Downtuned E or .130 string on 4 string bass?

Bass-desires · #1 10-08-2009, 11:28 AM

Which is better? A majorly down tuned E string or just using a .130 B string and filing the nut on my 4 string? Or does it just boil down to preference? Thanks!

CapnSev · #2 10-08-2009, 11:30 AM

Better for what? Tuning BEAD?

If that's the case, I would file the nut and use an actual low B gauge.

nightcityburn · #3 10-08-2009, 11:32 AM

This question is missing a key detail.

What tuning do you plan on using?

I can tune all the way down to Drop C with .110s made by rotosound. GHS makes .115's and they tune down well also.

Meatrus · #4 10-08-2009, 11:33 AM

My preference would be a 5 string

.

It depends how low you are going tuning wise. With a four string if tuning to B, you should have a higher gauge string (I would say a minimum of 110, but preferably a bit more), a 105 tuned to B isnt very pleasant at all, but you can get away with it (just about).

Bass-desires · #5 10-08-2009, 11:38 AM

Yeah considering BEAD but just checking to see what options I might want to try. Yes, wanting a 5-string, but might not be able to afford one. Lol

I have two 4 stringers so I was considering having one standard EADG and another BEAD

Meatrus · #6 10-08-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass-desires

Yeah considering BEAD but just checking to see what options I might want to try. Yes, wanting a 5-string, but might not be able to afford one. Lol

I have two 4 stringers so I was considering having one standard EADG and another BEAD

Then a 130 (or close to) may be a good idea

.

ghiadub · #7 10-08-2009, 11:53 AM

For BEAD tuning I prefer to use a low B string (130, 135 etc). The bigger string feels and sounds better to me. My opinion is not just on the low B though. I use bigger strings all around.

I buy a 5 string set and just don't put on the G string (plus it makes me look fat)

rhapbus · #8 10-08-2009, 12:40 PM

Rotosound sells 66's in BEAD and FBEA Tuning gauges called "Drop Zones" Look them up if Rotosounds are your thing and having no G to toss is a plus.

RickenBoogie · #9 10-08-2009, 04:11 PM

+1 to the previous 2.

wetzelman1 · #10 10-08-2009, 05:11 PM

I actually have a 105 for my c in cgcf. I was getting my bass setup and the guy said he would make it work and it sounds great. Had been using 115 GHS boomers previously. Slightly higher action but better feel on the strings actually allows me to play faster.

oldbassplayer · #11 12-12-2009, 07:54 AM

Hi, if you are going to downtune, put a 1" spacer (I cut a 1" length off a piece of 8mm aluminium tube) on the string first and then thread through the bridge and tune up. This will increase the tension of the string and give a better feel and tone. I use 40, 60, 90, 130 gauges on my 4 string anyway!

knumbskull · #12 12-12-2009, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldbassplayer

Hi, if you are going to downtune, put a 1" spacer (I cut a 1" length off a piece of 8mm aluminium tube) on the string first and then thread through the bridge and tune up. This will increase the tension of the string and give a better feel and tone. I use 40, 60, 90, 130 gauges on my 4 string anyway!

could you explain a bit? - do you mean you have the bit of tubing sticking out of the back of the bridge?

wouldn't this have no effect on tension as the scale length would still be the same between the saddle and the nut...

forgive me if i am being thick!

The Beelzebob · #13 12-12-2009, 02:20 PM

I just posted a similar question but only got one response. i would love it if some of you guys went over to my thread and gave me some opinions. there's details btw.
basically i wanna play standard D/ dropped C

Dropped C string gauge?

Quote:

Originally Posted by wetzelman1

I actually have a 105 for my c in cgcf. I was getting my bass setup and the guy said he would make it work and it sounds great. Had been using 115 GHS boomers previously. Slightly higher action but better feel on the strings actually allows me to play faster.

wetzelman1 what gauge are the rest of your strings? i had 45-105 and did the same but was having problems staying in tune.

knumbskull · #14 12-12-2009, 04:54 PM

beelzebob, i've just checked in on yr other thread

oh and to the OP - yes, i would go for around a .130 low B and corresponding other strings - buy a 5er set as preferred and put the G aside. and yes, you'll have to file the nut some. either find a local luthier or buy some needle files and DIY. go GENTLY if you do this!

Solarmist · #15 12-13-2009, 02:25 PM

I couldn't imagine using a down tuned 105 for a B

You'll have to file the nut, recheck relief, recheck action, and reset intonation.

Remember ... once a nut has been filed - you will have to shim it somehow to go back to standard.

omnimutant · #16 12-14-2009, 07:19 PM

Quote:

GHS makes .115's and they tune down well also.

I concur. I use GHS boomers and use the .115 for C# tuning and it works great.

edpal · #17 04-26-2010, 08:03 AM

I know, old thread, but for information purposed.
DR DDT(drop down tuning) strings come in three gauges for 4 string:
.045-.105
.055-.115
.065-.125

Two gauges for 5 string.
.045-.125
055-135

mkandolf · #18 04-27-2010, 09:24 AM

Came across this thread looking to detune my Fender P to BEAD... Will this adversely affect the neck at all with the tension? Thinking of using a 5-string set to do this since I want to use flatwound and throwing the G away.

FunkMetalBass · #19 04-27-2010, 09:35 AM

Depends on what you're using it for, what kind of sound you want, scale length, how hard you play, and a plethora of other stuff. A .105 string tuned to B will sound much different than a .130.

edpal · #20 04-27-2010, 10:02 AM

If you decide to file,understand you need to take nothing out of bottom of slot. And really just a few light swipe off each top corner/side will allow that slightly larger string to drop right in. Lay the thicker string and look under it before you start - wow, just a tiny, little gap, nowhere near the difference between the two gauges(.100 vs. .130) on most nuts. Unless you have one that is slotted really deep. Frr nuts where the slots are more like grooves, you may not need to do anything.

Funny thing about the 4 string "down-tune" sets - they generally cost more than a five string set. Those extra G's must be good for something