Are my strings too think?

[JasonJLewis1]

Question: I have a four string bass that I paid to get set up to play in CGCF tuning. All they had were 5 string packs of ernie ball sinkies. String gauges are 130, 100, 80, and 65. Is that too thick?

Thanks,
Jason

[ixlramp]

>Are my strings too think?

Whoever did that doesn't deserve your money
A 130 tuned up a semitone to C is fine, since a 130 B string is low tension.
But 100 80 65 tuned up 3 semitones to GCF is a bad idea, dangerously tight. Those gauges are already fairly tight at EAD.
It would have been much better to use the 130 80 65 45 and not the 100, this way you get a more balanced tension.

[FunkMetalBass]

The C is not too thick. That's the equivalent of a .135 B-string, which is fairly common. However, your other strings are considerably heavier than they should be. If I were you, I'd use the .130, .080, .065, and .045 that came in the pack.

[ixlramp]

For perspective, when you tune up by 3 semitones the tension rises to 141%.

You need a set designed for drop C tuning. Some shops sell single bass strings, or you could find somewhere online to mail order a custom set of single strings (such as Build your own string set!). Or Circle K Strings sell 'drop tune' sets here: vStandard Drop-tuned 4 Strings, they're designed to have equal tension strings in a drop tuning.

To find your ideal gauges use the tension chart for 'bass guitar - XL nickelplated roundwound - long scale' here: http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf
Use the chart to find your ideal tension, then use that tension value to choose gauges for CGCF.
Example: If you like a 100 E, that's 36.5 pounds of tension, so choose either 125 80 60 45 or 130 85 65 50.

[TheArchfiend]

hmmm i want to try that custom string set.

[jabsys]

Way too tight for me, I use 55-110 (55,75,90,110) for drop C.

[MysticMichael]

There is no need for your strings to think. That's your job...

MM