Noob string help for 6 string bass

Funeral · #1 12-23-2008, 10:07 AM

I just picked up a 6 string bass set up with 145, 105, 80, 60, 45, 30 and I've tuned it down to A standard. it's got a 35' scale on it. Well...the low A is definitely too floppy, so I had a guy recommend some strings to this tune 145, 105, 85, 65, 45, 29. Where could I go about getting strings like that? I've searched quite a bit, and found very little for the 145, but I'm definitely willing to order singles.

One more question...when I tuned down to A, I started to get some fret buzz on the first couple frets of all the strings. What should I do to fix this?

fretlessman71 · #2 12-23-2008, 10:11 AM

You'll need to loosen the truss rod(s) about 1/6 turn or so for downtuning.

A floppy .145? Never heard of such a thing. Keep in mind that the lower string you're playing, the wider orbit path it takes as it vibrates, so low action and heavy handed attack won't get along at all no matter how good your setup is.

45-65-86-105 is a standard medium scale set, isn't it? Just put your B and C strings on opposite sides of a set like that and you're good to go.

Funeral · #3 12-23-2008, 10:18 AM

Haha, sorry. I don't think my post was that clear. The low A I've got on there now is a 128, but I was recommended to get a 145, and I wasn't quite sure where/if I could get such a thing. thanks for the advice on the standard medium gauge set though...will it fit a 35' scale?

fretlessman71 · #4 12-23-2008, 10:35 AM

You'll want to be sure you're getting a set that will allow 35" scale. It should say on the package if it will. GHS and D'Addario both do "Xtra Long" or "Super Long"; I'm sure others do.

You'll also have an easier time finding a .135 or .140 than a .145, although I know D'Addario makes one in a standard 5-string set. Seems a little like overkill, even for a low A. I down tune my .130 B string to A regularly on my 34" scale bass, and it's only a little bit floppy.

Funeral · #5 12-23-2008, 10:57 AM

I was thinking that a 140 would probably do, because the 128 I've got now isn't super floppy, and I've heard that the larger strings are going to feel a bit floppy anyway. Where would I go about getting a 140 at? the largest i could find was 135.

fretlessman71 · #6 12-23-2008, 11:16 AM

If you have a 35" scale, I bet you'll be VERY pleased with a .135. Baby steps.

Funeral · #7 12-23-2008, 11:34 AM

Do you think I'll have to file the nut for a 135(comes standard with 128)?

fretlessman71 · #8 12-23-2008, 12:24 PM

Only one way to find out. We're talking seven thousandths of an inch here, or about 1/8 the thickness of the thinnest pick you could reasonably use on a bass. I doubt it will be a huge problem.

If it is, though, you can use the .135 string as a nut file, and just work it back and forth until there's enough room for the string in the slot. Lots of people do just that.