Tuning my 5-string bass 1 step up. String gauge?

[Aionios]

Hello there,
I wonder if someone has tried or has the knowledge for an issue I've been having.
My band plays C#(don't question that please, I like this tuning too).

I have a 5-string bass(Ibanez SR305-IPT).

Since now, I have tried dropping my whole tuning 1 and a half steps down, which means it went from standard BEADG to G#C#F#B E. My 5th string(G#) is not used at all this way, but I don't care.

My bass wears a .45-135 set. Strings are loose, but playable. Now, we(they) decided to play except for the standard songs, another 2 extra songs which are... Drop B! 4th string was already a little bit loose than I wanted, now it's ****ed up because I have to drop it an additional whole step.
I decided it is not worth it, cause I can't play(I sing at the same time) like that, I lose beats sometimes because of that string jamming.
I decided to change it and instead of tuning my bass 1,5 steps down(with an additional step down for my 4th string occasionally), I should tune it 1 whole step up since its a 5-string bass(I will also get to use my 5th string and partially forget my 1st string).

The tuning will become C#F#B E A(5-4-3-2-1).

From what I know, (let alone the truss rod adjustment
)you need THICKER strings(higher gauge) for dropped-down tunings and Less-Thick-than-Standard for tuned-up tunings.

What worries me is the correct selection of string gauge for each of the strings.
Truss Rod will be adjusted fitfully by a professional.

I talked with the specialist that will adjust my truss rod and he tried to dissuade me from doing this, because he says he has never heard of tuning 1 step up a bass guitar again(ffs) and he is afraid that they won't fit well(I disagree).

Finally, I have searched all other options, but this is the only way because I don't want to make it standard tuning and transpose the songs(or get a capo 2nd fret)

I have really thought everything about it, but I can't find the exact string gauge for each string (I need just the numbers e.g 40-60-75-95-115) suitable for this tuning
Thanks for helping.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by Aionios

Truss Rod will be adjusted fitfully by a professional.

tell this professional to relax first!

Originally Posted by Aionios

I talked with the specialist that will adjust my truss rod and he tried to dissuade me from doing this, because he says he has never heard of tuning 1 step up a bass guitar...

then he's not much of a specialist

this is a common problem with 5-string basses and metal bands that tune down, you end up somewhere above the low B, but much of the music requires open-string riffing. it's why i recommend 4-strings to bassists in these kinds of bands.

Originally Posted by Aionios

...I can't find the exact string gauge for each string (I need just the numbers e.g 40-60-75-95-115) suitable for this tuning

that's about right; just get an extra-light 4-string set (40-95) and add a 5th string that's a little skinnier than a typical B 130, say a 120.
(for dropped B it'll work OK, but if the band stays in dropped B, swap out the B for a regular 130 B string.)

[Pilgrim]

I hesitate to argue with Walter, whom I respect...but it seems to me...

For one step?

I'd just turn the tuners, check the setup and play it. I don't know why you would need to change strings.

[String Theory]

A 5 string (.124) balanced set from Circle K Strings would be perfect.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

For one step?

I'd just turn the tuners, check the setup and play it. I don't know why you would need to change strings.

sure, you could just crank up a regular 5-string set (it's two "steps", a whole step), check the truss rod, and be OK, but it might feel kinda tight, especially on the higher strings.

it would be worthwhile to use extra-light strings to do it, is all.

[john m]

Musically speaking, 1 fret in either direction is a half step.


1/2 step + 1/2 step = 1 step

[AdamR]

If they are playing in drop B why not just leave your 5 string in standard tuning ? You dont need to be in the same tuning as them. Your not playing chords and it may help you write bass lines that dont follow the guitar riffs.

[walterw]

that can work for lots of styles, but modern down-tuned metal usually features repeating riffs that use a lot of open strings with the bass doing the same thing as the guitars, making that really awkward to pull off.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by john m

Musically speaking, 1 fret in either direction is a half step.


1/2 step + 1/2 step = 1 step

correct of course; i've just never heard it called "one step"; it's usually "half step" or "whole step".

[Febs]

Originally Posted by walterw

that can work for lots of styles, but modern down-tuned metal usually features repeating riffs that use a lot of open strings with the bass doing the same thing as the guitars, making that really awkward to pull off.

He could use a capo ...