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Drop C gauges - another thread!

Evil Undead

Evil Undead

Oct 31, 2009
3,844
587
#1
So, I've read loads of threads on drop C gauges, but my question is a bit more specific, so I decided to ask it :)

I've joined a band, and am borrowing their bass until I get my own (payday next week!). The songs were in drop C, but at my first practice they decided to drop another half step to drop B.

So, I decided to use these gauges

B - 125
F# - 100
B - 80
E - 60

If they were to decide to go back up to drop C again, would I have to change gauges, or risk neck trouble due to too much tension?

Or would those work fine for drop C if necessary?

Thanks
 
#2
No...its only a half step. It will work. I see u r tuning the B bass in 5ths much like a cello...cool. U get almost the same range covered interval wise across the fretboard as a 5 string. ...in a 4. Good thinking but those chops have to be up to snuff because grabbing that 4th is a STRETCH being like 5 frets down from tonic. Not quite as easy as rolling the finger over to the same place on the next string. Rock on...I like ur plan.
 
#10
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These sets are designed to have equal tension strings in a drop tuning, you could round these gauges to the nearest .005 and use another brand if you want.
Link Removed
Use this chart to discover the tension of your favourite E string, then choose gauges that give you roughly that tension on all strings in drop C or drop B.
A semitone of retuning is a 12% change in tension, it won't harm the bass.
130 85 65 45 will give you medium tension (40 pounds) in both tunings.
 
#11
ixlramp said:
Link Removed
These sets are designed to have equal tension strings in a drop tuning, you could round these gauges to the nearest .005 and use another brand if you want.
Link Removed
Use this chart to discover the tension of your favourite E string, then choose gauges that give you roughly that tension on all strings in drop C or drop B.
A semitone of retuning is a 12% change in tension, it won't harm the bass.
130 85 65 45 will give you medium tension (40 pounds) in both tunings.
Click to expand...

This is great, thank you. According to my current strings at concert pitch, the ideal gauges for the same tension is 135 95 70 50. Really odd set of gauges haha, but if it works, I'm happy :)
 
#14
knuckle_head said:
A good drop B set would be 135 90 65 50

If you want a set that could go drop B or drop C try 130 85 65 45

. . . . unless you want to try an off-brand. ;)
Click to expand...

Hello again

I've been thinking about this suggestion (130 85 65 45), and I wondered something.

Drop C is two whole tones down on the E string, and one whole tone down on the rest of the strings (hoping I'm rig there, could be embarrassing if not!)

So, if I like the tension of 105 85 65 45 when tuned to E standard, would that not make the higher strings a bit floppy when tuned down?

I'm going back to considering the 135 95 70 50 option, but these seem like crazy high gauges. Even though the chart says they'd be the same tension as my current bass in standard.

Does any of that make sense?

Please let me know if my thinking has gone wrong :)
 
#16
Evil Undead said:
Hello again

I've been thinking about this suggestion (130 85 65 45), and I wondered something.

. . . if I like the tension of 105 85 65 45 when tuned to E standard, would that not make the higher strings a bit floppy when tuned down?
Click to expand...

First the .105 set; 105-43lbs 85-51lbs 65-53lbs 45-46lbs

Is this how you want your set?

If so then 135-44lbs 95-50lbs 75-54lbs 50-45lbs - not my cup of tea for tensions, but this will match what you're used to.

In my opinion you are doing yourself a dis-service in having 7 or 8 pounds sway both tonally and in playability. If you are concerned about floppiness in the middle of your set then you might consider upping the whole set close to 50 pounds; either 142 94 70 53 - 48lb average, or 150 102 76 57 - 52lb average (my gauges - you can round to the nearest .005 for other brands). You will get clarity on bottom you've never had before doing it this way.
 
#17
Evil Undead said:
So, if I like the tension of 105 85 65 45 when tuned to E standard, would that not make the higher strings a bit floppy when tuned down?
Click to expand...
Yes, but 105 85 65 45 EADG and 135 95 70 50 CGCF are both very middle heavy, roughly 40, 50, 50, 40 pounds. That's cool if you like that, but i feel an equal tensions (tension balanced) set might be a revelation for you, it will tighten up the low string while not over tightening the middle strings. Also your technique can be more even across the strings, it will be more comfortable and healthier to play, less stress on your body because you are not changing the strength of your technique between strings, more consistent string action, less neck twist, more consistent tone across the strings ... many other advantages see the threads on 'balanced tension'.
For a tighter balanced set i would choose .145 .095 .070 .050, the low string will be fairly tight and have a defined tone in B or C.
Here are more tension charts, the chart for 'XL nickelplated roundwound long scale' has the largest variety of gauges and so is the most useful chart, the chart can be used for approximating tensions of other brands of roundwound http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf
 

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