How much string tension is too much

[Quickstep192]

I recently bought a Kinnaird Fan Fret Baritone and I love it in general, but especially for alternate tunings. I want to tune it CGCFGC (DADGAD down a step) and I've determined that a string set of .059;.041;.030;.022;.019;.014 will yield just under 25 lbs per string and 145 pounds total when tuned to CGCFGC. Sometimes though I want to tune up to DACFGC. This results in the Lower strings, the D and A being about 33 pounds per string and a total of about 160 lbs. I'd expect to drop it back down before putting the guitar away, but I'm wondering if that's too much tension on those strings, even for a short time. Or does it matter so long as the overall tension is within a reasonable range.

[Alan Carruth]

I'd say that it's the overall tension that counts, but my opinion is not nearly as important as that of Mr. Kinnaird. Why not ask him?

[guitar344]

Originally Posted by Quickstep192

I recently bought a Kinnaird Fan Fret Baritone and I love it in general, but especially for alternate tunings. I want to tune it CGCFGC (DADGAD down a step) and I've determined that a string set of .059;.041;.030;.022;.019;.014 will yield just under 25 lbs per string and 145 pounds total when tuned to CGCFGC. Sometimes though I want to tune up to DACFGC. This results in the Lower strings, the D and A being about 33 pounds per string and a total of about 160 lbs. I'd expect to drop it back down before putting the guitar away, but I'm wondering if that's too much tension on those strings, even for a short time. Or does it matter so long as the overall tension is within a reasonable range.

That tension seems like it's within a reasonable range. What your scale length? Most baritones are 27 to 30 inches. If you are tuning to D I'd go for thinner guages. D standard might be too much.

[Quickstep192]

My scale is 26.9" on the treble side and 27.9" on the bass side. When the 6th string is tuned to C, the tension of a .059 string will be about 25 lbs. I only want to occasionally tune it to D and of course I don't want to change strings to do that. That's why I'm wondering if having that string at 34 lbs for brief periods of time would be cause for concern.

[islander53]

Originally Posted by Quickstep192

How much string tension is too much

When the string breaks.

[guitar344]

For me the playing limit is 35 pounds of tension. I try to avoid going over 35 pounds on my acoustic. I have a set of 13-56 at E standard with some strings at 35 pounds of tension. I think you would be fine at 34 pounds of tension, but just to be safe you should leave it at C.

[Quickstep192]

Originally Posted by guitar344

For me the playing limit is 35 pounds of tension. I try to avoid going over 35 pounds on my acoustic. I have a set of 13-56 at E standard with some strings at 35 pounds of tension. I think you would be fine at 34 pounds of tension, but just to be safe you should leave it at C.

Thanks for the perspective. When you say "playing limit" are you referring to what comfortable to play, or do you view that to be the limits of what the guitar top and bracing can handle?

[guitar344]

Originally Posted by Quickstep192

Thanks for the perspective. When you say "playing limit" are you referring to what comfortable to play, or do you view that to be the limits of what the guitar top and bracing can handle?

I refering to both. I keep my acoustic guitar in standard with a set of 13-56 and has't given me any trouble. I'm sure most baritone guitar are study enough to withstand the tension.