String Gauges
 

Hello everyone,

I have a general question about gauges on bass strings...

I have a 34" scale length bass so I am using 34" scale length gauge bass strings... The thing is I am mostly playing with half step or whole step down tunings. So should I still stick with 34" scale length gauge or 36" scale length gauge in order to half step or whole step down tunings which I am afraid if I use too much tension on the strings and break'em after I playing with the strings up and down half and whole step... I hope I make myself clear...

:bassist:

You made yourself clear but "scale" is the length between the bridge and the nut so it does not change if you tune down. Long scale (34") it will be regardless.
You should in other hand use some bigger gauge (=diameter) strings to avoid the "floppy string" syndrome when tuning down. Use 105/50 or 110-50 gauge which should have pretty much the same tension on the neck as a 105/45 set tuned EADG.

You actually may thoroughly enjoy the existing strings after detuning. It's awesome IMO to keep the gauge the same.

I have searched the net (juststrings.com - bassstringsonline.com)

There is no 105/50 or 110/50 gauge Thomastik Infeld flatwounds.

Any other place where I could find those exact gauges?

:confused:

Yes TI flats come in only one size. They are already pretty flabby in standard tuning and would certainly not work tuned down.
Look into another brand of strings. I recommend the Labella's.

Another good choice in a flatwound with both .105-.045 and .105-.055 sets and the tension you'll need for tuning down a half or whole step. I use a .105-.055 set tuned a half step down on my PBass.

http://www.bassstringsonline.com/GHS...Set_p_465.html

It's not about scale, but about thickness.

If you have some thicker gauges, then it will be fine when downtuning ;)