string gauge for 5th tuning

[hipnotode]

i want to tune my spare bass to 5ths (GDAE instead of EADG).
i have a cheap 34'' yamaha bass laying about that i thought id try using for this, but im having trouble working out the string gauges i need.
so far ive worked out that the D string should be the same as a normally tuned bass.

also im thinking ill probably have to get a new nut to accommodate the thinner strings, but ill cross that bridge when i get to it.

if someone could help me out here id highly appreciate it, or better yet, if someone could find me a workable formula that would be amazing.

[knuckle_head]

Originally Posted by hipnotode

i want to tune my spare bass to 5ths (GDAE instead of EADG).

I keep meaning to post my fifth interval recommendations. Here are a few to come close to;

.090 .059 .037 .019 - 43 pounds tension

.086 .057 .035 .018 - 40 pounds tension

.082 .055 .033 .017 - 37 pounds tension

[hipnotode]

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

I keep meaning to post my fifth interval recommendations. Here are a few to come close to;

.090 .059 .037 .019 - 43 pounds tension

.086 .057 .035 .018 - 40 pounds tension

.082 .055 .033 .017 - 37 pounds tension

thanks, ill give it a shot.

[ixlramp]

Knuckle_head's gauge recommendations are excellent.
The highest string will be a plain steel, some guitar plains are just long enough (Rotosound, D'Aquisto) to reach the tuner post if you have a 2+2 headstock, just thread an old bass ball-end onto the string.

There is a very rough gauge formula for roundwounds, derived through physics:
2 strings tuned a fifth apart on the same scale will have very roughly equal tension when the gauges are in the ratio 3:2.
Low to high: multiply gauge by 2/3. High to low: multiply gauge by 3/2.

When going from roundwound to plain or vice-versa the rule doesn't work since plains are a solid bar of metal and therefore denser. The gauge of the plain steel string should be lower than the rule suggests.

You can also use a tension chart such as the CircleKtensionChart pdf to create a set with equal tension on each string.
Don't worry about the nut slots, the downforce at the nut should centre the strings in the curve of the slot floor.

[knuckle_head]

n'other thread . . . . applies better here - C sets;

.136 .090 .059 .037 (.019) - 43 pounds tension

.130 .086 .057 .035 (.018) - 40 pounds tension

.124 .082 .055 .033 (.017) - 37 pounds tension