Stringing a 5-string with a High C
 

A while ago I ordered a single high C string (D'Addario Chrome flatwound) for my Ibanez SR375 fretless, with the intention of tuning it E-A-D-G-C. Well, it came today in the mail and after getting it on the bass and starting to tighten it, the top broke off. I tried it again, and it snapped again.

Is there any trick to getting them to work, or is this just not possible because the bass isn't built for it?

Don from D'Addario here - No trick that i'm aware of - send me your mailing address and we'll replace that string pronto. You say the "top" broke off - where did the string snap specifically? At the tuning gear? The nut?

Did you cut it too short or perhaps order the wrong scale length?

I think the string may be popping off the tuner as he applies more tension?

Also, great job on customer service, Don. You the man!

Off topic, but this is the kind of thing that makes TalkBass wonderful. Kudos to Paul and all the mods for growing this site to the point it attracts industry insiders who routinely offer amazing insights and solutions. Outstanding.

Thank you Don for excellent customer support. D'Addario is the only strings that go on my basses and electric guitars. I've tried a LOT of other stuff, but the nickel rounds are unbeatable, IMO, and your presence on TalkBass further cements my loyalty.

Jacob

Yes, that's exactly it. This is the best picture I could get of it.




Thanks Don! I really appreciate it.

Shoot me an email - don.dawson2@daddario.com - we'll get you that replacement pronto!

Don

Don - kudos!

I ordered some of your strings from Jason (bassstringsonline) last week. You know what, I'm going to order a couple more sets right now. Thanks for being here on TB and for your great strings and customer service.

Should be no issue but ... check out what the TB'ers are recommending.
I have two 5 strings converted to EADGC
with no issues.
I use D"Addario medium nickels.

Our pleasure - if i can ever be of service - don't hesitate to contact me! All the best.

Am considering a 5-er vs. a 6 string. I am really more interested in the high C string, than the low B. So here's the question. Does it create any challenges for a 5 string by doing the EADGC tuning....for either neck tension, or for the pickups? Does it matter?
If "no" is that true for all basses?

It won't hurt your neck at all ;) Janek Gwizdala is known for this kind of tuning on his 5 string basses too. His signature Fodera is tuned EADGC. Nothing ''extra'' is done with the neck to support it for neck tension.

If you don't like the Low B string, it would be useless for you to buy a 6 stringer. Otherwise you have a bass that has a very thick string that acts like a thumb rest :p

Just go for the EADGC if that is what you like! :hyper: Nothing wrong with that.

thanks....great to know.

...but you may need a nut cut for .032-.105 (or whatever your preferred gauge is) and some adjustments to the neck and bridge saddles for proper action and intonation.

Nothing a qualified tech can't handle.