Drop D half step down tuning help please.

triggervision · #1 01-14-2008, 12:31 PM

The new band I will be playing for tunes in C# G# C# F# (Drop D half step down). I play a EBMM stingray 4 and I need to set it up with this tuning. What should I do? I know I'll need to tune to this tuning then set the relief and action according to the strings in this tuning. But should I get thicker strings? If so, what size do you recommend? Any other suggestions and will the 4 banger do a good job handling this tuning?

Thanks so much guys.

fenderhutz · #2 01-14-2008, 12:33 PM

If you get Ernie Ball Power Slinky 110's you shouldn't have to adjust much unless you tune standard again which would wreck havok.

Rickett Customs · #3 01-14-2008, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

If you get Ernie Ball Power Slinky 110's you shouldn't have to adjust much unless you tune standard again which would wreck havok.

+1, if not any other strings (DR perhaps?) good gauge call though.

triggervision · #4 01-14-2008, 12:41 PM

Are you saying get a higher gauge string set (110s) or go specifically for the EB brand strings? btw I meant C# G# C# F#

fenderhutz · #5 01-14-2008, 12:41 PM

I tuned to dropped C when I had my EBMM SUB 4 string and used the Power Slinkys.

triggervision · #6 01-14-2008, 12:43 PM

Ok. DRs are actually what I prefer to use. The tension should still be nice right? And if any what changes do you think I can look forward to? Just curious.

Thanks for the quick helpful replies guys.

fenderhutz · #7 01-14-2008, 12:46 PM

Due to the dropped tuning the tension change may be minimal. You might need to drop a saddle a bit for the thicker strings.

triggervision · #8 01-14-2008, 12:48 PM

Well this seems to be a pretty harmless quick change then. If the tension is not going to be that noticeable, and all I might have to do is lower the action a tad then I might try to do that this week (busy week). Thanks.

Roland777 · #9 01-14-2008, 12:54 PM

Get singles instead mate. .110/.115-.080-.060-.045 and you're all set. Your average 4-string set has too much tension on the A- and D-strings and too little on the E. (Or in your case, too much on F# and G#, and too little on the C# - which makes imbalance even worse in your tuning.)

triggervision · #10 01-15-2008, 07:56 PM

But I have on there right now 105-85-65-45. With these on there would I be better to just change the 105 to 110 or up the entire set to 110-90-70-50?

AlphaMale · #11 01-15-2008, 08:46 PM

I play fine at C standard all the way down with normal strings.

knuckle_head · #12 01-15-2008, 09:21 PM

.110 is an E string.

You are far better off getting a light B string set and tuning up - I'd suggest .125 .085/.090 .060/.065 .050/.055

southshoreconor · #13 01-15-2008, 09:38 PM

i dont know if this goes without saying (because no one said it) but you'll need to set your intonation to drop Db

triggervision · #14 01-16-2008, 09:08 PM

I understand about the intonation. Knuckle head, the strings I generally play are 105-45 which is why I was thinking of upping to the 110-50 set.

knuckle_head · #15 01-17-2008, 06:23 AM

Do you normally tune the .105 to E? If so then the tension on it is 37 pounds or so. A comparable tension tuned to C# would be the .125. A .110 at C# would put you at 31 pounds.

triggervision · #16 01-18-2008, 11:59 AM

Yes. I play in standard tuning and I use Warwick Black Labels M (105-45) on my Warwick thumb 4 BO. I think what I may do (tell me if this is a bad idea) is buy the DR Stainless steels (hi-beams i think) that are 110-50 and set my bass up to those strings. (i.e. truss rod, action, and intonation). Then, if I do not like the tension, make adjustments either to the strings or bass.

knuckle_head · #17 01-18-2008, 12:26 PM

I am not a DR guy, but I understand that Hi Beams are stiffer than most - it's as good a solution as any.

Let us know how it works for you.

triggervision · #18 01-18-2008, 02:29 PM

Just curious. What strings do you use?

knuckle_head · #19 01-19-2008, 02:51 PM

I am brand agnostic as I've used a bunch when I played and am disappointed by very few - at present I string my basses with Everlys and La Bellas 'cuz that's all that will fit.

Bass Below · #20 01-21-2008, 06:11 PM

Knuckle Head is right, a .110 is way too light for C#. I currently use a .120 for my C# and it's a tad looser than I'd like it to be, but that's for the sake of balance since the G# I have sitting below it is a .165.

If I were to up my G# to where I'd really like the tension to be, I'd probably be using at least a .125 for my C#, more likely a .128