STRING TENSION AND VINTAGE 1960S RICKENBACKER 12 STRING ELECTRIC GUITARS

1. INTRODUCTION
1960s Vintage Rickenbacker 300 Series twelve string guitars with set neck construction are, over time, known to experience changes in the neck to body angle. This can lead to valuable instruments becoming difficult or impossible to play as the bridge runs out of downward adjustment to compensate for the changing neck angle, and a very high string action becomes evident. The only way to rectify the problem at this point, is to have the guitars neck to body connection re-set. The problem is widely attributed to a combination of three factors, the design of the connection, construction methods and string tension. This study was only to address the final factor, string tension, as it is the only variable that can be controlled effectively without resorting to intrusive repair to the instrument. A second concern for owners of this type of guitar has been reported structural failures of the R type string tail piece used on many models made since the 1980s. The material composition used to cast this item has apparently changed a number of times over the decades. Guitars with original manufacturer supplied strings have been known to break the tailpiece, most probably due to string tension on instruments made from approximately the late 1980s and through the 1990s. Instruments from the 1960s and 70s have a different casting pattern and material makeup that is more robust and typically have not been known to fail with any great regularity.

2. BACKGROUND STRING TENSION

For the majority of enthusiasts string tension is most commonly determined for musical instruments by using long standing and well understood physics formulas. This method is commonly described in high school physics text books and of course is readily found on the internet. Tension is commonly predicted by calculation rather than by measurement, by all but the string manufacturers themselves. Obviously calculation methods are considerably less expensive and the results are considered by many luthiers and enthusiasts to give acceptably accurate tension data. However on the fragile neck design of the early Rickenbacker twelve string guitars, string tension is critical and more accurate data would be valuable to owners of such instruments. Available tension data from various manufacturers may not all be obtained with the same methods and not all manufacturers publish their data. As such valid comparisons of measured tension between types and makers are difficult to make, particularly when methodologies are not published or understood.

3. STRING CONSTRUCTION
A wound strings construction make up, techniques of assembly, tolerances, materials utilised and possibly the strings age can make for a complex set of variables. Each manufacturer varies these parameters from one another in some obvious and in some very subtle ways. These variables were studied by measurement and dissection for a number of the string sets to see how they were constructed. This information is presented in the first table.
Prepared by: Simon Edwards Date: 20/05/2012 File: 140526 String Tension Paper Rev Initial Issue SRE Page 1 of 4

4. OBJECTIVE and COMENTARY ON STRING SETS TESTED

Debate surrounding the best type or maker of strings flourishes amongst enthusiasts even on the single focus point of tension. The objective of this brief paper is to present the results of a comprehensive set of measurements of string tension for a number of popularly used sets of strings on Rickenbacker 12 string guitars. In addition to these modern string sets, one new old stock set of Rickenbacker Redbox strings was also tested. The sets tested were selected based upon what gauges were deemed to be widely available and commonly used today by 1960s period music enthusiasts. Sets and types that are commonly debated on internet forums were targeted that fitted into this criteria. Once preliminary testing had been completed two specially ordered sets of very light 0.009 gauge strings were added to the testing, one from Thomastik Infeld (TI) and one from Pyramid. A set of these very light strings (TIs) was also sent to the owner of a 360/12c63 for playability testing. As this undertaking was carried out entirely by a very small group of private enthusiasts, the number of sets was limited on financial grounds. It is noted that other sets may be relatively commonly used at present also. A total of eleven sets of strings were tested. A key objective was to present the tension results to other enthusiasts in a completely impartial manner.

