Would a 7 string perform better in lower tunings than a 6...

[The Unavoidable]

...even if the scale is the same? Right now I'm playing an Ibanez 6 string with a 25,5 inch scale in A standard. Works alright, but it does feel like it's a little lower then the guitar can actually handle.

So I had my eye on a 7 string, figuring it'd be easier to just tune one of those down one step, but if the scale lenght is the same (25,5) would it make any difference? If so, why?

 

[Ola Englund]

Maybe you should go for a 6-string guitar with longer scale. I'm currently waiting for a Ibanez RGD 6 string. Works really well for low tunings.

But overall there would probably not be a noticeable difference between 6 and 7. Though the FEEL will be totally different with a wider neck etc...

 

[The Unavoidable]

Yeah, I have been looking into various baritone models/extended scale gits but I haven't even come close to finding a guitar that I like. Trying to find an Explorer/V/Warrior style guitar with an extended scale and no Floyd = trying to shit with your dick.

 

[Harry Hughes]

No, 7 string guitars are not optimized for lower tuned strings despite what manufacturers may claim. The low B of a 7 string at a 25.5 inch scale will be the same as a 6 string with a low B at a 25.5 inch scale length.
7 strings are made for more range.
If you do not need that extra range, there is no need to buy one.
A at 25.5 inches should be fine, but if you feel it's not enough, perhaps check out Ibanez's new line of 26.5 inch scale guitars

 

[JeffTD]

Truth told, and a lot of this is due to construction (that said I've had a lot of really nice 7's), I've never had a 7 string that sounded as good as a 6 string down in B.

 

[Behind]

27'' scale 7 string guitar would manage lower tunings in a better way.

If you're looking for 6s guitars, look for baritones or the new Ibanez mentioned above.