What gauge strings for C or B Tuning?

[Yorik]

Hello,

I play Cannibal Corpse/Zyklon style death metal and I was wondering what gauge strings should I use for low C or B tuning? The standard strings I have on it are too floppy and slack for such a low tuning.

I am a veteran guitarist, but somewhat of a noob when it comes to the mighty bass.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Bass Below]

These are the heaviest you're going to have easy access to at this point http://www.bassguitarstrings.us/store/home.php?cat=361

Are you playing 4 or 5 string?

If you're going to play like that on a regular basis, you should really just consider getting one of these: http://www.knuckleguitarworks.com/

[bgavin]

I was all over the Knuckle web site. I guess this guy believes in the Less is More theory. I couldn't find a thing about the actual scale length.

[Bass Below]

Skip admits that he needs to update his website, but I'll tell you what I know and beyond that he is a terrific guy who would be more than happy to talk to you.

The Quake is a 39.5"scale length.

You can hear one here: http://basstasters.com/basses/Knuckle_Quake_5.html

You can read some reviews here: http://reviews.harmony-central.com/r...rks/Quake/10/1

Ask me whatever you want, I'm limited but I'll answer what I can.

[bgavin]

What is the distance between the nut and 1st fret?

39.5" scale must be a real mutha...

[Bass Below]

Originally Posted by bgavin

What is the distance between the nut and 1st fret?

39.5" scale must be a real mutha...

I don't know the exact measurements, Skip would have to help you out there. I haven't gotten my Quake yet, it's on order, but I'm not a big guy and I'm assuming, based on what I've read and been told, that I will have no problem playing the 39.5" scale. Supposedly the adjustment period is almost non-existent.

This is a quote from someone who tested a Quake, it was in response to someone who said something similar to your "39.5" scale must be a real mutha"

It's actually surprisingly easy. The bass hangs just like normal, with the body almost in the regular spot. 1st fret is a little farther away, but even in the first rehearsal with the Quake, I never missed a note. The drummer sure noticed how authoritative the tone is though...

From my own observations (yes, i sit and stare at the pictures....) it seems that Skip put quite a bit into ergonomics. The strap button on the upper horn positions the bass so that the first fret seems to be no further out of reach than a standard scale length bass, or if it is, it's not by much.

I know you do setups and such for a female who at least in pics seems to be of a smaller stature... I don't think she would have any trouble with a Quake. Again I'm only speaking from research and opinion based on research, I have yet to play one, but I have placed all of my faith in Skip and his product. Give him a call and I'm sure you will too.

[knuckle_head]

....late to this party.

Cliff is right - 39.5" is the Quake scale length, and the nut-to-first-fret distance is about 2 3/16" as opposed to 1 15/16" on a 34" scale. About 1/4" difference all in.

If B and C are all you need out of your bass you can go to a .135 for your B and be plenty tight - you might want something thinner if you switch between the B and the C on the same bass. A C ought to be comfy at about a .125 if you want to dedicate a bass to that tuning.

[greenboy]

I found that a useful comparison using Skip's Quake, was that the second fret was just a hair over 35". Thus, playing at the second fret on the Quake's A0 string would give both the same note and distance as a low B string on a 35" scale bass. Same with its D string at fret 2 being a low E on a 35" bass, etc.

[greenboy]

BTW, the Quake was very easy to play - and I don't have much of a reach between fingers either - because of its well-chosen balance point, neck horn bridge postioning, etc, as well as the great neck profile. And finally, that above-mentioned relationship of scale length, only two frets more added at the bottom of a conventional 35"-scale bass, so to speak.