5. METHODS and OBSERVATIONS

A testing rig was devised with importance placed around a robust design that would produce consistently repeatable and accurate results. Key Design Points of the Testing Rig: a. The scale length of the string placed in tension was set at 628mm (24.75), the scale length used on the 300 series full scale Rickenbacker 12 string instruments. A substantial hardwood chassis formed the basis of the test rig. In testing this proved to behave consistently in deflection as it was clamped to a substantial steel engineering workshop bench. It was essential that the chassis was tested for deflection only in that it would yield consistent behaviour and hence results in repeated testing. The key instrument used was a precision Shimpo digital force gauge that had been recently lab calibrated and certified. The gauge had a simple clevis attachment designed for it in an arrangement that allowed a string to be wound around it three times. This set one end of the string. The string then extended along the scale length and passed over a vintage Rickenbacker 360 type guitar bridge, and then extended at a break angle the same as a 1966 360/12, down to a Gotoh guitar tuner, thus allowing the string to be brought up to tension for any desired frequency. A chromatic digital Korg tuner was used for setting frequencies. Each string was stretched and retuned several times to 441Hz concert pitch, as per standard guitar stringing practice.

b.

c.

d.

e.

Prepared by: Simon Edwards Date: 20/05/2012 File: 140526 String Tension Paper Rev Initial Issue SRE

Page 2 of 4

Method: a. Strings were installed on the test rig and tested individually, not complete sets of twelve strings at a time. The ball end of the strings was excluded from the effective scale length placed into tension for testing. The method utilised for testing was focused upon obtaining the best possible tension data that would relate to strings as they would be used on a guitar. Results were recorded into a spreadsheet directly in both metric and imperial units, and graphed. Imperial units of measurement are almost universally used as the primary unit for string tension data, so this was used for graphing purposes and total tension calculation Ones fingers get quite sore after so much testing.

b.

c.

d.

e.

Observations: It is noted that Pyramid strings have now reverted back to round cores for their strings, only one set of hexagonal cored Pyramid strings were tested. All strings were measured at a number of points along their length to obtain the outer diameter and for wrapped strings the core was also checked in this manner. Once strings were removed from the rig they were kinked at both ends, as anybody changing strings would see when removing a string from a tuner string post, as such the testing proved to be somewhat destructive by method.

6. RESULTS and INTERPRETAION

The results of tension testing are presented in the Appendix for the reader to interpret and utilise as they see fit. Tension data is tabulated for each individual string in Pounds of Force (Lbsf) and also in Kilograms of Force (Kgf). A further test was carried out and tabulated for some strings, whereby the string was deflected downward 2mm to simulate the string being fretted and that tension figure is also presented. It can be seen that additional tension was negligible with respect to the amount of additional tension that the guitars neck connection must withstand. This could seemly weight to a study carried out by Bob Benedetto into the ability of humans being able to perceive tension differences through their finger tips. The key figure for consideration by the reader is the total tension for any given set of strings tested, as this is what the instrument has to withstand in practice For each set of strings a complimentary polyline-fitted graph is provided that depicts the individual string tension and provides a level of insight into the balance of the strings in each set. The overlay graph provides a good visual comparative tool for seeing the relative tension between all sets tested.
Prepared by: Simon Edwards Date: 20/05/2012 File: 140526 String Tension Paper Rev Initial Issue SRE Page 3 of 4

7. CONCLUSIONS
It can be seen that in practical terms there is very little difference in tension for the plain strings of the same nominal gauge, regardless of manufacturer. However there are some notable differences amongst the various types and makes of wound strings. The Octave strings for the A and E strings have a relatively significant impact for all sets. It may be argued that most of the gauges tested are too high in tension for valuable vintage instruments. Clearly the extremely light gauged 0.008 to 0.032w set of vintage Maxima strings (Rickenbacker Redbox set) tested applies a significantly lower tension to an instrument. Intonation of different gauge string sets is not addressed within this study, however there are many articles available via the internet on the issues associated with varying string gauge pairs and twelve string guitars. A significant body of string data now exists that allows custom sets to be assembled and informed decisions to be made by owners of valuable vintage instruments.

