D-Standard tuning on MM Bongo

[SirCanealot]

Hi all,

Basically I play in a band that uses drop-D tuning. However, since I generally hate drop tunings, I've always tuned to D-standard.

My question is: for a while I've been using DR Lowriders' heavy string set - 50, 70, 90, 110.

However, I'm still finding these a little too floppy for my tastes. Compared to the bass I use in my other band with a 105 set on (standard tuning), the drop tuning makes the strings sound a little "dead" compared.

Since I'm recently going crazy over Rotosound Swingbass again (it's happened a few times to me :P), I was considering using one of their light 5-string sets — 35, 55, 70, 90, 120 — and tossing the lighter string.

Would the Bongo's nut take a 120 string without having to file it down? And has anyone else done this before? I'm wondering if 120 will be a little TOO stiff for D-standard (although I do like high tension), and if I should be trying to hunt down a 115 string set.

Thanks, all!

[RickenBoogie]

I just "up-tuned" my BEAD bass to D standard, using 65-85-105-125 gauge strings. Tight and resposnsive.

[sickest beast]

that's weird, i tune to D-standard and I usually use 50-110 with no problems. I can't see why anyone would need thicker, unless you like super tight strings

i actually just switched brands again and bought Dean Markley nicklesteel .048-.106 because it was all they had in stock. i got nervous, i thought they would be too floppy but they are PERFECT.

[RickenBoogie]

No, I'm only using these strings because they were already on for BEAD. I wouldn't use a .125 D string otherwise, just sayin' the OP is fine with a .110, but *could* go bigger if necessary.

[Solarmist]

My Ibby SR4 is tuned DGCF using 50 / 70 / 90 / 110 guage rounds which works fine. I wouldn't want more tension than that, and wouldn't use any larger than 115 for D