String size and where to buy...

[threerope]

I would like to tune my 8 string bass to DGBE so it it has the same fingering as my tenor guitar and bari ukulele...
Not sure what size strings to use or where to get specialty strings... its 34inch scale... not looking for a drop D... D should be same as original.
also any suggestions on the accompanying strings... size and note

[knuckle_head]

. . . so is D your high string or are you a whole step down?

I just got done with gauge mating for octave pairs - I oughtta be able to make suggestions.

[threerope]

I wanted to move the normal D over to replace the low E, move the G over, then ad a higher BE. Then do smaller strings in fifths or just the 2 higher ones in fifths... Im open for suggestions. I just dont know if they make long of strings for the thinner diameters.

[ixlramp]

Single strings for 34" scale in gauges down to .008 here: Circle K Strings - Single Strings - All tensions,scales, gauges

Tension chart here: http://circlekstrings.com/CKSIMAGES/...nsionChart.pdf

[tdub0199]

Strings, Instrument Strings, Music Strings for Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Fiddle and More

[knuckle_head]

'kay . . . not sure if you wanted octave up or octave down so I did both;

D - .112/.057/.023
G - .082/.041/.016
B - .063/.029/.011
E - .047/.018/.008

If you mean to tune it in straight fourths;

D - .112/.057/.023
G - .082/.041/.016
C - .063/.028/.011
F - .043/.017/.017

[ixlramp]

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

D - .112/.057/.023
G - .082/.041/.016
B - .063/.029/.011
E - .047/.018/.008

knuckle_head, can the CK .008 do the high E4 on 34" scale? I thought only an O4P .008 can do that, I hope I'm wrong!

threerope, with octave pairs that high E4 will break most mainstream .008 strings, might be better to go with fifths pairs Da Gd Bf# Eb or on just the 2 high courses.

[knuckle_head]

Originally Posted by ixlramp

knuckle_head, can the CK .008 do the high E4 on 34" scale?

My math suggests 18-19 pounds so it's close . . .

[threerope]

Thanks guys... Now to play around with sound...

[FunkMetalBass]

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

My math suggests 18-19 pounds so it's close . . .

I suspect it wouldn't be an issue. It's not uncommon for acoustic guitars to use 12's, and D'Addario plain steel .012 is 24 lbs at E4.

[ixlramp]

Yes but the .008 has 44% the cross sectional area of a .012 and therefore a much lower breaking tension. As I understand it, with mainstream strings, E4 on a bass is difficult to achieve and D4 is the widely accepted practical limit.
When I had my 35" 6 strig tuned in fifths the top string was Eb4. Initially the only ERB string capable of Eb4 ( as in EADGCFBbEb) was the Conklin / SIT .007p, mine lasted a month before breaking. I then moved to the O4P .007p which didn't break for a year.

[FunkMetalBass]

Originally Posted by ixlramp

Yes but the .008 has 44% the cross sectional area of a .012 and therefore a much lower breaking tension. As I understand it E4 on a bass is difficult to achieve and D4 is the widely accepted practical limit.
When I had my 6 tuned in fifths the top string was Eb4. Initially the only ERB string capable of Eb4 ( as in EADGCFBbEb) was the Conklin / SIT .007p, mine lasted a month before breaking. I then moved to the O4P .007p which didn't break for a year.

That's true. I don't know why I didn't even consider the string mass. Not all plain strings are created equal.

[threerope]

you dont know how much i appreciate the info... but one last question... do you prefer the smaller trings on the right side or he left?

[threerope]

you dont know how much i appreciate the info... but one last question... do you prefer the smaller trings on the right side or he left?

[knuckle_head]

thin then thick as you look down on the strings . . .