8. FUTURE EXPERIMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

It would be highly desirable to be able to test a set of vintage Maxima or Selmer nickel flat wound strings, as would have been commonly fitted to the early 12 string models by the instrument manufacturer in the 1960s. The effects on tension due to age of such old strings is another area of debate, that will not be entered into here. Further testing of alternative and/or custom sets may take place and be published in the future. This would be desirable to allow a larger number of custom gauge sets to be deduced from the individual string data available. Another worthwhile test data set may be to re-test the most popular 0.010 sets tuned down in pitch by half a step E-flat, which is not an uncommon practice amongst owners of vintage 12 string instruments, to determine how significant the drop in tension would be. Requests from third parties for testing to the same methods as above, may be considered on the basis that strings are supplied. It would be interesting to repeat this experimental process for a number bass guitar string sets.

Simon Edwards and Karl Teten, May 2012.

[DOCUMENT ENDS]

Prepared by: Simon Edwards Date: 20/05/2012 File: 140526 String Tension Paper Rev Initial Issue SRE

Page 4 of 4

RICKENBACKER ELECTRIC 12 STRING SETS CONSTRUCTION ANALYSIS (Selected Sets Only)

% Core/OD % Core/OD % Core/OD % Core/OD

Plain

Plain

Plain

Wound

Core

Plain

Wound

Core

Wound

Core

Wound

Core

% Core/OD

Wound

Core

Wound

Core

% Core/OD

Comments

BRAND / SET

UNIT

B
Octave

G
Octave 0.0120 0.3048 N/A N/A 0.0095 0.2413 0.0210 0.5334

D
Octave 0.0125 0.3175 0.5952 0.0120 0.3048 N/A N/A

A
Octave 0.0265 0.6731 0.0155 0.3937 0.5849 0.0220 0.5588 0.0125 0.3175 0.5682

E low

REDBOX 484

Imperial (") Metric (mm)

0.0075 0.1905

0.0100 0.2540

0.0750 1.9050

0.0325 0.8255

0.0155 0.3937

0.4769

Unopened vintage Rick/Maxima.

RIC95404

Imperial (") Metric (mm)

0.0950 2.4130

0.0125 0.3175

0.0950 2.4130

0.0205 0.5207

0.0110 0.2794

0.5366

0.0125 0.3175

0.0255 0.6477

0.0140 0.3556

0.5490

0.0205 0.5207

0.0110 0.2794

0.5366

0.0340 0.8636

0.0155 0.3937

0.4559

0.0255 0.6477

0.0140 0.3556

0.5490

0.0405 1.0287

0.0165 0.4191

0.4074

RIC's 2010 standard 12 string set. Compressed round wound

Pyramid 308/12

Imperial (") Metric (mm)

0.0095 0.2413

0.0125 0.3175

0.0095 0.2413

0.0195 0.4953

0.0115 0.2921

0.5897

0.0125 0.3175

0.0240 0.6096

0.0105 0.2667

0.4375

0.0195 0.4953

0.0105 0.2667

0.5385

0.0320 0.8128

0.0140 0.3556

0.4375

0.0250 0.6350

0.0105 0.2667

0.4200

0.0370 0.9398

0.0140 0.3556

0.3784

Pyramids Ultra Light Set direct from factory

Pyramid 09-34

Imperial (") Metric (mm)

0.0095 0.2413

0.0125 0.3175

0.0095 0.2413

0.0190 0.4826

0.0100 0.2540

0.5263

0.0125 0.3175

0.0230 0.5842

0.0100 0.2540

0.4348

0.0190 0.4826

0.0100 0.2540

0.5263

0.0290 0.7366

0.0130 0.3302

0.4483

0.0230 0.5842

0.0100 0.2540

0.4348

0.0335 0.8509

0.0100 0.2540

0.2985

Custom 09-34 super light

TI's 09-34

Imperial (") Metric (mm)

