I have an L2K right now and Im using very heavy gauge strings (110s). I play tuned down a full step (DGCF) and my strings are floppy as hell.

Is this common with G&Ls? Do they suck to downtune or do I just need to bring it in for some adjustments?

Im considering switching to an an L-2500 and I would like to know if anyone can tell me how the B string would act tuned down to A on one or if there is anything I could do to combat floppyness in that case.

I have an L2K right now and Im using very heavy gauge strings (110s). I play tuned down a full step (DGCF) and my strings are floppy as hell.

Is this common with G&Ls? Do they suck to downtune or do I just need to bring it in for some adjustments?

Im considering switching to an an L-2500 and I would like to know if anyone can tell me how the B string would act tuned down to A on one or if there is anything I could do to combat floppyness in that case.

First of all, tension is a matter of heaviness and speaking distance of string (well- and pitch, but thats assumed!)- meaning that the same set of strings would be equally floppy on any bass of equal scale (34" in this case), so a G&L bass will not have a different string tension than a Fender, MusicMan, or other standards.

What kind of strings are you using? I'd recommend trying some different strings, as different strings will have different tensions- even when advertised as the same gauge.

I have two permanently down-tuned G&Ls- an SB-2 tuned down a full step (D), and an L2000 tuned down 1/2 step (Eflat). Both basses have the same strings- heavy gauge DR Black Beauties (50-110 gauges), and the strings are not floppy on either. I don't really use it anymore, but my L2500 also wore the same strings and was tuned down 1/2 step. The string tension was fine (though a B string will almost always be somewhat floppy on a 34" scale bass), but the larger gauged string tended to get muddy on that particular bass (as compared to normal tuning with standard gauge strings). I'm pretty sure even the SB-2 tuned down a whole step has tighter string tension than light gauge strings on a standard setup.

So yeah- I personally didn't dig the fat strings on my L2500 soundwise (sounds phenomenal with standard gauges though!), but the string tension is no more an issue than with standard tuning/standard strings. Just try some other strings- Rotosound Flatwounds are never light tension- if you want to go all out!

Karl

I regularly tune my ASAT down to Db with D'Addario nickel rounds & have no problem at all.

I am using the same gauge strings as you and the same brand Sunbeast. Maybe I just have a lower tolerance for floppyness than most people, I dont know.

I am using the same gauge strings as you and the same brand Sunbeast. Maybe I just have a lower tolerance for floppyness than most people, I dont know.

Interesting- maybe raising your action might make them feel better? It won't change the tension, but it will give the strings more room to move (I've been using higher action lately and really prefer the way it feels and sounds- still fairly low, but definitely higher than I used to set it)...Also, if you are using Black Beauties, which are round-core strings, maybe you should try a hex core string like the DR Lo-Riders (nickel or steel): hex-core strings have higher tension than round core + feel stiffer for it. Actually, oddly enough, most companies make hex-core strings I believe (DR is one of the few that makes both designs for roundwounds I believe)- so just about any other roundwounds of the same gauge could be heavier in tension. The Black Beauties work for me- but it may be that I am willing to deal with a little less tension for "the perfect sound"!

Good luck!
Karl