Alternate tuning

[Leftybass12]

What string gauge would be good for a tuning of (LOW to HIGH) C F B flat E flat? BTW, the tuning would be an octave higher than standard tuning. I know D'Addario makes some light strings, but I'm not sure if the string gauge, .040 .060 .075 .095, will be good enough for the tension, ect. I know Circle K strings make some really nice sets for what I'm going for, but what one should I choose?? Also the bass that I'm going to use them on is 34" scale.

[LaklandBass]

Id think more along the lines of .028 .040 .055 . 075

I just figure since .095 is a pretty thick A string and you're going up a couple steps you want a thinner string so the tension doesnt get out of control and tweak the neck too much.

You basically want the top 4 strings of a 6 string and up 2 steps from there so Id go with what equates to an Extra Light 6 string set minus the 2 thickest strings.

[LaklandBass]

Let me know how that works out btw... i have a couple extra basses and thats not a bad idea.

[ixlramp]

Starting from C fret 3 on standard A string?

A .075 at A is already fairly tight at 38 pounds of tension. At C it is 54 pounds, equivalent to using a .090 for A, very tight. The .055 .040 and .028w will be at roughly 50 pounds and the .028 will probably snap due to having a thinner core.

What sort of tension are you after? Perhaps you could try detuning your current D and G strings to C and F to see how those gauges feel.

I'm actually thinking 55 40 28w/29w 18p would be very playable at about 30-20 pounds. Circle K 4 string sets only go as light as .084 .061 .043 .031 but you can order your choice of single strings.

You can figure out your gauges using the Circle K tension chart pdf, all tensions are for a 34" scale.

[kuys]

I've wondered this myself. I used to tune my guitar to F-A♯-D♯-G♯-C-F and would like to try it out on my bass.

[Leftybass12]

Originally Posted by LaklandBass

Id think more along the lines of .028 .040 .055 . 075

I just figure since .095 is a pretty thick A string and you're going up a couple steps you want a thinner string so the tension doesnt get out of control and tweak the neck too much.

You basically want the top 4 strings of a 6 string and up 2 steps from there so Id go with what equates to an Extra Light 6 string set minus the 2 thickest strings.

I'll buy a pack or two and test that out. Thanks a bunch about the extra light 6 string set!

[Leftybass12]

Originally Posted by ixlramp

Starting from C fret 3 on standard A string?

A .075 at A is already fairly tight at 38 pounds of tension. At C it is 54 pounds, equivalent to using a .090 for A, very tight. The .055 .040 and .028w will be at roughly 50 pounds and the .028 will probably snap due to having a thinner core.

What sort of tension are you after? Perhaps you could try detuning your current D and G strings to C and F to see how those gauges feel.

I'm actually thinking 55 40 28w/29w 18p would be very playable at about 30-20 pounds. Circle K 4 string sets only go as light as .084 .061 .043 .031 but you can order your choice of single strings.

You can figure out your gauges using the Circle K tension chart pdf, all tensions are for a 34" scale.

Yes, from the 3rd fret of the A string. As far as tension it obviously has to be tight. Detuning won't work, I'm not looking for that. Thank you for the info about the strings and pounds, I always forget about that.

[ixlramp]

Originally Posted by Leftybass12

As far as tension it obviously has to be tight. Detuning won't work, I'm not looking for that.

It doesn't have to be tight, it can be any tension you want if you buy single strings and possibly mix roundwounds and plain steel