0.0085 0.2159

0.0120 0.3048

0.0085 0.2159

0.0180 0.4572

0.0100 0.2540

0.5556

0.0120 0.3048

0.0230 0.5842

0.0100 0.2540

0.4348

0.0180 0.4572

0.0100 0.2540

0.5556

0.0280 0.7112

0.0150 0.3810

0.5357

0.0230 0.5842

0.0100 0.2540

0.4348

0.0345 0.8763

0.0120 0.3048

0.3478

Custom 09-34 super light

TI's 10-39

Imperial (") Metric (mm)

0.0100 0.2540

0.0125 0.3175

0.0100 0.2540

0.0205 0.5207

0.0125 0.3175

0.6098

0.0125 0.3175

0.0250 0.6350

0.0120 0.3048

0.4800

0.0205 0.5207

0.0125 0.3175

0.6098

0.0325 0.8255

0.0100 0.2540

0.3077

0.0250 0.6350

0.0100 0.2540

0.4000

0.0385 0.9779

0.0155 0.3937

0.4026

Matching gauges found in 1964 redbox set.

Key: BLUE RED OD Wrapped string There were two seperate wire wraps around the core wire, wound in opposite directions to each other. Outside diameter of string

STRING TENSION RESULTS BY SET

STRING TENSION RESULTS

Project: String tension measurement comparisons between commonly used string sets for the Rickenbacker 330/360/370 series 12 string guitars. Prepared by: Simon Edwards Date: 20/05/2012 String Effective Length: 630mm, Rickenbacker 360/12 string scale length, uncompensated

String Set Tested

String

Gauge (nominal) 10 10 13 13 10 20w 13 26w 20w 34W 26 42W Avg:

Tension Lbsf 14.2 14.2 13.8 13.8 20.3 18.5 19.4 16.2 23.8 16.3 20.7 13.4 17.1 Kgf 6.5 6.5 6.3 6.3 9.2 8.4 8.8 7.4 10.8 7.4 9.4 6.1 Kgf plus 2mm Not taken Not taken 27.6 9.2 18.6 8.8 7.4 10.9 7.5 9.5 6.1 38.8 35.6 40.1 34.1 204.6 Paired Tension Comments
25.0

STRING TENSION: RIC95404 NOS GROUND ROUNDS

23.8 20.3 20.0 POUNDS OF FORCE 15.0 10.0 5.0 14.2 14.2 13.8 13.8 18.5 19.4 16.2 20.7

1/ RIC 95404 NOS 10-42 No longer available Compressed Round Wound Set

e e b b g G d D a A e E

Nickel ground wound hex core set no longer sold by RIC. Made by SIT 28.4 strings and repackaged for RIC?

16.3
13.4

0.0

Total Set Tension:

10

10

13

13

10

20w

13

26w

20w

34W

26

42W

e
Lbsf 14.2

e 14.2

b 13.8

b 13.8

g 20.3

G 18.5

d 19.4

D 16.2

a 23.8

A 16.3

e 20.7

E 13.4

String Set Tested

String

Gauge (nominal) 10 10 13 13 10 20w 13 26w 20w 36W 26w 46W Avg:

Tension Lbsf 14.6 14.6 13.7 13.7 20.7 17.6 19.5 16.6 22.1 17.0 21.2 15.6 17.2 Kgf 6.7 6.7 6.2 6.2 9.4 8.0 8.8 7.6 10.0 7.7 9.6 7.1 Kgf plus 2mm 6.7 6.7 6.3 6.3 9.4 8.0 8.9 7.6 10.1 7.8 9.7 7.2 Paired Tension Comments
25.0

STRING TENSION: RIC95404 2011 ROUND WOUND

22.1 20.7

21.2
17.0 15.6

2/ RIC 95404 2011 10-46 Latest RIC Set 2011

e e b b g G d D a A e E

Nickel Round Wound hex core set. The current 2011 RIC factory 29.2 packaged set possibly now made by Dadarrio?
POUNDS OF FORCE

