Worried about getting wrong gauge!

[anamalechecho]

Heya guys, I'm SERIOUSLY sorry if this has been asked before, but i had a search and only found stuff about Fender Bassman amps lol!

I play in a band called Fathoms, where the rest of the band play in Drop A# all the time.

I on the other hand own a 5 string bass, and therefore play in A# standard, (A# D# G# C# F#) eg not a Drop Tuning.

For one song, I also downtune my bass to Drop G# (G# D# G# C# F#).

So to get to the point, basically the string i'm using at the moment are too loose for my liking at this point, as I like quite tight strings on my bass. I play slap bass most the time, but occasionally play with a pick, and don't like the string to be flopping about.

The string I have on my Squire Jazz Bass V are the factory strings that cam with it, which I'm assuming would be somewhere around 120/125?

I just wanted to know if you thought 135 or even bigger would be a good gauge to go for, and if I did get them, would I be able to tune to Standard? (B E A D G)

Thanks for the help guys!!!!

[mmbongo]

Please hold for a Circle K expert...

[anamalechecho]

Yeah I saw some stuff about them somewhere, might check them out, i'm going on tour like next week though, so I just need to find some quick! :P

[john grey]

Go to a store that sell D'Addario strings* (I'm not saying they are great: I making an example) and look on the back of the package. In each package of both 4's & 5's they have a chart with the string size(s) and their tuned tension in pounds. So that by using that chart you can make an informed decision as to what gauge pulls what weight at what tuning note.

Some 105 size strings will have a pull of x pounds at E while another make have very close to that at 120 in B. Having a reasonable level of appropriate memory in you head of what "felt" comfortable you would aim for that size and note, etc.

* D' Addariio is one company I KNOW has that little chart - there are most likely others who have that too. But it's a place to start.

[ixlramp]

If you drop to G# I recommend a .145 or a Circle K .142.

I used to use D'Addario's excellent .145s and found G# to be the absolute lowest practical tuning on a 35" scale, on a 34" scale it might just work. You could order a custom set of single strings .145 plus your choice for the higher strings. The .145 could still be tuned up to a tight B. http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk are a good place to buy, they stock .145 singles.

Alternatively Circle K Strings .142 has a good tension from G# up to B, even on a 34" scale. Although it's gauge is lower it is actually a heavier string than the D'Addario .145s. I expect you'll prefer the Circle Ks they are high quality. They'll probably take over a week to get to you in the UK though.

Ken Smith and Warwick also do .145s which I haven't tried.
You'll need to widen the nut slot, just make sure not to deepen it.

[LiamPodmore]

.135 will work fine, i used Ernie Ball Power Slinky Bass 5 String on my Squier Jazz without problems, and the stock strings on Squier 5's are Fenders with a .125 B String.

Liam

[anamalechecho]

Cheers for the comments dude! Shame it doesn't email me when I get them! Yeah, I found out for myself the other day from a friend that uses 145's for Drop A that they are the way to go. I use 130 atm, and they do ok, but I just need TIGHTNESS! So yeah, definitely 145's. you guys recommend D'addario? Also, dunno wether i'm being stupid, but to make all the strings like equal gauge to each other or whatever, what gauge should I get for the other four strings? Sorry I'm a bit new to the gauge thing!

[knuckle_head]

.142 .106 .079 .059 .043 - ish

[anamalechecho]

Would 150 be too tight for Standard or even half step?

[anamalechecho]

Cause I'd like to order from Circle K, the 150 set, and as I'm in england, it will set me back 50£ so I want to make sure I get the right stuff! Cheers for the quick reply btw! Your a grand help!

[knuckle_head]

A .150 at A# will have the same tension as a .105 E string.

[anamalechecho]

Oh brilliant! So it would be ok to tune it up to this? They won't snap, or snap my neck!? :P

[knuckle_head]

You may find that with a balanced set there will be slightly less tension on the treble side - your neck will be fine.

Be prepared to widen your nut slots. You'll have to string through the bridge and not the body.

[anamalechecho]

Brilliant! I string through bridge anyways, and I can file down a nut without ****ing anything up just fine. So, this being the case, I'll get me a pack of Standard Balanced 150's when I get back from tour, seeing as I'm leaving tomorrow, don't have the money right now, AND they need to arrive from America! :P Thank you so much for the help, I'll let you know how it goes

[ixlramp]

Good choice. The CIrcle K 'balanced standard' .142 or .150 sets will be fine for A# standard, drop G# and B standard too.