Should my strings feel like this?

[Knixx]

When I tune my bass down to C standard for a Children of Bodom song, they get all loose and clanky. Should they be this way? Someone told me that if I'm going to downtune I should get thicker gauge strings.

[BassMan250]

The loss of tension associated with downtuning makes your strings looser, and the clank comes with that (same force of attack + lower tension = more string movement). The thicker gauge string advice is because thicker strings generally have more tension than lighter gauges, which makes it a bit easier to have a consistent attack; personally I'd recommend heavy strings as well, because IME not only do they help with the tension problem but also present a stronger fundamental, which is great for any kind of "heavy" music.

[fretlessguy]

If it is a four string, then yes. They are getting 'floppy" because of the lesser tension. I would go with a larger gauge with something like the .50-.110 gauge GHS boomer set or something similar (someone out there has a set with a .115 E, believe it or not).
Another thing is to consider a string set with a higher tension. Some .105 sets would work providing they are of very high tension.
If you go with a larger gauge, then be prepared to possibly file out the nut to make it big enough to handle the larger gauge strings. You would most likely need a new set up as well. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best.

[Lpspider]

It's normal if you're tuning the E to C. If you're playing in Drop C often you should get a thicker set of strings.

[Knixx]

Originally Posted by fretlessguy

If it is a four string, then yes. They are getting 'floppy" because of the lesser tension. I would go with a larger gauge with something like the .50-.110 gauge GHS boomer set or something similar (someone out there has a set with a .115 E, believe it or not).
Another thing is to consider a string set with a higher tension. Some .105 sets would work providing they are of very high tension.
If you go with a larger gauge, then be prepared to possibly file out the nut to make it big enough to handle the larger gauge strings. You would most likely need a new set up as well. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best.

I would probably be changing the set on my 5 string. Looking at GHS's website they have a five string set thats .045-.130. Would these do?