20.0 14.6 14.6

13.7 13.7

19.5 17.6
16.6

27.4 38.3 36.1 39.1 36.8 For some reason the single most difficult string to get to pitch stably

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0

Total Set Tension:

206.9

10 e

10 e 14.6

13 b 13.7

13 b 13.7

10 g 20.7

20w G 17.6

13 d 19.5

26w D 16.6

20w a 22.1

36W A 17.0

26w e 21.2

46W E 15.6

Series1 14.6

Prepared by: Simon Edwards Date: 13/05/2012 File: 120520 String Tension Test Results Rev 07 SRE

STRING TENSION RESULTS BY SET

Tension Lbsf 14.6 14.6 14.1 14.1 20.1 20.7 19.3 18.8 26.1 17.0 24.0 12.8 18.0 Kgf 6.6 6.6 6.4 6.4 9.1 9.4 8.8 8.5 11.9 7.7 10.9 5.8 Kgf plus 2mm 6.6 6.6 6.4 6.4 9.2 9.4 8.8 8.6 11.9 7.8 10.9 5.9 Paired Tension 29.2
POUNDS OF FORCE

String Set Tested 3/ Pyramid #308 Round Core 10-39

String e e b b g G d D a A e E

Gauge (nominal) 10 10 13 13 10 20w 13 24w 20w 32w 24w 39w Avg:

Comments
30.0

STRING TENSION: PYRAMID #308

26.1
24.0 20.1 25.0

Nickel flat wound round core set

20.7

28.2 40.8 38.1 43.1 36.8 216.2

20.0
14.6 15.0 10.0 14.6 14.1 14.1

19.3

18.8

17.0 12.8

5.0
0.0

Total Set Tension:

10
e

10
e 14.6

13
b 14.1

13
b 14.1

10
g 20.1

20w
G 20.7

13
d 19.3

24w
D 18.8

20w
a 26.1

32w
A 17.0

24w
e 24.0

39w
E 12.8

Lbsf 14.6

String Set Tested 4/ Pyramid 10-465 Hex Core "Old McGuinn recommend"

String e e b b g G d D a A e E

Gauge (nominal) 10 10 12 12 10 19.5w 12 30w 19.5w 36.5w 30w 46.5w Avg:

Tension Lbsf 15.4 15.4 12.5 12.5 22.0 20.9 18.1 26.9 26.0 21.4 33.7 18.1 20.2 Kgf 7.0 7.0 5.7 5.7 10.0 9.5 8.2 12.2 11.8 9.7 15.3 8.2 Kgf plus 2mm 7.0 7.0 5.7 5.7 10.0 9.5 8.3 12.2 11.8 9.8 15.3 8.2 Total: Paired Tension 30.8 25.0 42.9 45.0 Octave String broken in testing near ferule. Hex cores are more brittle 47.4 perhaps 51.8 242.9 Comments
40.0
35.0

STRING TENSION: PYRAMID HEX CORE 10-465

33.7
26.9 22.0 15.4 15.4 26.0

Older type Hex Core Set. Hex cores no longer made?

POUNDS OF FORCE

30.0

25.0
20.0 15.0

20.9
18.1

21.4
18.1

12.5

12.5

10.0
5.0

0.0

10

10

12

12

10

19.5w

12

30w 19.5w 36.5w 30w 46.5w

e
Lbsf 15.4

e 15.4

b 12.5

b 12.5

g 22.0

G 20.9

d 18.1

D 26.9

a 26.0

A 21.4

e 33.7

E 18.1

String Set Tested 5/ Pyramid 10-42 round core

String e e b b g G d D a A e E

Gauge (nominal) 10 10 12.5 12.5 10 20w 12.5 27.5w 20w 34w 27.5w 41.5w Avg:

