Need advice, time sensitive.

[calmb4tehpwn]

So, I've recently joined a metal band. We're playing in G sharp and we have a show on the 22nd. I'm playing with a headless bass, and now realize I need different strings. So, I've found a place that sells specialty size double ball end strings, but I don't know which to get.

I have no experience playing outside of the E range, so I have no experience with different gauge strings. Here's my idea, tell me if I'm on the right track or not.

I want to get a set of double ball end strings for a 5 string bass, and use the top four. Would there be any issues actually stringing my guitar with these? And further, does anyone have experience playing in this range, and if so, what is the perfect gauge range? Currently my bass sounds like hell, and I've only got a couple weeks to fix it.

Thank you, guys!

[Nev375]

you are going to need your nut slots and bridge slots widened to accommodate the bigger strings.

For G# you are going to need about a .180

[THUNDERGODX]

After you get your string slots widened, you should get good results with a BEAD set out of a 5 string set.
I've done that on a few of my basses.
They were nut and bridge setups, but the gauges work jsut fine.

I dont remember all the sizes, but the B is .130

Good Luck

[THUNDERGODX]

If you try to mod your slots yourself, be careful to only widen them, not make them any deeper.
Youll lose your action over the fretboard and will have to replace your slotted components.

[calmb4tehpwn]

Okay, thanks for the sizes. I'll get them, and if they don't fit I'll adjust as nessecary. It might actually be fine, though. The steinberger nut and bridge slots were actually a little big.

I'll let you guys know the results. I appreciate the help.

Michael

[Step]

are you sure they tune to G#? I've never heard of anyone playing in that tuning, it seems a little low

but then again there are basses that tune to F# so whatever.

I'd think a standard low B string might do fine but it'll be floppy, you might need heavier strings depending on how you like yours normally.

[knuckle_head]

Do you tune to drop or straight G#?

You should get gauges close to these;

Drop G#
.158 .106 .080 .058

G# in 4ths
.158 .118 .088 .064

[calmb4tehpwn]

It's G# drop.

okay, I'm finding a couple manufacturers, and the prices are astoundingly varied.

Is Ken Smith worth the 20 dollar increase? Or will the 18 dollar steinberger or GHS do me well? I'm hurting on cash, but I don't want to buy garbage either.

Advice?

[knuckle_head]

Any of the three are sturdy brands

[calmb4tehpwn]

Unfortunately, I can't find anything that thick in double ball end strings. The closest I'm getting here is 130, and that's almost twice the price as 125.

Currently I'm using medium EADG strings, so anything would be a vast improvement.

[agreatheight]

I used to tune my Stingray to drop G# with a standard BEADG set 125 and it was OK. It'd probably work fine for your short term goals. Can you do a single ball end conversion? What bass are you playing?

[calmb4tehpwn]

I'm playing a lotus steinberger style bass. I've decided to buy a single B string gauge 130, and just move the strings I currently have down one. This way I can get my quick fix on the cheap. Thanks for all the help, guys. and if you have any last minute cautions, I'd still love to hear them.

[calmb4tehpwn]

Okay, I purchased a single string at 130, in addition to a 4 string set at .105, .8 and .6. Now I should be okay.

Thank you one last time for the help, guys.

[knuckle_head]

The .130 is going to disappoint at G# - it is only barely adequate for B.

Can you order a single that's larger?

[FunkMetalBass]

GHS makes a .132 double ball-end
http://www.juststrings.com/ghs-dbb132.html

I can't find any other companies that make them any larger. It's a very niche market. Octave4Plus might be able to help you out with a custom set, but otherwise you're stuck. Do you have another bass?

[ixlramp]

A string adapter will allow you to use single ball-end strings, and therefore the big gauges you need. It's held in place by tension, depending on the design of your neck endpiece. Not sure how big the hole is but perhaps you could get one custom made with a .160 hole?

String adapters

[dogbluedrummer]

...Hijack warning....

Newb here, and I'm fascinated at the thought that you play all your songs in G#. Is that accurate? You don't play in any other keys?

[calmb4tehpwn]

Honestly, I have to assume .130 will play better than my current set of medium-light weight EADG strings. I don't know the exact gauge, but I'm assuming it's around .105.

G# is the only tuning we use, but not the only key we play in. It depends a lot on the song, and I'm still learning our songs (been in the band for 6 days) so I can't tell you much more, but there are other keys involved.

I'm looking for ANY improvement in string performance before I get up on stage on the 22nd. If .130 turns out not to be good enough, I guarantee it'll be closer to good than what I got, so I'll be happy.

I would love to get a custom set, if this person in question would grace us with his presence, I might send a PM his way. Outside of that, I DO plan on getting a 5 string, hopefully in this decade (got almost a full ten years! Whew.). Currently I am trying to upgrade my amp situation, as, though it is decent, it does not compete with my very loud guitar lords.

Funny that I purchased from Juststrings.com and found nothing higher than .130, and I'll see how my 130 does before I look into the string adapters. If it comes down to it, I'll be thanking you profusely for the link. It's a neat idea, and I'm glad to know of it, if what I have on the way fails me.

Thank you everyone, for the resources. I've found this site to be nothing but a blessing.

Now, to go brag about the case I'm making for said headless bass. (It's to be epic)

[Turock]

Originally Posted by calmb4tehpwn

I want to get a set of double ball end strings for a 5 string bass, and use the top four.

Well, if you are using the top four, just detune a half step.

[calmb4tehpwn]

But detuning a half step from B wont get me to G#, it's a little further than that. It's still the plan, though. Or, at least, in essence.