Guitar String Tuning: A Worthwhile Calculation?

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The discussion centers on the impact of string stretching on bass guitar tuning and playability. Participants consider investigating the relationship between string gauge, stretching distance, and how long strings remain in tune. One contributor suggests that as long as strings are within the elastic range, bending should not affect pitch. There is a general interest in exploring this topic further, although no specific studies are cited. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexity of string dynamics and the potential for experimentation in this area.
lurksalot
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Ok so I've tried lots of searching ...but... it doesn't seem to hone in on my thinking which isss...

I play bass guitar and different people have different views on how much to stretch their strings to attain alevel where their style of play wil allow the strings to bend and sound great whilst staying in tune .

Is this a worthy calculation to investigate :confused:

allowing for thousands of different string Makes and guitar makes etc
it may be fun to pick one and do some investigation :rolleyes:

It may have been done or maybe not but I hope someone thinks its worth a go ,bear in mind that any numbers or theory will go STRAIGHT over my head but hey ho

Kev
 
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I'm going to reply under the assumption that you are considering how much one should stretch their guitar strings before tuning their guitar.

It sounds like a good idea. Look at the correlation between different gauges, distance stretched, and the length of time the string stays in tune. Sounds like a great experiment.

If you find a correlation, let me know.

Paden Roder
 
I would guess that as long as the string preloaded tension (while it is in tune) is still in the elastic range of the material, then there should be no change in pitch after bending, since the string will return to its preloaded tension after bending. It makes sense then, that a thicker set of strings would be more robust than a thinner set. This is just an assumption based on my knowledge of material properties and i am not aware of any actual studies on this.
 
I do not have a good working knowledge of physics yet. I tried to piece this together but after researching this, I couldn’t figure out the correct laws of physics to combine to develop a formula to answer this question. Ex. 1 - A moving object impacts a static object at a constant velocity. Ex. 2 - A moving object impacts a static object at the same velocity but is accelerating at the moment of impact. Assuming the mass of the objects is the same and the velocity at the moment of impact...

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