Tension Lbsf 14.6 14.6 14.1 14.1 20.1 20.7 19.3 22.6 27.2 18.7 28.4 15.4 19.2 Kgf 6.6 6.6 6.4 6.4 9.1 9.4 8.8 10.2 12.4 8.5 12.9 7.0 Kgf plus 2mm 6.6 6.6 6.4 6.4 9.2 9.4 8.8 10.3 12.4 8.6 12.9 7.1 Total: Paired Tension 29.2 28.2 40.8 41.9 45.9
0.0

Comments
30.0

STRING TENSION: PYRAMID 10-42

27.2 28.4 25.0 22.6 19.3 18.7 15.4

Nickel flat wound round core set

POUNDS OF FORCE

20.1 20.0
14.6 15.0 10.0 5.0 14.6

20.7

14.1

14.1

43.8 229.8

10 e

10 e 14.6

12.5 b 14.1

12.5 b 14.1

10 g 20.1

20w G 20.7

12.5 d 19.3

27.5 w D 22.6

20w a 27.2

34w A 18.7

27.5 w e 28.4

41.5 w E 15.4

Series1 14.6

Prepared by: Simon Edwards Date: 13/05/2012 File: 120520 String Tension Test Results Rev 07 SRE

STRING TENSION RESULTS BY SET

String Set Tested 6/ Rickenbacker Redbox 483

String e e b b g G d D a A e E

Gauge (nominal) 8 8 10 10 8 12 10 21w 12 26.5w 21w 32w Avg:

Tension Lbsf 9.3 9.3 9.1 9.1 13.7 9.1 12.3 12.9 10.7 11.6 18.4 8.7 11.2 Kgf 4.2 4.2 4.1 4.1 6.2 4.1 5.6 5.8 4.9 5.2 8.4 4.0 Kgf plus 2mm 4.2 4.2 4.1 4.1 9.3 5.6 6.0 4.9 5.3 8.4 4.0 Total: Paired Tension Comments
20.0 18.0 16.0

STRING TENSION: Redbox 483

18.4

POUNDS OF FORCE

Vintage NOS round wound set. Note very light gauges. Strings 18.6 probably from 1970's or very early 1980's. 18.2 22.8 25.2 22.3 27.1 134.2

13.7 12.3

14.0

12.9 10.7 11.6 8.7

12.0 10.0 8.0

6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0

9.3

9.3

9.1

9.1

9.1

8 e 9.3

8 e 9.3

10 b 9.1

10 b 9.1

8 g 13.7

12 G 9.1

10 d 12.3

21w D 12.9

12 a 10.7

26.5w 21w A 11.6 e 18.4

32w E 8.7

Series1

String Set Tested 7/ Thomastik Infeld 10-44 (custom POR set)

String e e b b g G d D a A e E

Gauge (nominal) 10 10 13 13 10 20w 13 25w 20w 35w 25w 44w Avg:

Tension Lbsf 15.2 15.2 13.1 13.1 21.6 22.8 18.5 19.3 28.5 18.1 24.4 16.6 18.9 Kgf 6.9 6.9 5.9 5.9 9.8 10.3 8.4 8.8 13.0 8.2 11.1 7.6 Kgf plus 2mm 6.9 6.9 5.9 5.9 9.8 10.4 8.4 8.8 13.0 8.3 11.1 7..65 Total: Paired Tension 30.4 26.2 44.4 37.8 46.6 41.0 226.4 Comments
30.0

STRING TENSION TI Flats 10-44

28.5 22.8 24.4 25.0

Nickel flat wound round core set

POUNDS OF FORCE

21.6 15.2 15.2

13.1 13.1

20.0 15.0 10.0

18.5

19.3

18.1

16.6

5.0 0.0
10 10 13 13 10 20w 13 25w 20w 35w 25w 44w

e
Series1 15.2

e 15.2

b 13.1

b 13.1

g 21.6

G 22.8

d 18.5

D 19.3

a 28.5

A 18.1

e 24.4

E 16.6

String Set Tested 8/ CURT MANGAN 10-42

String e e b b g G d D a A e E

Gauge (nominal) 10 10 13 13 10 20w 13 26w 20w 34w 26w 42w Avg:

