Stupid Tuning Question

[FooHead]

I feel dumb asking this but...
Guys I play with play low, really low. I tune my 4 banger C-F-A#-D#. I took an old bass I don't play anymore and set it up specifically for this tuning. I used an old bass cuz I have my others basses set up the way I like and hate to mess with a good thing, if that makes sense. Anyway, is there a better way to go about this?
Thanks!

[AdamR]

the trick to low tunings is in string tension and gauge. Theres a few companies that sell low tuning string sets.

[Joe Nerve]

Don't understand the question.

What else can you do besides set up a bass to tune like that? Aside from play a 5 string, or play an octave up which they probably won't approve of, what type of alternative are you looking for?

[FooHead]

Was just wondering if I'm doing it the right / easiest way really. I don't want to go the 5 string route so this was the only other method I could think of.

[DeliriumTremens]

get a light gauge 5 string set, throw away the G and tune the rest 1/2 step higher than they were intended

[walterw]

if you just mean having one bass set up for the goofy tuning, yeah, that kinda is the best way.

[JimmyM]

Ya, best to have a bass set up for it as tuning down a regular tuned bass will cause action problems.

[Bassic Playing]

Check out some strings specifically made for drop tuning

[FooHead]

Cool, I'm on the right track then. Thanks guys!

[bassgod0dmw]

Yup, it's the best way IMO. What gauge strings are you using?

[FooHead]

Think I'll try this:

Originally Posted by DeliriumTremens

get a light gauge 5 string set, throw away the G and tune the rest 1/2 step higher than they were intended

with a set of D'Addario EXL170-5 Regular Light's. My other bass's have the EXL160's so am thinking these won't feel too foreign to me.

[Nephilymbass]

Just get a light 5 string set and don't use the highest string on your 4. Look for a set with with the lowest string between 120-125 depending on the brand tensions will actually vary some even with the same gauges. When I used that tuning I used dr hi beams think they were 125-45. And I had the bass set up for it. The neck and bridge both had to be adjusted and the nut needed some work to get the action where i like it. But the bass played great after that.

[monti2889]

there are a lot of people that will take a 5-6 string set and just use the bottom 4 strings out of the set. I used to use a 5 string set on my 4 string bass...and tuned to BEAD. Doing this...you'll need to file the nut (or replace it), also do a standard setup and you should be good to go. I believe that schecter had a scorpion bass that came factory set up like this, a few years back.