Setup for DADGAD

[JayBee1404]

Originally Posted by sdelsolray

I use a light gauge set but with .013 .017 gauges for the first and second strings. Some folks do that and also use a .056 for the sixth string.

That's the same as a GHS True Medium set, or a D'Addario DADGAD set. The GHS True Medium sets I'm using have Medium 1st, 2nd and 6th strings, and Light 3rd, 4th and 5th - 13, 17, 24w, 32, 42, 56 gauges.

[boombox]

Originally Posted by Wrighty

I’ve had my Avalon set up for DADGAD, and use mixed sets (DADGAD SETS) in the main.

Action at 5/64 low E and neck almost flat with no buzz.

Pretty much what my Avalon is at too. I too stipulated I wanted it set up for DADGAD with the strings I had on it, which, since its first string change, have been the D'Addario DADGAD set. I did further tweak the truss rod slightly myself to allow for C tunings as, as my tech said, he tends to set things very low.

[weisser]

Originally Posted by Wooly

For those that have a dedicated guitar for DADGAD tuning, what gage strings are you using? Also, where is your relief and string height set at?

I have tried to use 11's which may be to light. My string height is at 3/32 on low E and 2/32 on high E but even with a lot of relief, I'm still getting a slight buzz on the B and E strings on the higher frets.

Any ideas?

I've never needed to change the gauge of strings for DADGAD or any other tuning that I've used...including DADEAD, DADDAD, or any open tuning. This is on short scale (24.9) guitars and even my CA Cargo (24.75). I use various types of lights (12-53. I fingerpick with a fairly heavy thumb pick and my nails and dig in at times......no problem.

I'm thinking that 11's would be too light especially if you're accustomed to low action. As others have suggested, I would experiment with other sets and even custom gauges until you get it right. Also, how long has it been since your guitar had a good setup? Perhaps you need a fret dress?

[Wooly]

Originally Posted by weisser

Also, how long has it been since your guitar had a good setup? Perhaps you need a fret dress?

Fret dressing was just done 3 weeks ago because of a buzzing problem so we can eliminate that.

I did not know there was such a thing as true mediums or strings for DADGAD. That's what I am going to try. I like the 11's but just too floppy for DADGAD. At least on my guitar. Maybe I can flatten out the neck a bit more then.

Thanks for the replies. Amazing what one can learn from this forum.

[M Sarad]

I tuned my Santa Cruz to DADGAD in 1983. Since then I have used Medium Light, Light, and Medium by DAddario, Elixir, John Pearse, RotoSound, Ernie Ball, GHS, Adamas, and SCGC Tension Strings.

When I played solo gigs I preferred Elixir light gauge.

[Yrksman]

I just tune down whatever strings are on the guitar. If I’m going lower than DADGAD I may change lights to mediums. Of course I might not know what I’m missing but I can’t say I’ve had a problem and it’s been many years now.

[JonnyBGood]

Originally Posted by JayBee1404

GHS True Mediums are similar gauges to EJ24s and, to my ears, have a warmer, sweeter tone.

Which of the DADGAD/True medium sets would you guys say have the brightest tone/punchiest clarity on the wound strings? The string sets I know about are (but if I'm missing let me know):

D'Addario
GHS
John Pearse
Newtone Heritage
Wyres Pierre Bensusan