C Tuning

[caboose122]

Hi,

I'm trying to get my low string to an open C, so if i tune my 5 string bass to CEADG, will it cause damage to the neck?

If so could you guys recommend a set of strings that will allow me to go from B to C without any problems.

FYI I'm just using the strings that came with my bass, so I don't really know what the gauge is, but the neck is 35'' long.

Thanks

[Dubista]

I'll bit and say that one semitone will have marginal difference in tension or problems...

but I'm a mathematician, not a physicist.

[Systolic]

I'm by no means an expert...but I wouldn't expect any problems. Any strings (that fit your bass) should be fine. You might have to adjust the truss rod a touch...maybe. If you were tuning it a full step up or more or up tuning all your strings....a bit of a different story.

[SLaPiNFuNK]

NOpe.. and the "B" string will sound much phatter...

I tuned my 5 string with .125 .105 .085 .065 .045 CEADG and it sounded great!

[armywalaby]

a .125 would probably be ok, wouldn't recommend it on anything fatter.

[Jay2U]

Some calculations reveal that a 0.135" B-string, tuned to C still produces less tension than a 0.065" D-string. So it doesn't affect the neck.

[FunkMetalBass]

Originally Posted by Dubista

I'll bit and say that one semitone will have marginal difference in tension or problems...

but I'm a mathematician, not a physicist.

From a mathematical standpoint, a 3-5 lb increase in tension is somewhere between 10% and 15% increase, which is kind of outside of "marginal".

However, B-strings are notoriously under-tensioned (usually sitting 5-10 lbs lower than the rest of the set), so couple that with the fact that thicker bass strings can reasonably withstand at least 55 lbs of tension before reaching a breaking point, and you're right - the difference is moot because the tension still falls perfectly within the string's normal tension limitations.

OP, I would hesitate to tune anything larger than a .135 up to a C.