About installing strings tuned in 5ths (CGDA)...

Blazemourne · #1 08-23-2006, 07:07 PM

Is there anything that needs to be done to the bass other than installing the 5ths tuning or is installing the strings all there is to it?

**Francois Blais** · #2 08-23-2006, 09:05 PM

If the low C is really thick, you may need to file the bridge and nut grooves to widen them, and put some graphite to lubricate.

Blazemourne · #3 08-25-2006, 03:44 PM

So if I use the Thomastik Dominant solo I-A, Orchestral II-D, Solo IV-F#(half step up to G), and Orchestral V-C, will I need to do those changes?

**Francois Blais** · #4 08-25-2006, 07:39 PM

As I said previously, you may need to widen the fourth string grooves, and maybe the third one too.
I suggest you bring your bass to your luthier to make the install.
He/she will be able to judge if this is necessary or advisable.

toman · #5 08-31-2006, 05:55 PM

When I had my bass set up like this I just filed out the bridge and nut slots for the C a bit, and threw some graphite in there. Also, I swapped the A and E (now G and C...) tuning machines so the C makes less angle over the nut. I don't know if it helps, but I've gotten used to it and now I always string my bass that way.

Bruce Jackson · #6 09-02-2006, 03:32 PM

I've found that a solo F# tuned up a half step to G made the string too tense, so I opted for the orchestral A tuned down a whole step. This meant I had to adjust bow speed and placement on that string. Now it has a nice round tone, at least most of the time.
I left the top two strings alone so they have a fourth between; G, D, G, C, from top to bottom. I still have to work on the bridge, but would like a slightly wider angle between the interior strings, not just the bottom two.