Tuning down with Flatwounds?

joeman583 · #1 06-11-2009, 01:01 PM

Anybody here tune down with flatwounds? If so, what brand and guage do you use? For instance, I was thinking drop D tuning.

Thanks!

Joe

Double Agent · #2 06-11-2009, 02:59 PM

I tuned my whole bass down 1/2 step (D#, G#, C#, F#). I used D'addario Chromes with the .105 E string (can't remember if the G was .050 or .045, but I think it was .050). They sounded fantastic. Sometimes I even went to Drop-C# tuning (Drop-D, down a 1/2 step) and it held up just fine. They had nice tension, not too tight, not too loose.

I haven't tried any other flats, and am generally a rounds guy, but I found everything I wanted from flats in the Chromes...thumpy enough to get that smooth, vintage tone, but bright enough that they didn't sound terrible on modern rock songs.

George Barris · #3 06-12-2009, 04:46 AM

I use LaBella Jamerson Flats .110-.050 tuned DGCF. Works pretty well on my Epi Jack Casady, clarity on the D string could be better but is ok in a band mix.
Anything lighter would be too floppy for me.

joeman583 · #4 06-12-2009, 12:43 PM

Thank you guys for the great advice, I feel alot better about doing it now! I just wasn't sure about it.

mobis.fr · #5 06-12-2009, 01:31 PM

i prefer labellas for downtuing. imo others loose their character.