Metal bass playing in low tunings: How can I limit fret buzz? (string choice? setup?)

[osciphex]

So how do metal players avoid fret buzz when playing with a pick in low tunings (1/2 step down, whole step down, etc)? I have a bass strung with DR Low Rider mediums and very low action, and tuned 1/2 step down I get a ton of fret buzz when I'm picking harder; its almost like a sitar sound on some frets.

Do people that play metal in low tunings use heavy gauge strings for the higher tension? Or do they raise the string heights?


..Or maybe they all just pick with incredibly light technique?

[Thunder Pulse]

If you're getting fret buzz from only tuning down 1/2 step then maybe your action is the lowest of the low. You could try raising it a hair, or going to thicker gauge strings.

[bgavin]

I boosted gauge on a client's bass. She drop tunes to C# G# C# F#. The E dropped to C# was pretty flabby. The string of choice was DR LoRider Nickel, 45~105. The heavier replacement are GHS Boomers in 50~115 which is the largest I can find in 4 string sets.

If this doesn't work out, I will do a 0.130 5-string set, and rework the nut for the larger string diameters.

[Peg_legs]

fat strings and a setup for the tuning. I use a .135 B and drop it to A. I think that tuning is too low, but the guitardist loves his 7 string guitar and wishes he was a bass player

[osciphex]

C# G# C# F# is also the tuning we play in often. Of course the guitarist wants to tune back to standard for one song (Pantera- lots of palm muting); I hope if I get the bass set up for a low tuning it will still play ok tuned up.

When I had this bass set up I specified "low action" without realizing how low that actually meant. I'm used to my fretless with the flatwounds that can be set super super low without problems...

[bgavin]

Get another bass. Having one wife, or one deity is OK. Having only one bass is simply not generous on your part.

Dial in your drop-tune rig, and leave it alone. Use another rig for standard tuning.

[brisonic]

I totally am not into detunning but have seen lots of others do it, with seriously thick strings, they get too floppy otherwise. I just played with a group where all the string playeres were detuned from B to A. The guitarist was playing 13s or 14s, and used bass speakers for guitar, it was a reallt fat sound, not my cup of tea at all.

[jenderfazz]

You should definitely start by raising the action a little to see if you can't get a decent sound. However I hate the feel of little strings that are high off the fretboard, so if that doesn't work for you go for higher gauge strings and you can probably get away with much lower action than with the strings you have now.

I agree with bgavin, I've got a P bass in standard that's got low action and a J that's drop-D and it's got slightly higher action. In my hardcore band I use the J exclusively while my indie band gets the P. Less fumbling around with setups and string gauges.

[RyRob813]

I had that exact same problem in my metal band; I needed a low C with just a four string. I'm a pretty religious finger picker, but at any rate for me it was always an action issue. Higher action on the lower tuning will help alot. If you're playing a four string, a five will defeat having to bother tuning down, with the low B you'll definetely be covered, and it'll be in standard!

[Blk-Widow]

Yeah i have this same problem but i tune down to b
and i like to beat the **** out of my strings
to the point where i have to tune after every few songs
(did i mention i use picks?)

but yeah i have a LOT of fret buzz when i play
not necessarily on the fret im playing but the strings slap
the bottom of the fretboard too

i wanna raise the action on my bass but
2 things are stopping me"
A.) I dont kno how (the biggy)
A2.) Im not about to pay to have it done

B.) This can be solved with the purchase of a 5 banger

which i really really really want, but have no money or job
but ive been tryin like hell to find one

[pickles]

Sounds like you just need to add a touch of relief.

[tlwaps]

Raise your action a bit. My band tunes to CGCF (low-high) and my 4 string doesn't buzz at all. The place I purchased it from is where i had it set up at and i've known those guys for quite a long time. Not to mention the owner plays in a band with my cousin, so I always get a nice fat set up. But yeah raise your action and try some thicker gauge strings.

[Kazuo]

I'm currently in the process of setting up my 5 for a G#C#F#BE tuning (yes, you heard right), and I'm going to have to get fairly thick with the strings too.

If you're not adverse to playing thicker strings, that's usually a place to start, along with adjusting the action a tad. Going low gets your strings pretty floppy on normal scale instruments...

But yeah that's why I love the 5 banger.

[Roland777]

Set-up isn't much of an issue, more like the gauge. A pretty good estimate is;
E - .100
D# .105
D - .110
C# .115
C - .120
B - .125
A# and below - .130+...

That goes for a "35. If you're a heavy player on "35, you might wanna +.005 on each of those gauges.

Though yeah, a good setup helps too. You don't need high action to get a good-playing bass - just keep the action from being too low and keep the neck straight! (With a little bit of relief in it!)

[Yngwie 4String]

the fact is some basses cant handle super larg strings, my advice would be to raise your bridge and action up.