35" scale bass tuned EADGC

[Marco A. Mayer]

(I'm not sure if I should start this on the Basses forum or the Strings forum. Please move this thread if it doesn't belong here )

Hey guys, I've got an Ibanez BTB575FM. It's a 35" scale bass, and I'm a bit skeptical about tuning it EADGC because the strings are under massive tension, the low B is quite useless to me , and I'd like to be able to do high pitched chords with a large string spacement. Right now it's tuned BEADG with Roto 66's.

Can you guys give me some tips?


PS: Yes, I did use the search engine ¬¬

[PSPookie]

If you use the appropriate strings then tension shouldn't be an issue. i see no reason you couldn't do this; many already do.

[Marco A. Mayer]

Recommend me some strings.

[Jim Carr]

Try a set of strings made for 6-string. You can then go either way. The nut shouldn't give you any problems, but if you get a rattle or if it is too low, use a tiny paper shim--done right it will solve the problem and be invisible.

On my fretless 5er tuned EADGC, I use the TI Jazz flats.

[Lo-E]

Recommending strings can turn into a dozen discussions all by itself.

I think the difference in tension between a 34 and a 35 is minimal. Noticeable, but minimal. Whatever string gauges you like with a 34 are likely to work out just fine with a 35. If you feel the tension is a bit too much, you can always go down one step in whatever brand of strings you like.

As far as going E-C instead of B-G, string sets are designed to have at least resonably even tension. A low B is tuned to a lower note, which would create less tension, but it's a thicker string which would create more. They meet somewhere in the middle. The same will go for a high C, which is tuned higher, but is very thin.

You're not likely to hurt your bass in any way by doing a little experimenting. You might even have some fun in the process!

[neptoon]

lots of 35" scale 6 strings out there...not a problem

[spade2you]

Just get your preferred 4 string set and add a high C. The bass will most likely need a new nut and setup.

[Thrillhouse]

I used to do this with my old Ibanez fiver, and it worked fine. I never even thought about changing string gauges or anything. I just bought the six-string version of the five string sets I was already using (don't remember the brand, but I really don't think it matters any farther than personal preference). I just did a quick set-up after stringing with the high C, and I was good to go.

[FunkMetalBass]

As long as you aren't trying to tune your current 5 strings up to meet the E-C requirement, I think you're fine.

[Marco A. Mayer]

Originally Posted by FunkMetalBass

As long as you aren't trying to tune your current 5 strings up to meet the E-C requirement, I think you're fine.

[Yakob]

+1 with most of the comments made beforehand...


All you need is a six-string set in the gauger you're comfortable with, then string it up with the E -> C strings with "E" in what is normally "B"...

If you get any rattle, try making a shim out of paper, or even graphite if you have it.

I had a Bronco that was strung A-C and I never had any problems, so I doubt you will.

[nomadh]

Its funny how a 5 string is automatically assumed to add the extra string to the low end. Why not at the high end? Seems like the only issue would be the setup with the nut and truss rod. I'll have to remember about buying the 6 string set if I go that way.

[HogieWan]

If an E strings works on a 35" 5er with a low B, why wouldn't it work if there was a high C. It's the same string (same goes with the A, D and G string). Strings have a gauge for a reason and there is no more tension on a low B than on an E (almost always, there is less, much less).

[Marco A. Mayer]

I just needed information on which string gauges would be compatible with the 35" scale. Also, I thought that the tension on the C string would be too high.

[HaVIC5]

Right now I'm using a .29 C, and although there's plenty of tension, if you set the action low enough, there's nothing to worry about. I'm totally able to do wanky stuff on the C, no problem.