down tuned suggestions?

[bassguitarded]

I am trying to tune my four string p-bass to C-G-C-F. if i use a set like the D'Addario pro steel super light gauge 5 string set and drop the highest string and use the remaining low four on my bass could i essentially "tune up" those strings to the notes I'm looking for without cracking my neck? the whole reason I'm trying to use the heavier gauge strings is that i find regular strings to be too floppy when tuned down a whole step and way too floppy tuned down a whole and a half (my low C). my biggest problem is the low C.
here is a link to the string info:

"http://www.daddario.com/DADProdDetail.aspx?CodaID=1082&ID=3&Class=ACGA"

[Alcyon]

you can and a lot of people do but you will likely have to file the nut to accommodate the larger string size.

[Solarmist]

My Ibanez SR is tuned to CGCF using 50 / 70 / 90 / 110 "custom gauge" set of SIT Powerwounds. The tension is perfect IMO. Others may think the low "C" is a tad loose, but im a "bender", and like it that way. If you like it a little tighter - maybe use a 115 for low "C".

BTW - SIT will assemble "custom gauge" sets for the same price of a standard set at customers request through you local SIT dealer.

[bassguitarded]

i stumbled across daddario's string tension guide
http://www.daddario.com/Resources/JD...sion_chart.pdf

brilliant.

pick strings that are within a range of about 5 lbs of pressure. and usually a little light (35-45 lbs) for the notes i'm tunning to.

the good stuff-
if i were going to get strings for c-g-c-g, i would get the following daddario strings:

xlb130 xlb085 xlb065 xlb045

you might need a slight truss rod and bridge hight adjustment.


Warning 1: string at your own risk

WARNING 2: DO NOT EVER tune this arrangement of strings to standard e-a-d-g, your bass will probably die. i mean it.

[Solarmist]

Originally Posted by bassguitarded

http://www.daddario.com/Resources/JD...sion_chart.pdf

if i were going to get strings for c-g-c-g, i would get the following daddario strings:

xlb130 xlb085 xlb065 xlb045

you might need a slight truss rod and bridge hight adjustment.

I've refered many people to D'Addario chart, but in reality 45 / 65 / 85 are too loose, and 130 is a bit too tight for CGCF IMO - try it and see for yourself.

And Yes - you need to give it a setup - mine is setup to perfection by me - the only thing I might do is change the 110 to a 115 (120 max) for low "C"

[bassguitarded]

so i ordered my custom gauge strings from juststrings.com and received them in 2 days with us postal service and they are frickin' awesome!!! i got dadarrio prosteels which are really bright and pianoy which makes it sound like i have a sweet fuzz when i turn up the pregain on my head. plus wiht the custom gauge all the strings are toight as a toiger and the is no floppiness in sight. i am extremely pleased!
my tuning
C-G-C-F long scale and i ended up with these gauges 130-90-75-55 the string tension guide kicks ass!