Renn music, and sometimes I prefer the sound of a low-G Tenor.
The Jazzy Ukulele videos are done on a Low G Baritone because he likes the scale length.
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