Ernie Ball

skullcandy · #1 01-30-2009, 05:23 AM

I was wonder on what gauge i should use to play in drop C i have a Rickenbacker 4003 i have always liked and played Ernie Ball Hybrid but the new band i am in now is playing drop C so i dont know if i should get the power slinky or get a set of 5 string powers and not use the G any info would be helpfull

skullcandy · #2 01-30-2009, 01:03 PM

anyone can you shed so light for me we have a whole album together and i cant my bass together this is holdin us back

Dogbertday · #3 01-30-2009, 01:14 PM

if you can get heavy A-D-and G strings and a normal B string I would go that route... as drop C would otherwise require tuning up a minor third for 3 of the strings if you just used BEAD but tuned it CGCF... If you want to go with a BEAD tuning I would just get the 5 string set.

Either way, put the strings on, tune it, and the next day get yourself a set-up

andymcclure · #4 01-30-2009, 01:19 PM

Honestly, I'm not sure you'll ever get a satisfactory sound with a drop C on a Rick. Just so I'm not giving bad advice, your tuning would be C-G-C-F, correct?

Your idea of buying a 5-string set and using the lower 4 isn't bad, but maybe try a Power Slinky 4-string set first... that would give you a 110 to get that C, which might do the trick, and the other 3 would definitely work better. You might run into a little trouble with the nut, but I think you'd be OK.

If that comes close but still doesn't cut it, I'd start buying some individual strings until I came up with a set that works, then try to find a set with matching gauges.

Ideally, I'd say look into an extended scale bass. The Ibanez BTB is pretty sweet and fairly affordable.

Plan B is to kick your singer in the jewels and get him to sing a couple steps higher.

andymcclure · #5 01-30-2009, 01:21 PM

Oh yeah, and if you do go with a lighter 5-string set, I'd say toss out the E string, not the G.

bassman1185 · #6 01-30-2009, 01:24 PM

I like the sound of EBs, but the absolute best CGCF tuning strings I've ever played have been GHS Bass Boomers, which you can get in .050-.115 guage. That works just about perfect for Drop C. EB Power slinkies work ok, but they're not quite high enough tension for my taste.

I know that there are some on the board who would recommend using a five-string set, but I think that's a terrible idea. If you just use the bottom four strings, you'll end up with one string that has a nice level of tension, and three that will be borderline unplayable. This will also put a LOT of stress on your neck. If you use the B, A, D and G of a five string set, you'll end up with one nice punchy string and three wimpy, anemic strings. Either way, the string-to-string balance will be waaaayyy off.

One other option that you might be able to pull off, depending on who is helping you at the guitar shop, is to buy a Power Slinky set, then see if you can trade or upgrade the .110 to a .115 or .120. I did that once, and it turned out pretty well.

skullcandy · #7 02-02-2009, 12:49 PM

no you use the B-E-A-D strings and drop the G string when you use a five string set i just hope i can get the nut just right. cause i know i will have to file on it so that the strings will fit so any more help would be nice if you have done this or know about it.

millsbass5 · #8 02-02-2009, 12:56 PM

Looks like someone is going have to break down and get a 5er.

bassman1185 · #9 02-02-2009, 12:57 PM

Read my post again, Skullcandy. I explain why that's a bad idea too.

skullcandy · #10 02-02-2009, 01:22 PM

i have no need for a five string i what i think one of the best bass's that i have played a Ric so no need for a five string and i did read your post you try to say that the string to string balance well like i was saying if you use the top 4 B-E-A-D the string balance is right look at four strings set ernie ball powers are 100-90-75-55 now the 5 string set 135-105-85-70-50 now there hybrid 4 string 105-85-65-45 see how close this is to the E-A-D-G strings on the five string set only the bottom two are diffrent so now you tell me how this wont work then

bassman1185 · #11 02-02-2009, 01:31 PM

No, if you use the BEAD strings and tune them CGCF (drop C, like you mentioned before) you will be putting tremendous strain on your bass' neck. You will likely damage it, and since your Ric is neck-through, it means you're out an $1800 bass.

Also, I hate to be the Grammar Nazi here, but PLEASE try to punctuate and lay out your post in such a way that I wouldn't have to give you an F- if I were your teacher. Take an extra 30 seconds and just make sure what you're posting is actually readable.

skullcandy · #12 02-02-2009, 01:35 PM

sorry man, i didn know this was english class lol. Ok well i would like to know what you suggest i do. I have always played and love to play Ernie Ball strings and I want to keep it that way. So on that if you where me how would you go about string chose for drop C on my ric and P.S it was more like $2000 so your right i dont want to ruin it

bassman1185 · #13 02-02-2009, 02:12 PM

When more people can actually read your posts, more people will be able to help you.

Also, I gave my suggestions in my first post. Take a look at that. I've been playing in Drop C consistantly for the last three or four years, so I know what I'm talking about here.