P Dropping Way Low!

BiG-ULi · #1 07-10-2011, 03:14 AM

Sup TB,

I'm currently using some EB Power Slinky's (55-110) and when I'm dropping my E string to C it's getting a bit too floppy for my liking. I can deal with them on drop C but now I've really fallen in love with BEAD tuning and they're just way to floppy for that tuning.

So I searched and found the Circle K "Drop-Tune" strings. I'm really digging them. Now I have a one question though.

What are the thickest E and G strings you can fit on a 2010 American Standard P without having to do any filing whatsoever?

Thanks for any great advice..

anonymous101511 · #2 07-10-2011, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiG-ULi

Sup TB,

I'm currently using some EB Power Slinky's (55-110) and when I'm dropping my E string to C it's getting a bit too floppy for my liking. I can deal with them on drop C but now I've really fallen in love with BEAD tuning and they're just way to floppy for that tuning.

So I searched and found the Circle K "Drop-Tune" strings. I'm really digging them. Now I have a one question though.

What are the thickest E and G strings you can fit on a 2010 American Standard P without having to do any filing whatsoever?

Thanks for any great advice..

you'll need to file the nut, for sure. Why not just use 125-65? I've done that for years and works great for b-e-a-d.

BiG-ULi · #3 07-10-2011, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vail_bass

you'll need to file the nut, for sure. Why not just use 125-65? I've done that for years and works great for b-e-a-d.

I was actually thinking about getting Circle K's 124 gauge for my E string. Would a 124 still require some filing?

Drucocu · #4 07-10-2011, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiG-ULi

I was actually thinking about getting Circle K's 124 gauge for my E string. Would a 124 still require some filing?

yes.

I was using a 5-string set, the lower 4 strings (of course). I did the filing with the new strings actually, sounds stupid but it worked perfect.

BiG-ULi · #5 07-10-2011, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drucocu

yes.

I was using a 5-string set, the lower 4 strings (of course). I did the filing with the new strings actually, sounds stupid but it worked perfect.

Oh wow nice! I think I'm gonna have to start filing then.

crack-boom · #6 07-10-2011, 04:14 AM

I just use a 5 string set .135 bottoms on my Jazz bass, and didnt need any filing of the nut and they fit fine through the string through thingys...

ixlramp · #7 07-10-2011, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiG-ULi

but now I've really fallen in love with BEAD tuning and they're just way to floppy for that tuning.

So I searched and found the Circle K "Drop-Tune" strings. I'm really digging them.

The Circle K 'drop tune' are for 5th-4th-4th tunings (low to high) such as DADG or CGCF, for BEAD you need a CK 'balanced' set such as the 124 set or whatever: Circle K Strings - Standard Balanced 4 Strings

Just be careful not to deepen the slots, don't touch the floor of the slots, they need to retain a curve.

WarrenD · #8 07-13-2011, 04:28 AM

Good advice from ixlramp.

I filed the nut (a new nut) on my Fender P and went down on the E-string slot. Now a typical E string (105) rattles slightly against the first fret when played open. This gives the note a very metallic tone, but not for the right reasons!

knuckle_head · #9 07-13-2011, 09:15 AM

Careful when cutting into your nut - widen only.

You ought to consider the .118 set first - a .124 set tuned to E will put nearly 250 pounds of tension on your neck.

If BEAD is your goal and you want very high tension consider a .142 or .150 set.

BiG-ULi · #10 07-13-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

a .124 set tuned to E will put nearly 250 pounds of tension on your neck.

Wow! Crazy how much physics go into our basses.

Well anyways guys, after really looking into this topic I think I'm gonna get me 5-string P or hope I can save enough to get a Custom Shop 4-string tuned for BEAD.

knuckle_head · #11 07-13-2011, 11:11 AM

You really don't need an extraordinary instrument to do this - 'normal' tensions can be arrived at for any tuning with the right gauges and put no more stress on your instrument than it was designed for.

Your 4 string will do B just fine - even at .150 for B. Though 'normal' tension falls in to the .130 to .142 range.

A new nut is far less expensive than a new instrument.

BiG-ULi · #12 07-13-2011, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

A new nut is far less expensive than a new instrument.

That's very true. But I also wanna be able to play songs in Standard tuning from time to time.

BiG-ULi · #13 07-13-2011, 11:34 AM

Plus I've been really curious about playing a 5 string.