Strings for Stoner/sludge metal tunings

bassdie · #1 08-22-2011, 12:55 PM

So I play a Rick 4003 into a 70's ampeg v4 into a 4x10 ampeg cab (2003 i think). Anyway I'm gonna be playing some sludge/stoner metal in C standard and drop A#and I gotta put some thicker strings on it.

So what gauge and what make should I get?

The rick and the cab are pretty bright so I want some strings that will warm things up a bit and have enough tension.

A friend of mine suggested I get flatwounds but I'm not sure.

Opinions?

knuckle_head · #2 08-22-2011, 02:07 PM

A well balanced heavy set of B standard strings will work, but you will be best served by a custom set of a sort.

There will be a 10 pound sway on the C/A# string - my suggestion is a .142 as that will deal well with both the C and A#. The rest of the set should be at or around .098 .073 .055 (.039) or .102 .076 .057 (.041).

You'll likely have a tough time finding a flatwound as big as you'll want it for A#.

bassdie · #3 08-23-2011, 08:39 AM

Hows about these?
DR Strings Drop-Down Tuning Heavy Bass Strings and more Bass Guitar Strings at GuitarCenter.com.

or these?
D'Addario ENR73 Half Rounds Heavy Bass Strings and more Bass Guitar Strings at GuitarCenter.com.

mmbongo · #4 08-23-2011, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassdie

Hows about these?
DR Strings Drop-Down Tuning Heavy Bass Strings and more Bass Guitar Strings at GuitarCenter.com.

or these?
D'Addario ENR73 Half Rounds Heavy Bass Strings and more Bass Guitar Strings at GuitarCenter.com.

Neither one of those have anything remotely close to a .142...look at the gauges on the package. Get the Circle K's.

bassdie · #5 08-23-2011, 09:43 AM

I mean the rick is also a pretty long scale, they make heavier gauge of teh Dr's.
DR Strings Drop-Down Tuning Extra Heavy Bass Strings: Shop Accessories & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

mmbongo · #6 08-23-2011, 10:01 AM

Go with a string designed to do what you're looking to do...like Circle K's.

knuckle_head · #7 08-23-2011, 12:22 PM

A Ric is shorter than standard 34" - albeit not by much - so a bit thicker is good for what you want.

Both the DDT and the D'Addario sets are good strings, but both have gauges that are right for normal, 4ths intervals and won't help you much with drop tunings. I don't believe you will be well served with a pre-packaged set - you ought to consider singles.

ixlramp · #8 08-23-2011, 12:57 PM

C F A# D# and A# F A# D#?
Yes a custom set of single strings would be ideal.

If you're using a brand other than Circle K Strings i recommend a .135 minimum for the A#/C.
A standard heavy set such as DR DDT will have the higher strings too tight for F A# D# so you need light EAD strings for those.

Tensions for nickel roundwounds:
50 D# 34 pounds tension
70 A# 38
95 F 39
135 B 36
Here i've roughly balanced the tension in the average tuning of B F A# D# to minimise the imbalance when the lowest string is tuned A# or C. This is a light set.

You could build a custom set with Circle K Strings singles, following knuckle_head's advice on gauges, there is no price penalty compared to buying a set: Circle K Strings - Single Strings - All tensions,scales, gauges

bassdie · #9 08-23-2011, 06:52 PM

So I'm gonna go with the circle Ks. So that should be .142 .098 at 34/35 scale and .073 .055 for any scale?

bassdie · #10 08-23-2011, 06:57 PM

Also, do you think the rick will need any extra work done? I/E work on the nut and/or replacing the bridge? Everything is currently stock and its a 4003.

knuckle_head · #11 08-23-2011, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassdie

So I'm gonna go with the circle Ks. So that should be .142 .098 at 34/35 scale and .073 .055 for any scale?

Yes

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassdie

Also, do you think the rick will need any extra work done? I/E work on the nut and/or replacing the bridge? Everything is currently stock and its a 4003.

You should only have to concern yourself with widening the nut for the .142 - your bridge should be fine

Dustin Teel · #12 08-25-2011, 01:07 PM

Don't forget a distortion pedal!

Gnosticbass · #13 08-25-2011, 05:43 PM

Personally I use and love my Steve Harris sig flats should have gone to them years ago. You can play any style and any timings.

mmbongo · #14 08-25-2011, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gnosticbass

Personally I use and love my Steve Harris sig flats should have gone to them years ago. You can play any style and any timings.

You tune them to drop A#??