toozler - Posted - 06/15/2023:  10:07:27

I'm bringing up this topic in the building, setup, and repair fourm in hopes that some builders/luthiers can address it from the standpoint of data, moreso than opinion. I am looking for a second 'good' fiddle for use in alternate tunings. I have encountered numerous opinions about the effects of cross tuning on a fiddle, particularly with respect to leaving the instrument in cross tuning for extended periods of time. Are there any studies that document these effects and whether it is better for the fiddle to be returned to standard tuning after playing in cross tuning or if it is better to leave it in cross tuning? It strikes me that cycling through retunings over extended periods of time might be as detrimental, structurally, to a fiddle (as well as the strings) as just leaving it in cross tuning.

imapicker2 - Posted - 06/15/2023:  19:19:14

Following...........with interest.

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 06/16/2023:  06:16:23

I have often wondered, let us see what Michael Ridgewine sp? has to say.......... R/

Lonesome Fiddler - Posted - 06/16/2023:  14:59:12

Count me in among the interested. Just for history's sake, I did have a fiddle's neck once come unglued -- but it wasn't the one I used with steel strings and it wasn't one I ever cross-tuned to AEAE.

TuneWeaver - Posted - 06/16/2023:  15:43:28

Seems to me it would depend on the particular fiddle.. AEAE is just taking two strings up One step.. Unless a poorly made instrument literally fell apart after a while I can't imagine what harm it would cause... We shall see..

rosinhead - Posted - 06/17/2023:  04:18:15

Considering that I can use my fine tuners to go from G to A and D to E, I feel the extra tension is minimal. If tuning to sawmill AEAE was a major detriment I think it would also be common knowledge at this point. If it was a new idea I would be more skeptical.

I am curious as to how similiar the tension is between medium gauge strings tuned up to A and E vs. heavy gauge tuned to standard G and D.

I use medium gauge Prims and do have a fiddle that stays in sawmill AEAE 90% of the time with no issues.

Just like the rest of you, I am no expert on the matter. I'm just as curious to get some input from the luthiers here.