extra heavy 5-sets???? PLEASE HELP!!

Calvan · #1 06-30-2008, 12:44 PM

my band plays in dropped c right now, and i play a 5 string as of yesterday. i'm tuning it GCGCF, and i'd like to get some extra heavy gauge strings. i'm looking for something .055-.140. the closest i can find .050-.135. does anyone know where to find something thicker or do you think it won't make much of a difference?

son_of_mogh · #2 06-30-2008, 07:56 PM

.050-.135 is the heaviest 5-string set I could find, too. There used to be a Carl Thompson Strings set that went .045-.145 back in the 90's, but I haven't seen CT strings since the 90's. I think there's a black tapewound set made by someone that goes extra heavy, but don't quote me 'cause I can't remember who makes that one. I just pluck/pick differently to make the strings work when I detune. The touch has to be a little lighter and closer to the bridge to work for me. Just my .02.

ErebusBass · #3 06-30-2008, 08:04 PM

Why don't you just tune it ACGCF, I see no need to have a low G personally

All_¥our_Bass · #4 06-30-2008, 09:54 PM

Try Juststrings.com, you can get pretty much any guage of string there.

Calvan · #5 07-01-2008, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErebusBass

Why don't you just tune it ACGCF, I see no need to have a low G personally

1. that would be a very odd set up on the fretboard with awkward intervals

2. i play in an experimental metal band, sometimes i like to get br00t4l

3. i've practiced with my new bass and this tuning for the last 3 days and am loving it. the only thing i still need to get more used to is the 35" scale

Calvan · #6 07-01-2008, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by All_¥our_Bass

Try Juststrings.com, you can get pretty much any guage of string there.

i've tried searching through there a few times and still the biggest i can find is .050-.135". the only other alternative i've thought could work is to buy a four string set that .055-.110" and a single low b string at .145" (they have 'em at juststrings for $10 ha

). the only problem is that the four string sets are made for 34" scale and i have a 35" scale

son_of_mogh · #7 07-01-2008, 03:50 PM

GHS makes a Boomers 4-string set that goes .050 - .115 if you want a fatter E. It may feel better with that .145.

Metal Matt · #8 07-01-2008, 03:57 PM

Can't really give you advice relating to the 35 scale, but on my 34, I use that 145 string for drop G# and also for GCGCF tuning. Works great for me.

xpcapox · #9 07-01-2008, 07:29 PM

I have a 5 string, and I want to tune UP to Drop C, should I go for a heavier set of strings or a lighter set of strings?

Calvan · #10 07-02-2008, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xpcapox

I have a 5 string, and I want to tune UP to Drop C, should I go for a heavier set of strings or a lighter set of strings?

what tuning do you play in right now?

Sandman1278 · #11 07-02-2008, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xpcapox

I have a 5 string, and I want to tune UP to Drop C, should I go for a heavier set of strings or a lighter set of strings?

Up to drop C would be lighter

Sandman1278 · #12 07-02-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvan

my band plays in dropped c right now, and i play a 5 string as of yesterday. i'm tuning it GCGCF, and i'd like to get some extra heavy gauge strings. i'm looking for something .055-.140. the closest i can find .050-.135. does anyone know where to find something thicker or do you think it won't make much of a difference?

http://www.conklinguitars.com/accessories.html

search on the page for the .165 Low F# string, you really should have like a .155 or .160 but I think that is as close to ideal as you are going to find

edit, and by the way you would need to get another set on top of that single string to fill out the rest of your bass, (in case that wasn't self explanitory)

eyvindwa · #13 07-02-2008, 02:38 PM

I tune down to G C F Bb Eb, and use a Warwick low F# (.175) for the low G, and Elixir Extra Light for the rest. It works very well on my 34" Warwick. Good luck!

Calvan · #14 07-02-2008, 06:24 PM

thanks for the reply's everyone.....

just to expand on my original question.... does anyone know where to get or what kind to get for a 4-set that's .055-.110" that will fit a 35" scale? note: it would have to be EXTRA LONG scale strings

vapochilled · #15 07-03-2008, 12:21 AM

One answer for them all Ken Smith Basses, Ltd. Metal Master-Heavy
Code: MM-4 (4-string) & MMH-5T (5-string)
In "Strings" check out "The Masters Series" for 4 string and "The Masters Series for 5 & 6 String Basses"

Calvan · #16 07-03-2008, 11:37 AM

the best they have on there is .050 .070 .085 .110 .145T

still not exactly what i'm looking for, but the closest so far. thanks!

vapochilled · #17 07-03-2008, 01:52 PM

They will make custom string sets for you, as stated in first paragraph on the Ken Smith site's "Strings" page:

Quote:

Ken Smith Basses offers more 4, 5, 6, & 7 String Pre-Packaged Bass Guitar Sets than any other String Company. We use Stainless Steel, Nickel Plated Steel, and Nickel-Iron Alloy to make Round Wound, Taper Core, Custom Balanced, Double Ball, Compressor and Slick Round strings. You should be able to find the exact set you want from our long list of pre-packaged sets. However, if you can't find the exact gauge combination you are looking for we can make up a custom set from our wide variety of singles.

I don't know if you caught that. You could also peice your own my purchasing singles.

Calvan · #18 07-04-2008, 11:24 AM

oh sweet thanks