A question for pick players, or folks who use really low action

[ThrashMaster]

I play in a band in which I do alot of sweep picking (guitar style). I set my bass up with pretty low action to facilitate this. We play in drop C, so thats CGCF. Right now im using the bottom four strings from the DR DDT 5 string set so 65, 85, 105, 125. Theyre ok but not great and the low C string is a little floppy by comparison to the others.

So, I guess what im looking for here is a recommendation on strings that sound nice and growly with a pick, that arent super floppy (since the action is pretty low), and are available with a thicker low string since that ones tune a little lower.

[SMILEYSIXX]

Billy Sheehan rotosounds or DR drop tune strings.

[ThrashMaster]

Originally Posted by SMILEYSIXX

Billy Sheehan rotosounds or DR drop tune strings.

im using the dr drop tunes...theyre ok, but not fantastic. I just wish that had a little more 'snarl' for lack of a better word

[ixlramp]

Despite their confusing name, DR DDTs are designed for detuned all-fourths tunings, not for 'Drop Tunings'. 'Drop Tuning' is where the lowest interval is a fifth and the rest are fourths, such as Drop C = CGCF.

The low C is floppy because the gauge has not been increased to compensate for it being dropped by a wholetone. What you need is a set purpose designed for 5th-4th-4th intervals, with gauges chosen to result in equal tension on each string.

You could build a set from singles by using the daddario tension chart pdf to choose gauges. You can use the tension chart to approximate tensions of brands other than D'Addario.

Circle K Strings sell nickelplated roundwound sets designed for 'Drop Tunings'. The gauges are chosen for equal tension on each string, so your low C will have the same tension as the higher strings. The huge choice of 4 string Drop sets is here: circle k strings standard-drop-tuned-4-strings.

Take a look at the Circle K tension Chart pdf.

These are excellent strings, check the reviews in the Circle K threads.

[Thaos627]

i use a pick on some songs and i like coated and tape wound strings. rotosound tru bass 88 are good. they sound the same with or without a pick but if u dont use a pick it sounds more upright. just buy 5 string sets and use the BEAD strings it'll save u some serious trouble... u'll need to adjust the truss rod and the bridge since they were made for eadg

[ThrashMaster]

Originally Posted by Thaos627

i use a pick on some songs and i like coated and tape wound strings. rotosound tru bass 88 are good. they sound the same with or without a pick but if u dont use a pick it sounds more upright. just buy 5 string sets and use the BEAD strings it'll save u some serious trouble... u'll need to adjust the truss rod and the bridge since they were made for eadg

coated, tape wound, half rounds, and flats are all out...i hate that dark sound


I already do the 5 string set and throw out the g thing. Bass is already set up for the low tuning.

[ThrashMaster]

Originally Posted by ixlramp

Despite their confusing name, DR DDTs are designed for detuned all-fourths tunings, not for 'Drop Tunings'. 'Drop Tuning' is where the lowest interval is a fifth and the rest are fourths, such as Drop C = CGCF.

The low C is floppy because the gauge has not been increased to compensate for it being dropped by a wholetone. What you need is a set purpose designed for 5th-4th-4th intervals, with gauges chosen to result in equal tension on each string.

You could build a set from singles by using the daddario tension chart pdf to choose gauges. You can use the tension chart to approximate tensions of brands other than D'Addario.

Circle K Strings sell nickelplated roundwound sets designed for 'Drop Tunings'. The gauges are chosen for equal tension on each string, so your low C will have the same tension as the higher strings. The huge choice of 4 string Drop sets is here: circle k strings standard-drop-tuned-4-strings.

Take a look at the Circle K tension Chart pdf.

These are excellent strings, check the reviews in the Circle K threads.

Ive checked out a bit of that thread, and while it interested, I haven't really seen anybody chime in that uses a pick in an agressive music setting. Also, seems like theyre having issues fulfilling orders at the moment. Also, alot of talk about how theyre very low tension, which doesnt bode well for an ultra low setup. All that said, really interested cuz of all the good comments.

So, how about this...any pick players using Circle K's ? Snarly midrange? Aggressive music appropriate?

[tylerwylie]

I have Circle K's on my Stingray, in a metal band and sometimes I do use a pick. They sound great, I beef my low mids and cut my high mids, but leave highs and bass a little above flat and I get my desirable tone. I think the Circle K strings will usually be more responsive to appropriate EQing than pure nickel/nickel-plated and steel strings. If you're going to be using a 5 string set for CGCF, throw out the E and not the G and get a thicker gauge. I use the .124 Drop Tuned set from Circle K, work great and love em.

[ixlramp]

Originally Posted by ThrashMaster

Also, seems like theyre having issues fulfilling orders at the moment. Also, alot of talk about how theyre very low tension, which doesnt bode well for an ultra low setup.

Yep, difficult times at Circle K for sure, but beginning to improve it seems.

It's impossible for a brand to have 'very low tension'. Tension is determined by gauge. Circle Ks can be any tension you want, depending on what gauge you choose. People are confusing tension with flexibility. Circle Ks are very flexible, which is an extremely good thing, essential for good tone, especially for the really big strings. It's totally possible to have a high tension, very flexible string.

I used to use D'Addario ProSteels with a pick, they have a bright aggressive growling sound. Excellent and very flexible strings, even the .145 is super flexible. You would have the choice of .130 .135 or .145 for your C.

[ixlramp]

I expect if you're sweep picking you really need equal tension on each string, you won't want to be adjusting the strength of your technique for each string as you sweep across them

You seem to like high tension strings, D'Addario ProSteels 145 95 70 50 will be tight and tension-balanced.

[darkstorm]

If you get the right gauges for that tuning, Rotosound swing 66 should do very nice. Ive used them since the 70's with low low action and pick 100% of the time.

[shadow_FIX]

I have a set of Ernie Ball Power Slinkies on my SR5 at the moment. I don't tune down much, but when I need to the tension still feels quite good to me. I don't play with a pick but I do prefer a very low action...hope this helps.