u/NewSouthComrade

Hey everyone,

I’m putting together a 2 Elixir string sets for my 9-string and I’m torn between 4 different gauge layouts. I’m currently have 2 Elixir sets 9-42 and 40-95 (ditching .040) for whole step down standard tuning (B0 standard)
But a want to go even lower 🙃

The Guitar: Legator N9F (28.5" - 30" multiscale)

The Constants:
Strings 1-6: Always going to be a standard 9-42 set tuned to D Standard (D4, A3, F3, C3, G2, D2)

String 9: Always going to be a bass .105 tuned to A0 (at the 30" scale length)

The Strings: I’m strictly using Elixir Nanoweb packs (combining a guitar pack with a bass pack) because they are easy for me to buy locally and last forever

The Dilemma (Strings 7 and 8):
I've attached a screenshot of 4 different variations I calculated for the 7th and 8th strings, which changes both the gauges and the tuning of the 8th string (either D1 or E1)

Here are the 4 options I'm debating:
Option 1 (Top Left): 9-52 (7 string) string pack with .052 for A1 and 50-105 bass set with .070 for E1 and .105 for A0 (ditching .050 and .085)

Option 2 (Top Right): 9-42 (6 string) string pack and 50-105 bass set with .050 for A1 .070 for E1 and .105 for A0 (ditching .085)

Option 3 (Bottom Left): 9-52 (7 string) string pack with .052 for A1 and either 45-105 or 50-105 bass set with .085 for D1 and .105 for A0 (ditching 0.45 or .050 and .065 or .070)

Option 4 (Bottom Right): 9-42 (6 string) string pack and 50-105 bass set with .050 for A1 .085 for D1 and .105 for A0 (ditching .070)

(Note: it’s ok with me when bass ball ends stick out of the a little)

Questions:

1. Looking at the tension profiles, which of these 4 options makes the most sense as a bridge between the .042 (6th string) and the .105 (9th string)?

2. Tuning-wise, for those playing in Drop A0 on a 9-string, do you prefer your 8th string to be a D1 or an E1 for riffing?

3. In Options 2 and 4, the .050 for the 7th string would be a bass string rather than a guitar string. Will the different core-to-wrap ratio on a bass .050 kill the attack/clank compared to a guitar .052 or feel that much different?

Any advice is hugely appreciated!