Dropped C tuning on my P bass

[SirGrotius]

I did a search on this topic, but didn't see anything too conclusive (specific) to my query.

I have a 4-string Fender Am Std P bass which I tuned down to C last night. I have thicker DR Dropped Tuning Strings (they're amazing, btw), and thought it sounded great.

However...do I need to be aware of anything with truss rod adjustments, etc.? I don't want to warp anything and have never played much in such a low tuning.

Cheers!

[Hookus]

You just have to set the bass up for the new string gauge and tuning. Check out the stickies at the top of the forum for guides.

[knuckle_head]

You will have significantly more tension on the treble side than on the bass side - just a warning.

The DDT strings are meant to have the entire set dropped and not just the lowest string.

They were discussed in the Strings forum; DDT Stings

[blastjv]

Your bass will tell you if you need to adjust. You will probably need to do a setup. It ain't very hard, but you should do some research first. Plenty of info on here and elsewhere on the web. I'm in the Philly 'burbs, too, so if you don't know how, I wouldn't mind helping out if you want. I love doing that stuff and I play in drop C also...

-John

[Burlington]

Don't forget to set the intonation. I've used DDT .115s for dropped C for a few months now with great results.

[bassphreak]

Keep an eye on the relief in the neck and keep checking your tuning to see if the string tension is too tight. You will most likely need to adjust the truss. I have two basses set up for drop C. I use standard heavy strings because I like lower tension and the corresponding tone from looser strings. I think tension is a matter of preference. But I am not a pro (by far).