5-String Drop A: String Gauge Suggestions

[dausualsuspact]

Hey guys. I'm in a group where they want me to use my five-string in drop A (A-E-A-D-G) and I need some help with string gauge, especially the low B string since the .135 currently on there tuned down to A is a little flappy.

The bass I'm using is a Squier Deluxe Jazz Bass Active V and it's a 34" scale. I currently have a set of Ernie Ball Power Slinkys (.135-.105-.085-.070-.050) on it and have been looking into Circle K strings, so if Knucklehead stumbles across this, I'd more than appreciate his or anyone elses advise.

[Jasewiththebass]

hi there intresting reading what gauge you use. I was going to say try a .135 but your using that anyway.

try a .140?

i use drop tunings as well A C G C F. so it would be .135-.120.-.85-.65-.45 gagues. my bass is a warwick thumb and i use the warwick black label. The .120 is a D'Addario xl pro steel taper wound. this works for me and my style of playing.
hope this helps!

[mmbongo]

Knucklehead is no longer a member here, so he won't be posting

Check into DR DDT's, which are designed for tuning down:
https://bassstringsonline.3dcartstor...-Set_p_80.html
Those will be more solid feeling and powerful sounding than the Slinkys, even though the gauges are the same.

For Circle K's, you'll need the .150 or .158 set.

[countbassiedad]

Maybe give flats a whirl. I can even drop tune on my short scale with flats because the tension is so much higher than rounds.

Daddario Chromes, Ernie Balls, or Roto77 all are very bright and a usable substitute for rounds IMO.

[dausualsuspact]

Originally Posted by mmbongo

For Circle K's, you'll need the .150 or .158 set.

So if I were to follow Circle K's tension chart ( http://circlekstrings.com/CKSIMAGES/...nsionChart.pdf ), if I wanted a .158 for my low A string, I would have to approx. match the tension of that string (39.6 lbs tension) to the rest of the strings? If so:

E String - .102 to .106 (40.4 to 43.2)
A String - .076 to .079 (40.2 to 43.0)
D String - .057 to .059 (40.4 to 43.8)
G String - .041 to .043 (38.5 to 42.1)

I believe I did the "math" right.

[mmbongo]

This is how Circle K packages the balanced .158 set:
.158 .118 .090 .067 .049

[ixlramp]

mmbongo ... he needs the drop tune set for AEADG not the balanced set

Originally Posted by dausualsuspact

if I wanted a .158 for my low A string, I would have to approx. match the tension of that string (39.6 lbs tension) to the rest of the strings? If so:

E String - .102 to .106 (40.4 to 43.2)
A String - .076 to .079 (40.2 to 43.0)
D String - .057 to .059 (40.4 to 43.8)
G String - .041 to .043 (38.5 to 42.1)

Yes correct ... however Circle K actually sell 'drop tune' sets designed to have equal tension strings in a drop tuning, so they've already done the work for you: Circle K Strings - Standard Drop-tuned 5 Strings

The .158 drop tune set is .158 .106 .079 .059 .043

CKS usually suggest choosing a set which contains your preferred gauge for E, but also keep in mind these strings are very flexible and feel loose for their gauge so it may be a good idea to choose a set slightly heavier than the gauges suggest. If you like an EB 105 E you may even want to consider the CKS .166 set which has a .112 for E.

If you don't go for CKS then a .145 from another brand will be at low tension but will just work for A.

[rockstarbassist]

my low B tuned to A (bass tuned ACGCF) is a .158 Circle K

i used that power slinky set on my ex Stingray 5 and it worked out pretty well (except for the E string tuned to C) for the A, so if that's all you're dropping that .135 may work ok.

[mmbongo]

ooooooo check these out....tasty!
La Bella Build your own Custom String Sets at Bass Strings Online!

LaBella Custom sets!

[Worldeeeter]

Originally Posted by mmbongo

ooooooo check these out....tasty!
La Bella Build your own Custom String Sets at Bass Strings Online!

LaBella Custom sets!

+1 - I use the Hard Rockin Steels for drop-tuning on my 4-string and customs on my 5-string; they're excellent for metal/punk and such, and I have never broken a string since I switched to LaBella.