C-G-C-F Tuning Setup

Mr. Wu · #1 06-07-2008, 07:15 PM

Hey Guys,

I'm sitting in with some guys this week that use alternate tuning (C-G-C-F). Question, how should I setup my bass to make this work without sounding "insanely" sloppy ...

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Wu

FrigginChris · #2 06-07-2008, 07:22 PM

heavy gauged strings would be a good place to start

xshawnxearthx · #3 06-07-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Wu

Hey Guys,

I'm sitting in with some guys this week that use alternate tuning (C-G-C-F). Question, how should I setup my bass to make this work without sounding "insanely" sloppy ...

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Wu

drop c isn't THAT floppy.

try heavier gauge strings.

SS_korn89 · #4 06-07-2008, 07:42 PM

I use:
.120 = C
.90 = G
.70 = C
.50 = F
.35 = A#

This works great IF you use Drop C as your main tuning...if not this probably isn't very practical. I would just go with some that are a little heavier than what you use now and it shouldn't be that floppy

Solarmist · #5 06-08-2008, 07:35 PM

Welcome to my world!
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...55#post5662855

diechris · #6 06-08-2008, 08:37 PM

heres what i use.... EXL160 Bass Sets Regular Light (gauge .050-.105)

ive gone up to 110, 115, and 120 right off the bat when down tuning to C and 105 just feels right for me.. one important thing to think about is how hard you play

Mr. Wu · #7 06-09-2008, 09:51 AM

Thanks everyone for the info ... My only concern is that I have a pretty "Heavy" right hand and strike the strings pretty hard. I'll have to be cognizant of this when playing with this tuning ...

With regards to intonation, should I work on the low C as the norm and raise the saddles? Again, any info is greatly appreicated.

Wu

dystopiate · #8 06-09-2008, 10:07 AM

My quick answer:
When I was in this tuning I used 45, 65, 85, 125. My right hand is heavy-ish and is often called on to play rather quickly while maintaining a tight sound. It worked fine.

My longer answer:
There's a string tension chart you can DL from daddario. These days I usually try to keep my string tension in the low 40s across the board. What gauges you use will be determined by your tuning (also your scale length... unfortunately the daddario chart is set at a 34" length, so it's a long equation to find the tension at different lengths). I also buy my strings online individually (i.e., not in sets).

Qvist · #9 06-09-2008, 10:09 AM

I actually like the sloppiness of a drop C tuning, that with a BDDI sounds awesome ( = Shavo Odadjian from SOAD)

Solarmist · #10 06-09-2008, 04:55 PM

Don't use a flat neck - you need some relief. My saddles are all set a bit higher to account for the wider oscillations of the strings. I only reset the intonation on the "E" string - the other three are close enough, and I set it as a "D". It's kind of floppy - but not that floppy with .045 / .065 / .085 / .105 rounds, but I may try a .110. Wait till you see how nice doing scales are between the E/A strings over a 5 fret distance. Good Luck.