want AbDbGbB. where to get individual strings?

[TOOL460002]

so- im thinking about possibly getting another bass, as id like one strung AbDbGbB (low Ab to be clear). where do you get individual strings to do something like this? i know ill likely need a new nut. any tips would be great.

i know theres got to be a way to do this and still keep the string tension in the range of standard eadg to all down a half step. any looser than that and i dont think i would be interested.

[tylerwylie]

Circle K strings will have a set for you. Look at their tension chart, but something like the balanced tension .150 set or the next set up will be ideal.

[TOOL460002]

Originally Posted by tylerwylie

Circle K strings will have a set for you. Look at their tension chart, but something like the balanced tension .150 set or the next set up will be ideal.

nailed it! thanks. thats exactly the kind of place i was looking for.

[tylerwylie]

Originally Posted by TOOL460002

nailed it! thanks. thats exactly the kind of place i was looking for.

The .150 keeps you above 30lb of tension which is good, the .158 will get you to about 37-38 which is more normal.

Depends on how loose you want em feeling.

[TOOL460002]

Originally Posted by tylerwylie

The .150 keeps you above 30lb of tension which is good, the .158 will get you to about 37-38 which is more normal.

Depends on how loose you want em feeling.

ok- cool- thanks. i was looking through the many, many options on that site. im used to DR hi beams (e 105), which are pretty light and easy to play. i know thicker gauge strings will inherently seem like they have a lot more tension.

i think im going to call up DR and circle k on monday to get as close to an exact match as i can. maybe i can find that on my own... hmm... either way, thats some great information, and i appreciate it. it will be of a lot of help; trust me.

[knuckle_head]

I'd suggest a .158 set - the .166 or .174 will approach .105 tensions, but there's a significant price jump going that big.

[ixlramp]

A 105 E down a half step I approximate to be 35 pounds tension (using the D'Addario tension charts). So if this is your minimum tension choose a Circle K balanced .158 set, all strings are just above 35 pounds.

4 String Set - Balanced Standard 158
.158 .118 .088 .064

[TOOL460002]

Originally Posted by ixlramp

A 105 E down a half step I approximate to be 35 pounds tension (using the D'Addario tension charts). So if this is your minimum tension choose a Circle K balanced .158 set, all strings are just above 35 pounds.

4 String Set - Balanced Standard 158
.158 .118 .088 .064

perfect. thanks for more or less doing the leg work for me; i havent changed the types of strings ive used in like ten years, and didnt really know where to look for tension guides.

maybe i should just get a new nut and give it a try. i forget how much those cost, as i havent broken one in years, but even if i have to switch it back, well, that wont break the bank.

thanks for all the help.

[FunkMetalBass]

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

I'd suggest a .158 set - the .166 or .174 will approach .105 tensions, but there's a significant price jump going that big.

Balanced 158 is $41
Balanced 166 is $52.

$11 well spent, IMO. I've always liked my strings closer to 45+ lbs anyway, and that .166 at G# feels monstrous.