Increasing Tension

[Vorak]

Right now my bass is tuned to C-Standard but I'm using standard .045 - .105 gauge strings. Needless to say they are pretty loose and make a lot of noise. I've been looking into getting some thicker strings but I'm not sure how thick I should go. I don't want to get standard five string .130's as I don't feel like having to sand now the nut so they would fit (I play a 4-string Schecter Stiletto). I'd like to try out .110's but I have a feeling that they won't make that much of a difference as far as tension goes. Does anybody have any suggestions? Will .110's or maybe even .120's help or should I take my bass into a shop and see if they can adjust it so I can keep the .105's?

Also, I know some people will say; "Get a five string if you are going to play in a low tuning", but I just can't play them very well. I don't like the strings being so close together or the thicker necks.

[fretless Bob]

if i was you i would of just got a five string bass but i do understand that they arent for everyone.

so to answer your question i think labella do a set of strings made for tuning lower than standard. although i can't find a link on their site.

i do remember reading that Tim C out of R.AT.M uses b standard tuning and went through a stage of having a five string set but without the g but then switched to these gauges; 110 90 70 50.

hope that helps

Dave