Can anyone suggest me a set?

Kylethelobo · #1 01-12-2011, 06:34 PM

I recently installed a Hipshot D-tuner on my bass, and have of course been playing a lot in both standard and dropped D. Also, the genres of music I play generally tend to call for a punchier or brighter bass tone, so I like playing with pretty light-gauged roundwounds.

The only real problem that I'm having is that when I drop to D, that string is just a little too loose, and so I get a bit of rattle if I'm not careful. Also, around the twelfth fret I sometimes accidentally push the string off of the fretboard when I'm playing too fast. So ideally, I am looking for a light, punchy set of strings with a low string that will sound good tuned both to E and D. Possibly something with higher tension on the bottom?

Does a set that fits my needs exist? Can anyone suggest something?

David1234 · #2 01-12-2011, 06:38 PM

I haven't tried them but DR have a (somewhat) new line called DDT which stands for Drop Down Tuning ... they're basically trying to meet your needs here. Apparently they're a bit treble-shy and work well on the low notes.

Kylethelobo · #3 01-12-2011, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David1234

I haven't tried them but DR have a (somewhat) new line called DDT which stands for Drop Down Tuning ... they're basically trying to meet your needs here. Apparently they're a bit treble-shy and work well on the low notes.

The only thing is I'm pretty hesitant to give up my treble.

Gizmot · #4 01-12-2011, 06:47 PM

The D R strings are an excellent choice and may help you quite a bit. However, there are design and adjustment considerations on your bass that play important roles for how good the results are. You may have to raise your strings a bit to get the best low end.

Kylethelobo · #5 01-12-2011, 06:54 PM

Keep in mind I don't necessarily need something made specifically for this. I just need some recommendations on some light strings with a heavier bottom I think. I'm currently looking around online, but I find myself overwhelmed with all the options, and it's hard to know exactly where to look.

**NOLA Bass** · #6 01-12-2011, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David1234

I haven't tried them but DR have a (somewhat) new line called DDT which stands for Drop Down Tuning ... they're basically trying to meet your needs here. Apparently they're a bit treble-shy and work well on the low notes.

+ 1

I have a Sadowsky Will Lee with the hipshot in a band that tunes down. Thus, it is in D and Hipshot goes to C. I have a heavy set of D'Addario XL's right now that I have been happy with.

ixlramp · #7 01-13-2011, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kylethelobo

I like playing with pretty light-gauged roundwounds.

I am looking for a light, punchy set of strings with a low string that will sound good tuned both to E and D. Possibly something with higher tension on the bottom?

What gauges do you like for EADG?

Unfortunately almost all sets follow the traditional tension formula that has the lowest string looser than the others. The tension imbalance therefore becomes extreme when detuning. I recommend building a set from singles that has equal tension on each string when tuned to your average tuning EbADG. This minimises the tension difference between the E/D and the higher strings in both of your tunings. In standard the E would be slightly tighter, and in drop D the D would be slightly looser. A light tension custom set that does this would be 40 55 75 105.

See this thread, WestOfBen put together a set for the same usage.

mdogs · #8 01-13-2011, 05:38 PM

Circle K is coming out with sets designed to be tuned in 5ths, sounds like they me right up your alley...

Kylethelobo · #9 01-16-2011, 08:13 PM

I checked Circle K and found some nice drop-tuning sets that would work, but with shipping it comes out to about $30, which is a bit more than I was hoping to pay.

I guess I'll just have to settle for some 40-100s as the cheapest alternative. I was actually looking for some 40-105s but it's just not looking cost-efficient or easy to do. Oh well. Thanks for all the help guys!

Kylethelobo · #10 01-16-2011, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ixlramp

...A light tension custom set that does this would be 40 55 75 105...

As a matter of fact, I surprised myself and just ordered a set like this from individuals, directly from D'Addario. It came out to only $19+$6 for shipping, which is pretty reasonable.

Now to wait a week until they come in.... I'm excited to see how they work out.