Tension Lbsf 14.4 14.4 14.0 14.0 20.3 19.1 19.9 16.5 24.5 15.3 20.9 13.6 17.2 Kgf 6.5 6.5 6.4 6.4 9.2 8.8 9.0 7.5 11.1 6.9 9.5 6.2 Kgf plus 2mm 6.6 6.6 6.4 6.4 9.2 8.8 9.07\ 7.5 11.2 7.0 9.5 6.2 Total: Paired Tension 28.8 28.0 39.4 36.4 39.8 34.5 206.9 Comments
30.0

STRING TENSION: CURT MANAGAN 10-42

24.5 25.0

Nickel Wound Fusion Matched set

POUNDS OF FORCE

20.3 20.0 15.0

10.0 5.0 0.0 10 e 10 e 14.4 13 b 14.0 13 b 14.0 10 g 20.3 14.4 14.4

19.1

19.9

20.9 16.5
15.3

14.0

14.0

13.6

20w G 19.1

13 d 19.9

26w D 16.5

20w a 24.5

34w A 15.3

26w e 20.9

42w E 13.6

Series1 14.4

Prepared by: Simon Edwards Date: 13/05/2012 File: 120520 String Tension Test Results Rev 07 SRE

STRING TENSION RESULTS BY SET

String Set Tested 9/ ERNIE BALL 8-40

String e e b b g G d D a A e E

Gauge (nominal) 8 8 10 10 8 14 11 24w 17 32w 22w 40w Avg:

Tension Lbsf 9.2 9.2 8.1 8.1 13.4 9.8 13.9 15.0 19.4 12.8 15.6 10.0 12.0 Kgf 4.2 4.2 3.7 3.7 6.1 4.4 6.3 6.8 8.8 5.8 7.1 4.6 Kgf plus 2mm 4.2 4.2 Paired Tension 18.4 16.2 6.1 23.2 28.9 32.2
0.0

Comments
25.0

STRING TENSION: ERNIE BALL 08-40

20.0 15.0 19.4

Nickel Round Wound 2230 Set

POUNDS OF FORCE 13.9
9.8 15.0

15.6
12.8 10.0

13.4 9.2 9.2

8.1 8.1

10.0
5.0

4.6 Total:

25.6 144.5
Series1

8
e 9.2

8
e 9.2

10
b 8.1

10
b 8.1

8
g 13.4

14
G 9.8

11
d 13.9

24w
D 15.0

17
a 19.4

32w
A 12.8

22w
e 15.6

40w
E 10.0

String Set Tested 10/ Pyramid Extra Super Light Round Core 09-34

String e e b b g G d D a A e E

Gauge (nominal) 9 9 12 12 9 19w 12 23w 19w 29w 23w 34w Avg:

Tension Lbsf 11.5 11.5 11.5 11.5 16.4 20.0 16.5 15.6 25.2 13.3 19.4 9.5 15.2 Kgf 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 7.4 9.1 7.5 7.1 11.4 6.0 8.8 4.3 Total: Kgf plus 2mm Paired Tension 23.0 23.0 36.4 32.1 38.5 28.9 181.9 Comments
30.0

STRING TENSION: Pyramid Extra Super light 09-34

25.2 20.0 16.4 16.5 19.4 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 9 e Series1 11.5 9 e 11.5 12 b 11.5 12 b 11.5 9 g 16.4 19w G 20.0 12 d 16.5 23w D 15.6 19w a 25.2 29w A 13.3 23w e 19.4 34w E 9.5

Custom ordered set for testing purposes. Nickel flat wound

POUNDS OF FORCE

15.6

11.5

11.5

11.5

11.5

13.3 9.5

String Set Tested 11/ Thomastik Infeld 09-34

String e e b b g G d D a A e E

Gauge (nominal) 9 9 12 12 9 18w 12 23w 18w 28w 23w 34w Avg:

