5 string tuning suggestions

[shadyru]

So we are about to record a few songs some are in E, Drop D and some Drop C.
I would like to use my one bass to do all of this (carruthers CB5)

Is it possible to use just the top four strings (e-g)to do all these tunings?
Would I need to switch the guage of the strings if I go from Drop D to Drop C?
Do I leave the bottom string tuned to B during this whole recording?

Sorry for the noob questions just dont want to have to purchase a new bass for tracking

[Jimbob Jones]

What gauges are you currently using?

Your normal E will do drop D fine.

As for drop C, I would see how your bass responds to tuning the B, E A and D strings up. If it feels too too tight, or like the strings are going to break, then this obviously isn't the solution. That said, it worked wonderfully for me when we were tracking in drop C and I didn't want to restring.

Of course, there's no harm in trying to tune your E down to C; if you have a thicker guage it might be fine.

Just for the record, in my band I currently play a 5 (40-130) tuned A, C#, G#, C#, F# (so drop C# with the B a major 3rd below the C), then I tune up to standard to play at church. In this configuration, the C# is a bit floppy, but it's manageable. It gets too floppy if I try and drop it to C.

[Savage_Dreams]

so the lowest tuning you guys go is drop c? you do realize that with a 5 string bass you have a low c on the b string? just because your guitarist tunes down doesnt mean you have to. especially if you have the notes at your disposal with the low b string.

[testing1two]

For drop D I would simply detune the E string and leave the B string alone. The E string will have enough tension to sound and feel good. For drop C I would tune the entire bass up by one half step (C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab). This will give you the best sounding open low C and the bass will still be tuned in fourths.

[Jimbob Jones]

I usually at least tune my bottom string to match the guitarist, because when he pulls out some ridiculous riff, you can just parrot him, instead of having to re-work it all out.

[Savage_Dreams]

so why do you even have a 5 string then?