Gear article

Dunlop Trivium Signature 7-String Guitar Set

The Dunlop Trivium Signature 7-String set is a custom-gauged guitar string pack developed specifically for guitarists Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu of the American metalcore band Trivium. Featuring a gauge range of 10-63, these strings are engineered to handle the demands of drop tunings and high-speed technical performance.

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Background and Development

The development of these signature strings is the result of over 20 years of professional performance and recording by Trivium's guitarists, Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu. As figureheads in the metalcore genre, the duo required a specific tension balance that could not be found in standard off-the-shelf sets. By collaborating with Dunlop, they whittled down their preferences to this exact 10-63 configuration to support their specific playing style, which blends complex melodic shredding with heavy rhythmic chugging.

Gauge Configuration and Technical Features

The set is defined by its hybrid tension profile. The lower strings utilize thicker gauges, culminating in a .063 low string, which provides the necessary tension for drop tunings without becoming loose or losing pitch stability. Conversely, the higher strings are kept relatively lighter, starting at a .010. This creates a 'top-heavy' feel that facilitates technical lead work, allowing for easier string bending and precision during fast soloing passages.

Sonic Character

Designed for the modern metal aesthetic, these strings are voiced for clarity and aggression. The heavy-gauge low end ensures that 'chugged' riffs remain tight and percussive, preventing the muddiness often associated with down-tuned 7-string guitars. The lighter top end is engineered to deliver a bright, cutting tone that ensures lead lines pierce through dense high-gain mixes.

Suitability and Performance

This set is specifically suited for 7-string guitarists who frequently use drop tunings or require extra stability for low-B or drop-A riffs. While built for the rigours of metalcore, the precision of the high-end gauges makes them appropriate for any player who requires a high-tension rhythm feel paired with a flexible lead feel. They are particularly effective for players who find standard 7-string sets too light on the low end or too stiff on the high end.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard sets like the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky M-Steel 10-46 or the Tim Henson Signature 9.5-46, the Trivium set offers significantly more mass on the low end to accommodate the seventh string and lower tunings. While traditional orchestral strings from brands like Larsen or Thomastik focus on sustain and warmth for bowed instruments, the Dunlop Trivium set is purely focused on the high-output, percussive demands of electric metal guitar.

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Frequently asked questions

What gauges are included in the Dunlop Trivium 7-string set?
The set features a custom gauge range starting at .010 for the high E string and going up to a heavy .063 for the low seventh string.
Who designed these signature strings?
These strings were handpicked and designed by Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu, the guitarists from the metalcore band Trivium.
Are these strings suitable for drop tunings?
Yes, the thicker gauges in this set are specifically designed to accommodate drop tunings while maintaining proper tension and pitch stability.
How do these strings affect lead playing?
The top end of the set is kept lighter than the bottom, which allows guitarists to shred with greater ease and perform string bends with higher precision.
What genre of music are these strings best for?
While versatile, they are optimized for metalcore, heavy metal, and any genre requiring fast lead work and heavy rhythmic chugging.
How many strings come in a pack?
This is a 7-string set, specifically designed for 7-string electric guitars.
What is the typical price for this set in the UK?
The typical price for the Dunlop Trivium Signature 7-String set is approximately GBP 18.00.
How long has Trivium been involved in developing their sound?
Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu have been refining their guitar mastery and shredding techniques for more than 20 years.
Do these strings offer a specific physical feel?
Yes, they provide a 'heavy' feel on the low strings for rhythm work and a 'lighter' feel on the high strings for technical soloing.
Are these strings manufactured by Dunlop?
Yes, these are part of the Dunlop Signature series of guitar strings.
How does the .063 gauge compare to standard 7-string sets?
A .063 is generally thicker than the seventh string found in standard light sets, providing more tension for players who find standard strings too floppy when tuning down.
Can these strings be used on a 6-string guitar?
This specific pack contains seven strings. While you could technically use six of them, the gauges are balanced specifically for a 7-string instrument's tension requirements.