String gauge vs vibration?

[DalyTek]

I have a quick question.
I'm not sure how to word it correctly so that it's understandable though.

When you strum or pluck a string, it vibrates in kind of an arc, where there is more movement in the center of the length of the string than there is towards the ends.

What effect does string thickness have on this amount of travel? Will thicker strings vibrate more or less than thinner strings?

[Spivonious]

Thickness of strings can compensate for a shorter length. The pitch is determined by how fast it vibrates back and forth, so thicker strings vibrate slower.

Look up a physics textbook on waves for more information.

[DonP]

Thickness of strings can compensate for a shorter length. The pitch is determined by how fast it vibrates back and forth, so thicker strings vibrate slower.

Look up a physics textbook on waves for more information.

Nice, but I don't think that answers the OP's question.

What effect does string thickness have on this amount of travel? Will thicker strings vibrate more or less than thinner strings?

Good question. On one hand, you have more mass so you'd think yes. But on the other hand, the string must be wound tighter to get to the same pitch as a thinner string. Looking at extremes, a .008 string is never going to swing as much as a bass string even if both at tuned to the same pitch. So mass is the overriding factor.

I would say yes, a larger mass string swings in a larger arc and needs more relief in the neck than a thinner string (guessing that you are asking this because of a relief setup question).

Ergo, someone who uses smaller mass strings can have lower action and a straighter neck than someone with larger mass strings.

[Grandturk]

I believe that the opposite is true. A more massive string vibrates less when tuned to the same pitch.

[Spivonious]

I believe that the opposite is true. A more massive string vibrates less when tuned to the same pitch.

The area it vibrates in is smaller, but it vibrates faster.

[Grandturk]

The area it vibrates in is smaller, but it vibrates faster.

Yes. That's what I meant. The vibration arc is smaller. This is why - all things being equal - heavier strings should buzz less.

[toejam]

Yes. That's what I meant. The vibration arc is smaller. This is why - all things being equal - heavier strings should buzz less.

Correct. Larger cores will also help. Look at the description of the GHS Low Tunes Boomers. These are usually recommended for Eb or D tuning. I use them on my RR1T with great results.

Boomers® LOW TUNES GUITAR SET
Larger than usual cores to control vibration


Product ID1st-E2nd-B3rd-G4th-D5th-A6th-EPurchase OnlineGB-LOW.011.015.019.033.043.053 BUY ONLINE