5 String Tensions

[BruceBass3901]

I am farely new to 5 string basses and am completely new to sorting out string tensions, so I'm hoping that somebody here would be able to help me out. So, here's my question:

Are there strings available for a 34'' scale bass (Ibanez SR305) that can be tuned up to (C# G# C# F# B) without doing damage to the neck, but still sound good when in standard low B?

I know that I could just play the piece so that it is all fretted in standard tuning, but I was just wondering if there were strings available that could do this and not be under too much tension to snap or damage the neck.

[NineSpine]

Most string manufacturers sell singles so it shouldn't be a problem to design your own set. Even a 120 for your low C# string shouldn't be too much tension. However, you will have tension problems switching tunings so drastically no matter what.

[BruceBass3901]

And what will that do to the strings in the long run (or short run for that matter)?

[knuckle_head]

I sell sets made for that tuning. Beyond my sets you should look for gauges like this;

.118 .080 .058 .043 .031
.124 .084 .061 .043 .031

[BruceBass3901]

Help me bump?

[rockstarbassist]

When you say "tuned up" I'm assuming you mean you're tuning "down" to those pitches, right? But just using that phrase as slang...

Listen to K-H. I just ordered a custom set of his strings from him b/c I tune my 5'er (or will once it gets here) G or ACGCF, which is one half step down from even what you're doing, and I have some HUGE honkin' strings on the B and E strings, but to do it correctly, it looks to be the correct way.
I'll have some good reports coming soon, as I'm a 5-year long DR user, so it'll be a good comparison as lots of guys here use Hi Beams and Lo Riders like I do/have.

[knuckle_head]

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

I sell sets made for that tuning. Beyond my sets you should look for gauges like this;

.118 .080 .058 .043 .031
.124 .084 .061 .043 .031

Originally Posted by BruceBass3901

Help me bump?

I understand if ordering across the internet is a concern. The gauges I list work really well but they are specific to Circle K. You will not find packaged sets that are 'right for this job' in my opinion so perhaps you have a local resource you can by single strings from. If this is true try and assemble sets that are more like this;

.120 .080 .060 .045 .030
.125 .085 .060 .045 .030

Short rant; we bassists are dis-served by intervals of .005 for gauges under .070. The shift in tension gets way out of hand by as thin as .050 and is stupid inadequate thinner than that.

[BruceBass3901]

What I want to do is lieterally tune the strings up rather than down; i.e have the B string tuned to C# and the E string tuned to G#, etc.

[Marton]

You should simply tune your bass EADGC and add a hipshot extender. That way you could use standard strings sets, and use a much more common tuning.

[knuckle_head]

Originally Posted by BruceBass3901

What I want to do is lieterally tune the strings up rather than down; i.e have the B string tuned to C# and the E string tuned to G#, etc.

That is quite literally what you can do with sets that are gauged like these are;

.118 .080 .058 .043 .031
.124 .084 .061 .043 .031

.120 .080 .060 .045 .030
.125 .085 .060 .045 .030

I sell the .118 and .124 sets, but they might be cost-prohibitive to ship to you. This is why I encouraged you to consider finding a local music store that sells single strings or similarly-gauged sets.

[JustDavid]

I don't see that much tension shift working well, unless you like really high action or have a bass you can quickly adjust the neck relief on. Is a 2nd bass a possibility?

I like Knucklehead's gauges there for your 'altered' tuning. & why not get them from him?