Query failed: connection to localhost:9312 failed (errno=111, msg=Connection refused). Open B flat - Acoustics Discussions on The Fretboard
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UNPLANNED DOWNTIME: 12th Oct 23:45

Open B flat

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menamestommenamestom Frets: 4445
in Acoustics

Currently recording a song in B flat.  Was originally recorded in drop C, but was resampled for the singer to B flat.

I’d done a slide solo in C, but want to re record it.  Question is what stings would I need on a standard dreadnought to tune to open B flat?

I don’t want to do any damage obviously so want to get a gauge that has enough tension to play slide without flapping around.  

I don’t need to keep the strings on, but if tension isn’t an issue may do for a while.  
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  • menamestommenamestom Frets: 4445

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  • RockerRocker Frets: 4843
    I am no expert on this but my initial thought was to tune to open G and capo at the third fret. 
    Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. [Albert Einstein]

    Nil Satis Nisi Optimum

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  • menamestommenamestom Frets: 4445
    Rocker said:
    I am no expert on this but my initial thought was to tune to open G and capo at the third fret. 
    That crossed my mind, would be good, but an octave higher than the open E tuning dropped to B flat.  I’ll maybe just go with that.
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  • ICBMICBM Frets: 69426
    Simple - in standard tuning the B string is a 16, in Drop Bb the top string will be a C, so 15s would be about right. You can get them for resonator guitars. The big problem is the nut grooves - although for slide it doesn’t matter if they sit on top rather than fitting in, there’s a good chance of chipping the edges if the strings jam in.

    "Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski

    "Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand." - Homer Simpson

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  • menamestommenamestom Frets: 4445
    ICBM said:
    Simple - in standard tuning the B string is a 16, in Drop Bb the top string will be a C, so 15s would be about right. You can get them for resonator guitars. The big problem is the nut grooves - although for slide it doesn’t matter if they sit on top rather than fitting in, there’s a good chance of chipping the edges if the strings jam in.
    Perfect, thanks.  I knew there would be a simple answer.  
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  • ToneControlToneControl Frets: 11438
    you could use a nut riser as a temporary thing to allow the use of thicker strings, and reduce rattling - assuming you will only be playing slide on it
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  • menamestommenamestom Frets: 4445
    ToneControl said:
    you could use a nut riser as a temporary thing to allow the use of thicker strings, and reduce rattling - assuming you will only be playing slide on it
    That’s a good idea, didn’t think about that and have one somewhere.

    Gave up and put some electric lead on it in the end though…..
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