Downtuning to drop b, string advice?

[THRILLSEEKER]

I play in drop B tuning (B f# b e) and I'm currently playing with a D'Addario 5 string set, (on a 4 string, just using the 4 fattest strings) 45 to 135. The only problem I'm having is that I'm getting too much fret buzz. I've set up my bass well and can't seem to eliminate it. Obviously this is happening because of such heavy gauge strings, so I'm thinking about switching to lighter strings. I am playing a Fender Jazz Geddy Lee (34" scale length). My biggest concern is losing tension. I haven't had a ton of experience messing around with different types of strings so I'm trying to figure out which would best do the job I need it to do.

Any suggestions?

Help would be much appreciated.

[Lowpro]

Honestly I drop B a lot and I use a normal 110 set on my Sterling (Like Isis?). If you're getting fret buzz it may just be the action's too low and the larger strings are making too much contact. You can adjust action if you want and keep the gauge (shouldn't take much)

Otherwise, Ernie Ball makes these wierd gauge slinkies (can't remember what they are) with a fat E string and lighter strings otherwise; just be careful with your truss rod tension.

EDIT: Just checked Guitar Center and I can't find those strings anymore =( but again, try some 110's you really really don't need 135's for drop B and there shouldn't be any real rattling

EDIT again: http://www.guitarcenter.com/DR-Strin...29-i1530211.gc here's an example of some of the strings you can find here http://www.guitarcenter.com/Other-Ga...ts,New-Gear.gc but again I really think you should just use 110's otherwise you're stuck with in my opinion a wonky setup of strings

[knuckle_head]

I'd suggest looking for sets that are gauged similarly to;

.142 .096 .072 .052

or

.136 .092 .068 .049

Standard B strings are generally under-tensioned as a matter of course - upping the tension on the treble side only exacerbates that characteristic.

[Rockingbird]

I think Circle K makes specialized sets of strings for drop tunings, Drop B included. Lemme find a link...

Rockingedit: http://circlekstrings.com/store/4-strings.html The Drop-tune 136 sets should work well for you.

[mmbongo]

DR makes sets designed for just that, they are called DDT's (Drop Down Tuning).

[knuckle_head]

Originally Posted by mmbongo

DR makes sets designed for just that, they are called DDT's (Drop Down Tuning).

The DDTs are for dropping the entire set down and maintaining 4ths intervals across the fret board, and NOT for dropping just the lowest string that whole step.

[ixlramp]

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

The DDTs are for dropping the entire set down and maintaining 4ths intervals across the fret board, and NOT for dropping just the lowest string that whole step.

knuckle_head is correct.

Circle K Strings Drop Tune sets are designed to have the strings at equal tension, this has many advantages. Or alternatively you could put together a custom set from your favourite brand of single strings.

A lighter set with less tension would actually flop around more and create more fretbuzz.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by THRILLSEEKER

The only problem I'm having is that I'm getting too much fret buzz. I've set up my bass well and can't seem to eliminate it. Obviously this is happening because of such heavy gauge strings...

nope.

Originally Posted by ixlramp

A lighter set with less tension would actually flop around more and create more fretbuzz.

yep.

sorry, but if those big strings are buzzing, then by definition the bass is not "set up well". lighter strings would just allow more backbow and make the problem worse.

[musicforpeace]

I've been using drop B for a while and i recently had the idea of getting a 5 string bass and tuning the top four strings up one whole step giving me an extra high string. I've been told this would require extremely light strings to avoid ruining the neck. Any idea what gauges would be good for this?

[knuckle_head]

Ge the B of your choice - .130 or better (IMO) - and get a real light 4 string set with a .095 as the E string. It will get you close.

[bassist4dalord]

Wait a second- by "Drop B" do you mean BADG? Or BEAD? BEAD is "B Standard". "Drop B" is BADG.

[Thunder Pulse]

Originally Posted by bassist4dalord

Wait a second- by "Drop B" do you mean BADG? Or BEAD? BEAD is "B Standard". "Drop B" is BADG.

Better bone up on your drop tuning terminology. Drop B is B F# B E. In other words, C# Standard and then drop the 4th string a whole step.

[ehque]

Originally Posted by musicforpeace

I've been using drop B for a while and i recently had the idea of getting a 5 string bass and tuning the top four strings up one whole step giving me an extra high string. I've been told this would require extremely light strings to avoid ruining the neck. Any idea what gauges would be good for this?

Circle K strings has:

.136 .090 .067 .049 .035
and
.142 .094 .070 .053 .037

sets which would be great for your application.

Linking you to their list of standard scale, drop-tuned, 5 string sets: Circle K Strings - Standard Drop-tuned 5 Strings

[rockstarbassist]

Originally Posted by bassist4dalord

Wait a second- by "Drop B" do you mean BADG? Or BEAD? BEAD is "B Standard". "Drop B" is BADG.

nope

Originally Posted by Thunder Pulse

Better bone up on your drop tuning terminology. Drop B is B F# B E. In other words, C# Standard and then drop the 4th string a whole step.

yep

or drop C a half step... we're big Sevendust honks so we use drop B from time to time... sounds huge