Suggestions for low G string?

[eyvindwa]

Greetings everyone.

This is my first post on TB, so be nice

I tune one of my basses two whole steps below standard 5 string tuning, i.e. (low to high) G, C, F, Bb, Eb. For the four highest strings, I have been using the lowest four of light or extra light 5 string sets, and this works out fine, but for the G string I have yet to find a string that I am completely happy with. At the moment I am using a 145 gauge D'addario string, but it is kind of 'floppy'. Suggestions, especially from people that have tried similar tunings before, would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Eyvind.

[tempo2112]

Have a look at www.conklinguitars.com a single .165 string is available which is designed for low F# (semitone down from your G). It's what I use on my 7 string.

[tempo2112]

Another thought. Warwick have brought out a 4 string set designed for low F# tuning. Thomann in Germany stock them. http://www.thomann.de/gb/search_dir....rklord&x=0&y=0

[Thor]

That was close to what what I was going to suggest.
A heavier gauge.

Velkominn til TB!

I don't mean to rag on you at all here, but may I ask why
you feel the need to detune 2 whole steps to begin with?

For on thing, your cab doesn't produce a lot of SPL at a
low G fundamental, most of what you are hearing is the
first harmonic anyway. And setuning that far does create
the issues you are experiencing, floppy strings, lower tension
requiring higher string action to avoid fret buzz. There are a
lot of reasons to use the 5 the way it was designed to work.

So I am curious to hear what your thoughts are on the
matter.

And another hearty welcome to a Northern bass playing bro!

Edit: Google around for info on Stew McKinsey, subcontrabassist.
Wonderful guy and a proponent of sub contrabass techniques,
he might have some valuable tips for you. He is very accessible,
friendly and helpful.

You will find him here and on Bassnutz at times.

[eyvindwa]

Originally Posted by Thor

Velkominn til TB!

Thanks to all of you for the quick replies and a warm welcome! (and the spelling was almost correct; switch "Velkominn" for "Velkommen" and you're there).

Originally Posted by Thor

I don't mean to rag on you at all here, but may I ask why
you feel the need to detune 2 whole steps to begin with?

Well, that's easy to answer; it sounds good (in this band's context). Furthermore, the guitarist tunes his guitar from low C, which gives the music a dirty, muddy sound that we enjoy, and having the bass going even lower, to low G, adds an extra dimension to certain parts. I guess that was not much of an explanation, but still its the best I'm able to come up with.

[Bass Below]

Originally Posted by eyvindwa

Well, that's easy to answer; it sounds good (in this band's context). Furthermore, the guitarist tunes his guitar from low C, which gives the music a dirty, muddy sound that we enjoy, and having the bass going even lower, to low G, adds an extra dimension to certain parts. I guess that was not much of an explanation, but still its the best I'm able to come up with.

That's a perfect explanation. My answer to the same question would be almost word for word. I would only add: "because I can" and if I was in a bad mood (and this is certainly not meant to be nasty towards you Thor)
I would also add "because my open mind affords me the desire to try new things and not stick to what someone told someone else the "right way" was many, many years ago.

Possibilities are only finite if you stick to the status quo...

[Thor]

A perfect explanation of why I need all these darn basses ...

[sublime0bass]

HEY NOW

you say that like its a bad thing

[Thor]

I need another closet ... but its not a bad thing.

Actually, I am going to restring on of my 4's to
B-E-A-D just for the heck of it when I get motivated
. But lower than B 32 hertz is not necessary for what
I play, I can barely hear the low B to begin with
because of hearing issues.