Baritone String Guage

[DuncanCE22]

I have done a bit of searching and I can't find an answer to my question (probably doesnt help that I'm useless at using forum search functions).

After years of craving a MM Baritone I finally got a bargain on a second hand one at the weekend. The strings are pretty dead on it so I'm going to restring it. What sort of String guages are people using on theres?

It currently has a set of Elixer Nanoweb's (12-68) but I know they were D'addario's from the facotry (14-68) both of which are brands I've not had much experience with so I thought about getting Ernie Ball's for it (have sworn by them on all my stringed insturments since I was 12) but I noticed their set is 13-72.

I mainly will have it tuned to Drop A#.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[DHW]

D'addario makes a consistent string at a great price. I use them on accoustics and have used them on electrics many times. That Ernie ball set would likely require some attention to the nut.

 

[shinksma]

The D'Addario Baritone Mediums (14-68), which were stock on my MM baritone, feel really good.

If you want a slightly lighter feel, go for the D'Addario Baritone lights, 13-62.

I'm sure the EBs would be fine too, but the 72 might bind in the nut, as DHW mentioned.

EDIT: forgot to mention: I typically tune to standard A - i.e. down a whole step from stock tuning. And the stock strings don't feel flabby at all. So Drop A#, which is tuned a half-step up from stock except for the thickest string (which is dropped a half-step), will be fine with stock or the light baritone strings.

 

[WeFixFlats]

As for me, when I got my PRS MM Bari, I immediately went to have it set up and put a new set of the D'Addario Medium 14-68. Reverend Guitars has just introduced two(2) new Baritones. Both have a Custom Gauge Set from S.I.T. Strings and unique to Reverend(and available on their online store), that are 12-68, with a Plain G. So for us, we're going lighter using the standard B to B tuning.

 

[John Beef]

I had 13s on mine for the first few years, and going up to 14s (as the guitar is meant to have) was a huge improvement.

 

[DHW]

... so now I am GAS'ing... thanks guys....

 

[Hopeful Sinner]

While we are on this subject, is there a string gauge that I could achieve tuning a full octave below standard for my baritone in anyone's opinion?
Obviously without it being too floppy feeling...

 

[shinksma]

While we are on this subject, is there a string gauge that I could achieve tuning a full octave below standard for my baritone in anyone's opinion?
Obviously without it being too floppy feeling...

Well, that is essentially a bass guitar, with a couple extra high strings (i.e. a 6-string bass). So the best bet would be to put bass guitar strings on there - a "heavy" set to make up for the shorter-than-typical-for-bass scale length - so it will feel a bit like a bass guitar with a light set of strings on it.

Bass guitar strings would probably require drilling out the tuner post (or new tuners completely), and definitely a new/re-cut nut.

 

[dsenoj]

I have a Squier Bass VI that uses .025-.095 strings but that's on a 30 inch scale. It's definitely not a PRS but it's a fun bass to play.