String gauge advice???

[blake854]

Hey guys,

I broke my E string today and I have to perform in a few days so I was wondering if I could get some advice on an appropriate gauge of strings for my next set. I play an LTD Explorer and I prefer to play in drop A so I'm looking for something that'll produce fome nasty pinches and can chug nicely..

If it's of any extra use, I use a B-52 AT-212 Triple Rectifier Valve amp (just incase anybody had info on things like tone etc...).

Thanks heaps guys.

 

[waif]

Heavy gauge strings, obviously. Whatever gauge you used before is what you're used to; changing a few days before a gig might not be the best idea. That said, go for 52s at the smallest.

 

[blake854]

Thanks bloke.

 

[Harry Hughes]

I'd say 13-56 is what you're looking.
In general, I find for A, you need 54 at the absolute minimum, but 56 is better.

 

[blake854]

I got 52's and they're serving me pretty darn well.

 

[vash5]

If you're feeling adventurous with downtuning, try out the Zakk Wylde set of GHS boomers. They have a really fat 6th string, and I am a fan of how the boomers sound.

I use the .070 Zakk Wyldes on a 28" scale guitar and they are great.

There are two sets:
.010 - .060
and
.011 - .070

 

[Disillusion]

I use 13-56 with a wound G for A standard. It's pretty good, still a little loose... like 10s tuned to D standard... so it's not THE best for fast riffs and chugging, but it works.

 

[IroncrossHolocaust]

I like using skinny top heavy bottoms, and replacing the top 3 strings with 09, 11, and 16.

i prefer lighter strings on top when i detune, i don't know why.
I guess I'm just used to it.