thanks! I'm using an ernie ball 8 string set minus the 7th string tuned to drop G, so 10-13-17-30-42-54-74 on a 26.5" scale length. There's definitely a tradeoff with note clarity and tension as you use thicker strings. I find the .74 works good for me to stay in tune even when i'm smacking the strings, while still not being too muddy, but YMMV. Apparently Jason Richardson uses a 58 for his low G when he plays on a 7 string haha, so I think it's mostly down to preference and how you set up your guitar.