Standard C on a Five-String

EricssonB · #1 04-27-2011, 11:34 PM

Stringers, I apologize for this post, but after checking the FAQ and searching through the threads for the topic, I had to make my own:

I've been rocking

C-standard (down two steps) tuning for six years on both guitar and bass. It's the baseline tuning that I've been using for playing and recording. I don't even play crazy heavy music or anything, so it's not like I do it for the sludge effect.

- For my guitar it's been easy: I'll grab a slightly larger set - not large enough to make them fat and obnoxious, but enough to keep standard tension when dropping two steps.

- For my 5-string bass, well, I haven't bought bass strings for a few years.

And frankly. I don't like tuning it up half a step to match the guitar's C. It sounds terrible and the tension makes me uncomfortable.

I have no interest in getting heavier strings to drop (considering all strings) the E to a C, but rather in raising the B to a C. Half step up. I'm looking to reduce the diameter of the rounds by what, ten percent overall? This is what I'm not sure about - haven't bought bass strings in way-too-long.

Recommendations for diameters, etc would be appreciated.

Joe Smithberger · #2 04-28-2011, 05:10 AM

Look at the Circle K site Circle K Strings

I am running a balanced .130 set in B standard (and have used both the .136 and .142 sets) and these are pretty light feeling. They have a tension chart so you can compare to other sets and tunings.

AmadeusXeno · #3 04-28-2011, 05:21 AM

I think a light gauge 5 string set would work for your tuning you waant. Dunlop has a 40-120 set, Rotosound has a 35-120. I think either of those gauges will work good. If you want a little higher tension I'd say try a 40-125 or a 45-125 set. Hope this helps.

rockstarbassist · #4 04-28-2011, 11:25 AM

So what do you want your lowest note to be? Low C or G? C Std. on a 5'er could be GCFBbEb or CFBbEbG.

Even if you "tuned up" (which I hate doing) a B string, what are you gonna do for the other strings?

In all honesty I was a total skeptic of the Circle K brand until I got them, me being a lifelong DR user but they totally work. Plus if you check the string gauges and aren't bashing away with heavy music, a lower sized string could work, yet you still get the Top Notch tension and sound and feel from them. Plus they're not any more expensive than the store brands (quality ones, anyway).

Also I too love C std tuning. Just my band plays in drop C and refuses to change!

Febs · #5 04-28-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockstarbassist

C Std. on a 5'er could be GCFBbC# or CFBbC#G.

I think you mean that it could be either G C F Bb Eb or C F Bb Eb Ab.

rockstarbassist · #6 04-28-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Febs

I think you mean that it could be either G C F Bb Eb or C F Bb Eb Ab.

do'h!
too many tabs open

negativeions24 · #7 04-28-2011, 01:39 PM

Fender 9050-5L's.

ixlramp · #8 04-28-2011, 07:31 PM

Working through the physics ... divide gauge by 1.059

I recommend buying singles, using a tension chart to equalise the tensions, or a tension balanced set from Circle K or where-ever. Most sets have the ADG much tighter. C no smaller than .120 methinks (30 pounds tension). 125 95 70 50 35 is a good balanced set.

smo · #9 04-28-2011, 08:18 PM

I have been playing in C, F, A#, D# for a very long time - been through a boatload of different strings.
The best option I found was TI Jazz Flats tuned UP. They are a bit fatter (figure on the .136 for the low C) but the tension is just right, the tone is awesome. and once you've broken in those flats you'll never need another set of strings.... ever.
TI's are the lowest tension flats I've ever tried.
Most flats are gonna be pretty stiff compared to rounds, so just be mindful of that before you try other brands.
As far as rounds go, if you like a low tension, the heavy gauge .115 GHS are okay.
I've never found a round set I really liked though, and I've been through a lot.

EricssonB · #10 04-29-2011, 06:58 PM

Pretty set on going with flats at this point. Figured it'll give me a nice fat growl. Thanks for the advice guys. Prolly end up with some at my house by next weekend!

Eddie Mello · #11 05-02-2011, 01:19 PM

I've got a random question, but i need advice!!!!!

I've only played 4 string basses in the 6 years I've been playing, and the majority of the time i play in drop c tuning. I've gotten mixed opinions about playing a 4 string in drop c. is a 5 string really necessary? or can i set a 4 string up in drop c and keep it that way with out doing long term damage to my truss rod and bass in general?

- please help!!

FunkMetalBass · #12 05-02-2011, 01:24 PM

Do what is comfortable to you. If you're going to drop the strings, you might consider heavier gauges to keep tension up. You will not put any long-term damage on your neck or truss rod in doing this. In fact, you will quite likely be putting it under less stress.

Mushroo · #13 05-02-2011, 01:49 PM

I've used CEADG tuning many times on my fretless 5. (The band's songs were written for cello so I really needed the open C string.)

T-I Jazz Flats, .136 low B/C string.

rockstarbassist · #14 05-02-2011, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddie Mello

I've got a random question, but i need advice!!!!!

I've only played 4 string basses in the 6 years I've been playing, and the majority of the time i play in drop c tuning. I've gotten mixed opinions about playing a 4 string in drop c. is a 5 string really necessary? or can i set a 4 string up in drop c and keep it that way with out doing long term damage to my truss rod and bass in general?

- please help!!

What are these "mixed opinions", and who are giving them to you? People who actually use drop C, or just spout "ZOMG DROP TUNING IS FOR NEWBS ZOMG" like 98% of the TB population?
A 5 string should in no way be necessary, especially if you don't need to go lower than C. Drop C has been in my arsenal for years now and up til last summer it's always been on a 4, so no there aren't any "magic" side-effects you're not seeing.

seanm · #15 05-02-2011, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddie Mello

I've got a random question, but i need advice!!!!!

I've only played 4 string basses in the 6 years I've been playing, and the majority of the time i play in drop c tuning. I've gotten mixed opinions about playing a 4 string in drop c. is a 5 string really necessary? or can i set a 4 string up in drop c and keep it that way with out doing long term damage to my truss rod and bass in general?

- please help!!

Hipshot xtenders can do drop C (and they claim even low B). I doubt they would support this if there was any chance of it messing up the bass since they would not want the liability hassles.

So I would not worry about drop C.

Mushroo · #16 05-02-2011, 02:30 PM

Removing your E string each time you change strings doesn't damage the bass, therefore I don't see why tuning your E string down to C should damage the bass either.

ixlramp · #17 05-02-2011, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddie Mello

can i set a 4 string up in drop c and keep it that way with out doing long term damage to my truss rod and bass in general?

Yes

If you use a heavy 4 string set the lowest string will be very much looser than the others, because it has been dropped. You could create a custom set of strings from singles which has the lowest string gauge increased by .010 or .015 to compensate for this.

I recommend creating a tension-balanced custom set with equal tension on each string in CGCF, you can use a tension chart to do this such as the http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf. For example 125 80 60 45.

Alternatively Circle K Strings - Circle K Strings sell tension-balanced sets for drop tunings which are designed to have equal tension on each string in the drop tuning. Sets are here: vStandard Drop-tuned 4 Strings