Down-Tuned Bassists Club

[wardak]

Nice! How have I not seen this yet!?

DGCF here, with a Hipshot set for C. Messed with it set to B for a while, and started on a 5'er originally, but really haven't needed the B and I have been enjoying this...

I kinda think that if I needed lower for some reason, that I'd be looking into an octave effect, but I don't think that's likely for me.

I pieced together a thicker set of Rotosound strings for this, which are great, but I sometimes wonder about Sunbeams, Fatbeams and DDTs...

[Fathand]

Regarding string size.. what gauges do you people use for Standard/drop D or C?

I recently went back to a .105 - .45 set, from a .110 - -50 set (Rotosound nickel steels) in D standard. I found out that the difference in tension is pretty negligible, and the .105 set is a bit easier/lighter to play (which is pretty obvious).

[jmclearnon]

I occasionally tune a drop G or A on my 5-string for those nice low Bflats.

I am currently experimenting with tuning the same as my cello, just trying to get the right strings.... C G D A

[xfredrikx]

I tune CGCF on my Fender Aerodyne..

Been using Ernie Ball Regular Slinky and they tend to be a little floppy in that tuning.. So I just bought DR LoRiders 50-110.

[73jbass]

I keep one of my BC Rich Eagles in D Standard.

[Gmclachlan]

Can I jump in? Drop B on a P bass, .45-.128's

[Ken J]

Originally Posted by MCS4

Ken,

I use a short scale (30.5") Gibson Flying V bass tuned to drop C (CGCF) for a song or two in my band's current set, so yes... drop D would be a piece of cake. I probably prefer lower string tension than most, but I find that the bass sounds great with standard gauge strings in dropped D or D-standard (DCGF). However, I admit that I would prefer a bit more tension when the low string goes down to C, even using a larger gauge string (110), so I'm keeping an eye out for string options.

After the holidays Im going to order a set of Hipshot tuners with a de-tuner for one of my shortys. Ill let you know how I make out.

[spector_boogie]

Originally Posted by Fathand

Regarding string size.. what gauges do you people use for Standard/drop D or C?

I recently went back to a .105 - .45 set, from a .110 - -50 set (Rotosound nickel steels) in D standard. I found out that the difference in tension is pretty negligible, and the .105 set is a bit easier/lighter to play (which is pretty obvious).

I use the .118 Circle K drop tuned 4 string set, then add a low .150. Very comfortable and best stuff I've found for drop tuning.

[MCS4]

Originally Posted by Ken J

After the holidays Im going to order a set of Hipshot tuners with a de-tuner for one of my shortys. Ill let you know how I make out.

Good luck. I'm using Labella's Deep Talking short scale roundwounds, which I would recommend for this purpose. Their medium set has a larger E string but regular gauges on the rest, which is helpful for balancing out the tension in the dropped tuning.

[Basshappi]

Eb Standard
Occasional Drop D

[Ssniderwin]

I figured I would come to the experts in drop tuning to find what I am looking for.

I recently joined up with a group that plays Fuzz/Stoner Rock, using Drop B tuning. I purchased a Ibanez SR5 to ensure that I would not get the serious buzz I had heard you get from tuning down a 4-string.

My current tuning is B-F#-B-E-A

I miss the feel of a 4-string. I had much more success with slap and pop on the 4 than I do the 5. In reading this thread, it appears that I may be able to go back to a 4 string, with the proper setup.

Is there a moderately priced 4-string that anyone would recommend for the job ($500 - $800)? Or, is it just a matter of proper string selection?

Thanks!

[cfsporn]

One of my basses is tuned to NST (CGDA), does that count?

[sizzle]

BEAD for me

[khutch]

Originally Posted by cfsporn

One of my basses is tuned to NST (CGDA), does that count?

I call that the cello tuning but I tune that way and they let me in so yes it counts!

The first post defines the rules:

Do you play in a tuning lower than E standard? If so, This club is for you!

Join us and be proud that you play lower!

Tunings we accept:
Eb standard
Drop-D
D standard
Any thing lower!

If you have a four string then anything lower than an E on the bottom string counts. I guess that fivers have to tune below a B on the bottom string to qualify.

Ken

[khutch]

Originally Posted by Ssniderwin

I purchased a Ibanez SR5 to ensure that I would not get the serious buzz I had heard you get from tuning down a 4-string.

My current tuning is B-F#-B-E-A

I miss the feel of a 4-string. I had much more success with slap and pop on the 4 than I do the 5. In reading this thread, it appears that I may be able to go back to a 4 string, with the proper setup.

Is there a moderately priced 4-string that anyone would recommend for the job ($500 - $800)? Or, is it just a matter of proper string selection?

I have 3 Fender MIMs tuned CGDA and I am not getting any buzz. I order strings individually with gauges selected to keep the tension at around 40 pounds on each string. I think it is more string selection since just drop tuning standard strings that far will leave them floppy/buzzy. If you want to use Circle K strings they have complete tension charts and a wide variety of gauges so that you should be able to get an excellent set of strings from them. You can also order single strings as needed from Bass Strings Online for several more brands and types of strings. If you want some help with that just email the owner of BSO and he should be able to get you set up with what you need. Pretty much any decent four string should be able to be restrung to get you a good playing bass with this tuning. If you still have a four string I would get some new strings for it and see how you like it. I think you will.

Ken

[cfsporn]

Originally Posted by khutch

I call that the cello tuning but I tune that way and they let me in so yes it counts!

The first post defines the rules:

Do you play in a tuning lower than E standard? If so, This club is for you!

Join us and be proud that you play lower!

Tunings we accept:
Eb standard
Drop-D
D standard
Any thing lower!

If you have a four string then anything lower than an E on the bottom string counts. I guess that fivers have to tune below a B on the bottom string to qualify.

Ken

Good to hear. I was worried that It wouldn't count as one string is actually uptuned.

[Ssniderwin]

Originally Posted by khutch

I have 3 Fender MIMs tuned CGDA and I am not getting any buzz. I order strings individually with gauges selected to keep the tension at around 40 pounds on each string. I think it is more string selection since just drop tuning standard strings that far will leave them floppy/buzzy. If you want to use Circle K strings they have complete tension charts and a wide variety of gauges so that you should be able to get an excellent set of strings from them. You can also order single strings as needed from Bass Strings Online for several more brands and types of strings. If you want some help with that just email the owner of BSO and he should be able to get you set up with what you need. Pretty much any decent four string should be able to be restrung to get you a good playing bass with this tuning. If you still have a four string I would get some new strings for it and see how you like it. I think you will.

Ken

Thanks for the advice. I ordered a set of DR DDT extra heavy strings, and am eager to give them a go.

[Mitchinboxer]

I am now in a metal band and the guitarist tunes to drop D. I tried drop D and didn't like, so for the first show I am going to try D standard, sign me up!

[Fitzi]

I have been loving c standard since I started playing bass, with a bit of fuzz and a pick... just feels dirty but oh so right

[EXILE03]

I always keep my P Bass in Drop C. Count me in!