Downtuning on 34 scale.

Stupid Jerk · #1 03-27-2007, 01:30 PM

My one and only fretted 4-stringer is a 35 scale.

I worry about downtuning (for metal) on a 34 scale 4-string neck. I would want to go down to C#.

If I got fat enough strings (e.g., Ken Smith "Metal Masters") would I have nothing to worry about? Also, I'm wanting to get a Ric 4004, which if I'm not mistaken is a 33.3 scale. Would that be additionally problematic?

It's one of the things that's making my brain hurt at the moment.

knuckle_head · #2 03-27-2007, 02:29 PM

You're talking C# above a B on a 5 string, yes?

If you are in the .125 range it will do C# just fine. If you don't like the feel then look into 5 string sets with a bottom string of .118 to .120 for reference gauges and buy singles. 4 string BEAD sets are starting to crop up.

Longer is better when tuning down (I am not saying this as a self-serving statement) so the 35" scale will help you a bit. On the Ric you would want no lighter than the .125 IMO, but it should handle it alright.

Stupid Jerk · #3 03-27-2007, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

You're talking C# above a B on a 5 string, yes?

Yeah. Whole + half step down from standard E, in other words, making it C# F# B E, or alternately, Db Gb B E.

Quote:

If you are in the .125 range it will do C# just fine.

Wouldn't the tension wreck the neck, what with yoinking it to where open is two frets up from what it's supposed to be?

I do like fat strings... because of the tone. I just don't wanna wreck my bass.

didier · #4 03-27-2007, 02:57 PM

I had a 34" tuned DGCF with 110-50 and it felt/sounded ok to me. But I liked it better with light 5 string set. I think it was a 120 or 125, and I think that would do fine for you at c#.

I dunno about the Ric, but seems like it would be ok with a heavy enough string.

You'll probably have to do some work on the nut slots, I did. Some bridges don't like heavy strings, so prob check that, too.

The tension was ok for me, but I was a little concerned worried about that and that's one reason I went with light strings. You'll surely have to do some adjustments, though, on the truss rod

Stupid Jerk · #5 03-27-2007, 03:19 PM

I reckon I'd have a tech set it up for me.

Beav · #6 03-27-2007, 03:40 PM

My 34" 4 string is set up for low tuning. It's usually set between BF#BE, CGCF, or C#G#C#F#. I use the SIT Rock Bright Steels Medium/Light 5 string set and throw out the E string.

Stupid Jerk · #7 03-27-2007, 04:15 PM

Cool!!! I just hope it would work on a Ric.