No, this isn't right. The string tension depends on the string diameter, the note pitch and the scale length, nothing else. The overall length could be a mile and the tension is still the same.
Overall length does make a difference in bending. It changes how far you have to bend the string to achieve a given pitch change. The longer overall length string needs to be pushed further.
I did some research and it is possible that I posted incorrect information.
I have found no documentation to support my overall length post.
D'Aaddario seems to agree with Don though.
Apologies to all.
So why do the reverse headstock Stratocasters sound different?
String Tension 101
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DOWNLOAD THE FULL STRING TENSION PDF
Modern music has become so sub-divided and fragmented that there is no longer one turn-key string solution for every playing style or desired sound. At one point in time, there were no standardized string gauges, but John D’Addario Sr. changed all that in 1939 with the introduction of light, medium and heavy gauges for acoustic instruments. Throughout most of the 20th century, standardized electric and acoustic guitar gauges were sufficient for needs. Occasionally, new gauges (often hybrids of existing sets), were created for specific purposes and string offerings from manufacturers became immense. However, today there are so many popular styles and trends that it is often necessary for players to go outside of standard gauge sets to get the effect they desire. Whether it’s open tunings, drop tunings, baritone guitars, 5-string guitars, 7-string guitars or a variety of other reasons, many players are opting to go their own way and customize their string selection and sound.
Why Do You Need To Know About String Tension?
D’Addario receives hundreds of inquiries each year from players who have questions or problems to solve related to string gauges or tensions. To assist players in determining the appropriate string for their needs, we created the Online String Tension Guide, a complete book of charts for determining the appropriate string to be used in just about any situation. The guide includes formulas for determining string tension for any string on any instrument type or scale length using three basic measurements: the Unit Weight, the Scale Length of the instrument, and the Frequency of the string. If scientific formulas aren’t your strong point, we have pitch/tension charts for just about every string we make, including electric guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar, and bass guitar.
T (Tension) = (UW x (2 x L x F)2) / 386.4
String Tension Facts and Figures
Before we dig in to examples of how to determine various string tensions, here is a brief summary of what string tension is and what effect it has on your instrument and your playing.
Guitar Fingerboard Layout
(Standard Tuning)
String tension is determined by vibrating length, mass, and pitch. The string diameter alone does not determine a string’s tension. By using different raw materials (nickelplated steel or phosphor bronze, etc.) or by varying the ratio between the core and the wrap wire, two strings with the same diameter, tuned to the same pitch, could have two different tensions.
There are many factors other than string gauge that determine the actual and perceived string tension on your instrument:
• Scale length, or the distance between the nut and the saddle. The longer the scale, the higher the tension is for the same string tuned to the same pitch – for example, a standard Fender™ guitar at 25½” scale has more string tension and will feel stiffer than a standard Gibson™ 24¾” scale guitar, even if both are tuned to the same standard pitch.Some players adjust for this by using slightly heavier gauges on shorter scale guitar than on longer scale guitars.
Acoustic/Electric/Classical Guitar = 25 1/2”
Electric Bass Guitar (Superlong Scale) = 36”
Electric Bass Guitar (Long Scale) = 34”
Electric Bass Guitar (Medium Scale) = 32”
Electric Bass Guitar (Short Scale) = 30”
Mandolin = 13 7/8”
Mandola = 15 7/8”
Mandocello = 25”
Mandobass = 42”
Banjo = 26 1/4” (19 5/8” for 5th string)
• The flexibility of the instrument top and neck.
• The string break-angle at the nut and saddle/bridge.
• String height or “action” as adjusted at the saddle.
• Truss rod adjustment (neck relief).
Note: Before deciding on a string gauge, be sure your instrument is properly “set up.” Unusually high action can change the way the string tension feels and can also result in poor intonation.
How to Measure String Tension
String tension is measured in pounds of pull per string. When all of the tensions of each string are added up, you get the “set tension” for that set. If, for example, you want to change the tuning of one string, you should try to select a string gauge that will offer a similar tension to the string you are replacing, but can be tuned to the desired pitch.
