Drop D Strings

[Rock_Ex]

I have a four string bass and have fallen in love with playing in drop-d, but I find that when I pluck the dropped string, the string goes flat for a few seconds, then returns to being in tune. It got me to thinking, maybe there is a string that is prefered for drop-d players? If you know it, please telll me. Thank you.

[Vic Winters]

A thicker string to help maintain tension. GHS Boomers heavy sets have a .115 gauge E string.

[knuckle_head]

What happens on a detuned string is that when it is struck there is more tension because of the amplitude of the excursion of the string. As it resolves the tension lessens and the note goes flat.

This is way more pronounced on guitars than on bass, and in fact happens even with strings that are at high tension. You don't notice it as much because there is less excursion on a tight string so the difference between attack and resolve is less severe.

See if you can acquire a single .115 for your D, or at least come by a .110 and get a lighter set of strings on top - that way your technique will allow treating all the strings similarly.

[bloodline462]

i play with GHS Medium Boomers and i have no problem with staying in tune. also, how long have you had your current strings? older strings tend to go out of tune alot faster, i change mine every 4 to 6 monthes

[Human Bass]

Fender has a tapered .110, quite good for D.

[Rock_Ex]

thanks for the replies. I do need to change my strings, seeing how they are ancient. i just wanted to knkow what i nedded to get. thanks a bunch.

[Afrokid]

Originally Posted by Human Bass

Fender has a tapered .110, quite good for D.

+1 for being tapered, and they handle the D very nicely...

[Oreomeister365]

hmm...do any of these brands come with a .110 for drop D, but standard for the other three? I like to have a tighter low D, but tighter higher strings kill me...too tight, don't react enough. I'd rather not get 2 sets of strings for that..heh.

[BetterBottomEnd]

Someone has some GHS strings custom made for dropped tunings for sale in the classifieds here.

[Tbirdbassist]

You can custom order a set of DR's through Guitar Center or any DR dealer with custom gauges.

[knuckle_head]

Originally Posted by Oreomeister365

hmm...do any of these brands come with a .110 for drop D, but standard for the other three? I like to have a tighter low D, but tighter higher strings kill me...too tight, don't react enough. I'd rather not get 2 sets of strings for that..heh.

Most of the major string manufacturers have .110 sets - head to JustStrings.com and dig in.

[ScubaSteve]

Ernie Ball Regulars always sound good for Drop D for me. The open D gets a little growly but it still sounds nice to me.