Tension Lbsf 12.0 12.0 11.3 11.3 17.0 17.7 16.4 16.5 22.4 13.9 20.9 9.5 15.1 Kgf 5.4 5.4 5.1 5.1 7.7 8.0 7.5 7.5 10.2 6.3 9.5 4.3 Total: Kgf plus 2mm Paired Tension 24.0 22.6 34.7 32.9 36.3
0.0

Comments
25.0

STRING TENSION: TI 09-34.5

22.4 20.9 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 9 9 12 12 9 18w 12 23w 18w 28w 17.7

Custom ordered set for testing purposes. Nickel flat wound

POUNDS OF FORCE 17.0 11.3 11.3
16.4

16.5
13.9 9.5

30.4 180.9
Series1

e 11.3

e 11.3

b 17.0

b 17.7

g 16.4

G 16.5

d 22.4

D 13.9

a 20.9

A 9.5

Prepared by: Simon Edwards Date: 13/05/2012 File: 120520 String Tension Test Results Rev 07 SRE

TENSION TEST RESULTS OVERLAY

35.0

STRING TENSION OVERLAY

30.0

25.0

POUNDS OF FORCE

20.0

15.0

10.0

5.0

Rick enback er Redbox 483 RIC 95404 NOS 10 -42 CURT MA NGA N 10-42 RIC 95404 2011 10 -46 Pyram id 10 -42 round core Pyram id #308 Thom astik Infeld 10 -44 Pyram id 10-465 Hex Core "Old Mc Guinn rec om m end" ERNIE BALL 8 -40 Pyram id Extra Super Light Round Core 09 -34 Thom astik Infeld 09 -34

e 9.3 14.2 14.4 14.6 14.6 14.6 15.2 15.4 9.2 11.5 12.0

e 9.3 14.2 14.4 14.6 14.6 14.6 15.2 15.4 9.2 11.5 12.0

b 9.1 13.8 14.0 13.7 14.1 14.1 13.1 12.5 8.1 11.5 11.3

b 9.1 13.8 14.0 13.7 14.1 14.1 13.1 12.5 8.1 11.5 11.3

g 13.7 20.3 20.3 20.7 20.1 20.1 21.6 22.0 13.4 16.4 17.0

G 9.1 18.5 19.1 17.6 20.7 20.7 22.8 20.9 9.8 20.0 17.7

d 12.3 19.4 19.9 19.5 19.3 19.3 18.5 18.1 13.9 16.5 16.4

D 12.9 16.2 16.5 16.6 22.6 18.8 19.3 26.9 15.0 15.6 16.5

a 10.7 23.8 24.5 22.1 27.2 26.1 28.5 26.0 19.4 25.2 22.4

A 11.6 16.3 15.3 17.0 18.7 17.0 18.1 21.4 12.8 13.3 13.9

e 18.4 20.7 20.9 21.2 28.4 24.0 24.4 33.7 15.6 19.4 20.9

E 8.7 13.4 13.6 15.6 15.4 12.8 16.6 18.1 10.0 9.5 9.5

Prepared By: Simon Edwards Date: 14/05/2012 File: 120520 String Tension Test Results Rev 07 SRE

Rickenbacker Redbox 483 Thomastik Infeld 09-34 RIC 95404 NOS 10-42 CURT MANGAN 10-42 Thomastik Infeld 10-44 Pyramid 10-465 Hex Core "Old McGuinn recommend"

ERNIE BALL 8-40 Pyramid Extra Super Light RIC 95404 2011 10-46 Pyramid #308 Round Core 10-39 Pyramid 10-42 round core 20.2 18.9 18.0 17.1 17.2 17.2 19.2 Round Core 09-34

15.1

15.2

12.0 11.2

12.0 AVERAGE STRING TENSION / SET (Lbsf)