What strings for Bass tuning in C?

Diego Granziol · #1 12-31-2008, 05:00 AM

Hey, im a guitarist, who's baritone vocal register has forced me to tune down from Standard E tuning to C, (not drop C, standard tuning 2 tones (4 steps) down).

Anyway, my we've suggested to our new bassist. That she tune down to C aswell, so that she can more easily figure out our lines and has that extra thunder by adding in the Low C (C1 i think). Anyway, as im sure you can immagine the strings sound very slack and a bit ****. I was trying to find heavier strings, but ofcourse none are designed for such de-tunage.
I've come across, 5 string sets, made for the low B. Im wondering if I were to put these (lowest four) onto a normal Bass tuned in C, would that be a problem? would the tension balance with the extra half-tone and the missing fifth string?

What gauge would you guys reccomend?
thanks a bunch.

neurotictim · #2 12-31-2008, 05:09 AM

I just did this - CGCF - using D'Addario. Ares Bass (SX Build #3)

The gauges I'm using are .115, .95, .75, and .55. The bass plays great now, the only "problem" (as such) is that there's no chance of tuning it up to E, so if there are a few songs in higher keys she'll either have to adjust to playing higher on the neck (as I'm doing) or keeping a backup tuned normally.

Diego Granziol · #3 12-31-2008, 05:44 AM

That's a roughly similar tuning to what we'd be using (C,F,Bflat, Eb) If anything we should be using slightly thicker strings.

Your using 115? is that enough? are most regular bass strings what 105? Do you reckon buying 125 is too much? for that low C? any risk of damaging the neck? is a set up required as such?
thanks for the insanely fast response, respect!

neurotictim · #4 12-31-2008, 09:08 AM

The 115 is perfect - it's actually got a little more tension in D than a "normal" gauge E string tuned to E. I couldn't find a 120 at the store to save my life, and I didn't wanna go to 125 - I figured I'd start smaller and work my way up if need be, to save me from having to replace the nut over and over.

I use a Hipshot Detuner because we switch from DGCF to CGCF every other song (or so it seems) and the tension stays pretty even, and sounds nice.

Diego Granziol · #5 12-31-2008, 10:20 AM

what set did you use? where did you buy them from? Do you reckon 125 would be too much? because its probably easier just to get a relatively light (125) 5 string bass set than a really heavy 4 string set.

Ric5 · #6 12-31-2008, 10:24 AM

I would simply play a 5 string tuned BEADG ...

Eric Morgan · #7 12-31-2008, 10:32 AM

I use D'Addario Nickel coated .45-.100 and I have no trouble on my basses tuning to C or even B. Even when I drop my B (E string) to A with the Hipshot Dtuner it still works.
I used to use DR but dropped that low they are a little floppy...D'Addario's have more tension.

beelzelboss · #8 01-01-2009, 02:55 PM

well I play in C all the time with my four string. right now they are a little bit more floppier than i like playing with DR loRiders (mediums) but i played my friends bass in dropped C and he uses loRides but the heavies and it really made a difference... Those are what i'm getting next because i have to be able to tune up to standard tuning for a few different things we do.

Craig

Solarmist · #9 01-02-2009, 03:03 AM

I have mine setup for DGCF using 50 / 70 / 90 / 110. You can drop the D to C, but it's a bit loose. I'd go with 50 / 70 / 90 / 115 for CGCF.

I order custom gauge sets of SIT Powerwounds at the local music store for the same price as their standard sets

Nige of bass · #10 01-05-2009, 03:38 PM

Rotosound have just introduced some seriously heavy gauge strings for drop tuning.
I swear by Ernie Ball's because you still get the string grind when the strings are a little slacker than usual.

stingraydude83 · #11 01-06-2009, 12:07 AM

You will definitely want to use a .120, .125, or .130 for the C, depending on how low you want the action. I have a few basses set up for CGCF - .125 / .90 / .70 / .50. The nuts were modified to accommodate the heavier gauge strings, and the saddles were adjusted.
They all play like a dream though. I would recommend having a pro do the work if you haven't dropped tuned a bass like that before.

rbonner · #12 01-06-2009, 02:49 AM

This last weekend I did this conversion for B-E-A-D and am getting the action where I want it. Its feeling pretty good.

I used D'Addario Chromes, I play flats with a 5 string set ECB81-5 they are 132, 100, 80, 65 not the perfect choices but they come in a set and the local GC doesn't have singles.

They end up with # of B 35.9 - E 38.4 - A 43.7 - D 52, This set easily tunes up to C and the string tension is only 40.2# Very reasonable. My original setup with a 105 E was at 41.4#.

Depending on where you go with the other tunings you may want to play with the upper string gauges some. For B-E-A-D they are very comfortable for me as they sit.

I had one poster who helped me by giving me the link to the D'Addario catalog and tension specs. these are a definate have as it will tell you where the things work out.

http://www.daddario.com/Resources/JD...sion_chart.pdf

I originally tried playing C with the stock strings and they were way too loose on my jazz.

I did the work myself, and the bass plays wonderfully. However my luthier had done Jewelled Frets and a Badass II bridge previously. The fret levelling was necessary and really helped this bass work.

I had some additional questions about pickups and stuff and the guys were helpfull in electronics and no changes are necessary on them.

Amps are my thing, By drop tuning she's going to be opening up a whole new area of low frequencies. My speakers, and I have a rather large system are not rated for 30.86Hz (B) where E is 41.20 HZ. C is 32.70HZ... They go to Xmax really quick so the volume is way down to keep the things from bottoming out.

That realm below 40 takes a whole new dedication in speakers. Just saying a 15" or an 18" doesn't get the job done. The cabs have to be designed for the lows. That's what I'm working on next.

BOB