Flats masters, I have a question for you. I've been playing my 69 Fender Jazz in standard tuning (E A D G) but am going to try tuning all strings down a half step (Eb Ab Db Gb).
Will I have to go up a string size due to the decrease in tension?
Currently I have D'addario Chromes (45, 65, 85, 100) on there, but i'm thinking of possibly switching to Labellas.
I've used those exact strings on a Jazz bass tuned down to Eb. Worked great for me! Obviously it will feel a little different for a few tunes but the tone is still solid.
I don't think you'll have an issue, a whole step DGCF might push it, though. Of course the tesion will drop a little, and the action may change very slightly(neck may relax). I wouldn't jump to the next size without trying it with the strings you have now.
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Wick club member #146, P Bass Member #133, Fretless #22, The Club Club #2
I have the same strings, and I have played as low as C (yes, you read that correctly ) on my Precision when I was playing some Queens of the Stone Age. The tension is high compared to rounds so they will be fine.
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'78 Rickenbacker 4001, '05 Fender J, G&L L-2500, GK 1001-RBII, Avatar B410 NEO
Black 'n' Maple Club - #002, 5 String Club - #158
I wouldn't jump to the next size without trying it with the strings you have now.
+1 , The E string is the string thats going lose the most tension so I would try drop tuning that 1st and if the tension feels ok on that then drop tune the other strings
) on my Precision when I was playing some Queens of the Stone Age. The tension is high compared to rounds so they will be fine.
