Can I put the F# and B string from an 8 string guitar on a regular 6 string? Losing the B and E strings.?

Question

To the answer below, I'm talking about an 8 string guitar, you understand? F#BEADGBE. I'd want to have mine set up F#BEADG on a 6 string neck.

Answer 1

You can just use your regular strings to do that and tune the strings up E up 1+1/2 tones to F#, A up 1 tone to B, D up 1 tone to E, G up 1 tone to A, B up 1+ 1/2 tones to D, E up 1 + 1/2 tones to G...

I have never tried it, but this may put some pressure on your guitar neck and bridge so be careful...

By the way, what is an 8-string guitar?

Answer 2

I would advise against it because the two lowest strings from your 8-string guitar, when combined with the lower 4 strings of a "normal" 6-string would exert considerably more tension on the neck, and the saddles at the nut may not accept the the thicker gage strings. This change is more drastic than it sounds because you are eliminating the two strings that contribute the least to the cumulative tension and replacing them with 2 strings that would contribute the most. It may not seem like a big difference, but over time the effect may warp your neck even with the support of the truss rod.

Answer 3

Installing a B string on the first string location bothers me because of its gauge and stress placed upon the bridge. As for an F# string, I can't advise because there is no F# string for the regular guitar.

When in doubt, consult a reputable music store having qualified guitar  technicians.