Single strings?

I have SCGC strings on all my SCs except the 2001 Maple/German F. That has Elixer Custom lights nano coated.

I have also read comments about the high E SCs……. IMHO it is operator error. i have a very long little finger and I tend to pull the high E off the fretboard. When I “Roll” my little finger directly on top of the string and hold hard just prior to plucking it’s Always clean and clear……Shit, listen to me !….I sound like I know what I’m talking about ?

• This reply was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by Hank.

I also have the SCGC 12 string set on my Taylor K62ce that I bought from DigDog ( whom I miss much). and If I don’t pay attention I can also pull the high E s off the fretboard.

Fair Winds

I’ve had 4 sets of mid-tension strings.  The first string is spec’d at .013″, and each of the 4 first strings measured .013″.  For calibration, a John Pearse medium string measured .013″ as well.  So, all good, right on the mark.

I’ve had two sets of low-tension strings.  The first string is spec’d at .012, but each of the 2 first strings measured .0115.  For calibration, a John Pearse light string measured exactly .012″.  Based on this, some first strings on the low tension sets may be lighter than intended, and as a result have less tension, and that’s what players are noticing.

Bowie

You should contact the shop, they might sell you singles

From what I’ve understood, seems like the intent of the “parabolic” tension was not quite equal tension on all strings, but rather a sense of proportionate tension given the position of the strings on the saddle and the tension of the adjacent strings not being played — the intent being more uniform feel and response of each string to being plucked.  And the tools are diameters of core wire and wrappings.

That being said, the result is that the edge strings — 1st and 6th — are close to “typical” diameters (such as .013 and .056 for mid tension), while the interior strings are a little lighter.   This is similar to the Mr. Tony himself strings that Martin puts out.  For Santa Cruz, it is relative tension and the feel of elasticity that are important, and the diameter just falls out where ever it does.

Myself, sample of 1, I like the feel and the tone of the Santa Cruz strings, but since I’m a mediocre player, I don’t have the precision to get a good solid sound out of the middle strings (in the mid-tension) with a flat pick.  I need help!  Like a few more pounds of tension in the middle strings.   Fingerpicking, feels much better, a real pleasure to play.

You get a good player who is used to a .012 first string, and substitute a .0115 first string in a low tension set, the player will feel a difference right away.   From my measurements, the mid tension sets were virtually right on the money — just a very occasional +- .0005 from stated spec for each string.  The low tension sets were consistently on the smaller side, typically in the range of -.0005 to -.0015 below stated spec for a lot of the strings in a set.

Depends on the guitar also.  The TR Pro played beautifully with SC mid-tension.  The Collings varnish is stunning with John Pearse PB mediums, although somewhat more subdued with SC mid-tension, as if there is more in the guitar that is trying to get out.

Hi Alez,

We finally got Richard and Rick on the phone for todays podcast, it’s a great one and will clear a lot of things up., give it a listen, it’s #75

Personally, I kinda doubt SCGC is gonna be able to routinely offer individual strings. But I’m willing to be surprised –

I’d try an online string source and get a couple different gauges of single strings and see how they work for you. It might be the simplest and most efficient way to accomplish what you want for the time being –  please report back!