DGCFBb Tuning,What gauge?

gimmeagig · #1 04-21-2009, 10:00 PM

Hi,
I have a spare 5 string bass that I'm not playing much and I want to try this tuning: D G C F Bb
I have been listening to Wayman Tisdale lately and I'd like to get that twang for some higher melodies but i still want to have some deep bottom too.
Right now I use 105 - 45 on my basses from E to G.Sometimes I tune down the E to D and that seems to be fine but if I drop all the strings a whole step, it might get too floppy.
Do you guys have any suggestions as far as gauges for this type of setup?

Ozzman · #2 04-21-2009, 10:06 PM

You could use light gauge strings and tune up instead of dropping. Still might be too much tension.

gimmeagig · #3 04-21-2009, 11:06 PM

What do you mean by that?

Slax · #4 04-21-2009, 11:55 PM

Edit: Oops.

Deacon_Blues · #5 04-22-2009, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slax

Disagree with that....

Disagree with that.

He's only tuning a whole step lower than a regular 4-string, and adding a higher string. I'd use a medium or heavy gauge 4 string set and add a .025 - .035 string (rough guess) for the high Bb.

The low D string shouldn't need to be any thicker than .110.

Slax · #6 04-22-2009, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deacon_Blues

Disagree with that. He's only tuning a whole step lower than a regular 4-string, and adding a higher string. I'd use a medium or heavy gauge 4 string set and add a .025 - .035 string (rough guess) for the high Bb.

The low D string shouldn't need to be any thicker than .110.

Doh! Oops Sorry, Misread post.

Ozzman · #7 04-22-2009, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deacon_Blues

Disagree with that. He's only tuning a whole step lower than a regular 4-string, and adding a higher string. I'd use a medium or heavy gauge 4 string set and add a .025 - .035 string (rough guess) for the high Bb.

The low D string shouldn't need to be any thicker than .110.

+1

David1234 · #8 04-22-2009, 12:17 AM

Your frequency is going to be about 12% lower than usual, so use a string with about 12% more mass for a similar tension. +1 to the .110 suggestions.

SmittyG · #9 09-10-2009, 12:36 PM

I tried the E-C thing and found I just didn't like the feel of a 30 or 32 string. So, I got a set of Ernie Ball 125-40 strings and tuned them up to DGCFBb. Took a bit to get used to the extra tension, and of course a serious new setup on the bass, but I like it a lot now that I'm used to it.