Drop tunings, and scale versus total string length

[gunslinger_burrito]

Ok, so I'm wondering something. It seems to me that on shorter scale guitars, the string tension is always floppier, and vice versa. Duh. I have a baritone Jazzy tuned pretty fucking low on the low strings (FCG, low to high...) and I'm curious if you guys who own a regular scale jazzy can answer a question for me. Since the total string length is greater, even thought the actual scale is only 25.5", does it keep better tension when drop tuned?

Does my question/theory make sense?

[skullservant]

I'm not sure I understand what you're saying completely as baritone strings will be longer than standard scale strings, but depending on the gauge, I've even got my 24" Jaguar set up for G# right now. It's kind of floppy with .12's, but nothing completely out of control. I've dropped my Jazzmaster down to A without any problems too, and I'd say tension would be tied directly to string gauge. If I put .13's on the Jaguar I could still drop it down to G#, but the tension would increase for sure

[gunslinger_burrito]

What I mean is how on a Jazzy (or maybe something with a bigsby?), the strings extend much farther beyond the bridge then on something like a Les Paul or Strat. I wondered if that contributed at all to the overall tension and whatnot.

[skullservant]

Hmmm. My Jaguar is a hardtail, compared to my Jazzmaster that is not. Between NOT having a trem, and having a tune o matic, I can leave the Jaguar in a closet for months and bring it out and it be perfectly in tune. The Jazzmaster I can pretty much do the same thing, but not if I've been heavily using the trem.

[gunslinger_burrito]

I guess I'm mostly curious if the strings get .... less floppy with the trem bridge.

[MEC]

Total string length doesn't change the tension. It's the vibrating length (scale length) that matters.

The Jazzy bridge doesn't have much of a break angle and while that doesn't change the tension
it can give the perception of the guitar playing less "stiff" while at the same pitch.

[Holy Schnikes]

That lack of break angle def loosens the feel, basically why most people go up a gauge on a JM. I have 11-50s on mine tuned to D standard, feels perfect, nice medium tension. My Tele, same scale with the string thru body, feels much stiffer with that same string/tuning combo, def attributed to the increased break angle.

Only factor that string length will affect is if they'll fit the guitar properly.

[gunslinger_burrito]

Aaaaah. That's kind of what I figured. But I was curious as to everyone's experiences....

[warwick.hoy]

Only factor that string length will affect is if they'll fit the guitar properly.

QFT Tried to put longneck tapercore DRs on a standard scale length 5 string bass with a bridge/tail piece setup and it turned into a shit show. Too thick a winding trying to make it's way around the tuning peg, just looked sloppy, unprofessional and messed with my sensibilities. Currently has a proper scale length .158-??? Balanced Tension string set from Circle K Strings. Tuned down a whole step, the bass plays and feels perfect.

Not a JM/Jag I know but just wanted to emphasize the overall string length seems destined to only effect the fit on the instrument.

On my Standard Scale Length Tele Deluxe; which is a hard tail, I tune to C#/Drop B. Using CKS .69-.14 and a good setup and the guitar plays perfectly for me. Being a bassist mainly I tend to not have any issues with the heavier string gauge. The guitar needs to be tuned pretty frequently but I consider that par for the course for any guitar and tuning is pretty much part of my routine. Nothing worse than playing out of tune.

Conversely I have a standard set of strings on my Les Paul Junior (gauges unknown, they are the strings that were on the guitar when I bought it) and tuning it to D/Drop C is sloppy as hell.

Bottom line, I'd be looking into heavier gauge strings and a good setup/nut slot widening job. Not knowing anything about the trem arrangement on Jags/Jazzmaster, a heavier string will mean more tension so I don't know if that tremolo will need to be adjusted or beefed up for that (like say additional springs in a Strat style trem setup).

Sorry for the Apples and Oranges comparisons.

[gunslinger_burrito]

On my Standard Scale Length Tele Deluxe; which is a hard tail, I tune to C#/Drop B. Using CKS .69-.14 and a good setup and the guitar plays perfectly for me. Being a bassist mainly I tend to not have any issues with the heavier string gauge.

I like your style Heavy gauges for the win. The only place I prefer a little less tension nowadays is on my baritone's low F. The extra string vibration adds some rumble to the tone. I can tell.

[theavondon]

That Tele Deluxe sure doesn't play like it has .14s on it either. Much akin to butter.