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String Gauge to 5 String Drop C tuning as CGCFA!

TheBogart

TheBogart

Oct 1, 2008
246
333
49
Lisbon, Portugal
#1
Hello there folks.

I have a Markbass Kimandu 5, 35” scale. My band play in Drop C, and we use a lot of Open string in C. I want to tune my Bass to CGCFA. So I’m tuning up. I need a lighter gauge set of strings so the tension is lower and I can pull up. B to C, E to G, A to C, D to F and G to A.

what gauge do you recommend? I know that I need to take this to a luthier to a proper setup. But I understand i need a lower tension set so I can pull the tuning up without too much stress to the neck.

so what do you think?

082438B8-2AE5-41A5-9D29-774472D12DE2.jpeg
 
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#3
TheBogart said:
I have a Markbass Kimandu 5, 35” scale. My band play in Drop C, and we use a lot of Open string in C. I want to tune my Bass to CGCFA. So I’m tuning up. I need a lighter gauge set of strings so the tension is lower and I can pull up. B to C, E to G, A to C, D to F and G to A.

what gauge do you recommend?
Click to expand...

What brand/type/gauges of strings do you normally use for the standard tuning?
 
#7
TheBogart said:
Hello there folks.

I have a Markbass Kimandu 5, 35” scale. My band play in Drop C, and we use a lot of Open string in C. I want to tune my Bass to CGCFA. So I’m tuning up. I need a lighter gauge set of strings so the tension is lower and I can pull up. B to C, E to G, A to C, D to F and G to A.

what gauge do you recommend? I know that I need to take this to a luthier to a proper setup. But I understand i need a lower tension set so I can pull the tuning up without too much stress to the neck.

so what do you think?

View attachment 4989552
Click to expand...
Don't think in terms of existing sets. Three of the retunings you envision are of a minor third up, which equals an increase in tension of about 50%. A lot.

This would be a good, medium-tension combination for your tuning:
40 - 50 - 65 - 85 - 130/135
A light-tension one could be
35 - 45 - 60 - 80 - 120/125

Get either option as singles at
[This invalid link has been removed]
or
Lord of the Strings

Alternatively, get an inexpensive 5-string set, do not use the E, replace the highest (G) with a lighter and a heavier single.
 
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#11
TheBogart said:
I found this. The Rotosound RS665LB. It looks like the ideal set. :)

View attachment 4989946
Click to expand...
Ideal, I don't know. It can work, as long as you're fine with the significative jumps in tension across the set.

035 @ A2: 35.3 pounds @ 35" scale
055 @ F2: 50.1 pounds @ 35" scale
070 @ C2: 45.6 pounds @ 35" scale
090 @ G1: 40.6 pounds @ 35" scale
120 @ C1: 31.4 pounds @ 35" scale


Original tension data from here (scroll down till "Tension Chart" section):
Swing Bass 66 5-String Medium Light | 35-120 • Rotosound Music Strings
It can be recalculated precisely (I used a rougher method above) for target scale and pitch with these formulas:

(Tension in pounds x 386.4) / (2 x 34 x standard-tuning Frequency in Hertz)^2 = Unit Weight (mass in pounds per linear inch)

[Unit Weight x (2 x 35 x new Frequency)^2] / 386.4 = uptuned Tension at 35".
 
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#12
You can very likely use whatever strings you want as long as the neck of that bass will adjust to suit the new tuning. It's only a half step up. Will you like the feel? Can't say till you try. I'd tune it the way you want, with your current strings, adjust the truss rod, see what you think.

You could always capo the 1st fret. I recorded a friend's album that way cause he tuned to C and I didn't want to redo my basses setup. Other than checking tuning between takes more than I typically would it worked fine. Here's a cut:

 
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#14
Thumpin6string said:
So the point of this is so you can strum an open C chord on your bass?? Honestly, I don't get it. If you are tuning to open C, it should be C E# A# D# G#.
Click to expand...

"Drop C" by definition is C-G-C-F-Bb(A#). That's why I asked about the "A vs. A#" earlier.

Standard E tuning on a 5-string = E-A-D-G-C. You take them down a whole step to D-G-C-F-Bb. Then drop the D down another whole step to C.
 
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#17
Thumpin6string said:
So the point of this is so you can strum an open C chord on your bass?? Honestly, I don't get it. If you are tuning to open C, it should be C E# A# D# G#.
Click to expand...
You don’t have to “get it,” but there is no “should” when it comes to tuning. I can think of several reasons for tuning a bass this way, and not one of them is strumming an open C chord. I tune my 5-strings GCGCF (and I’m one of at least three people on here doing it) because it facilitates droning, legato techniques, and playing off open strings. That low G0 is more of a sound effect than a note, but it puts a fretted C1 right where I often want it. I’ve got a number songs that would be nearly impossible to play tuned entirely in fourths.
 
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#19
Thumpin6string said:
So the point of this is so you can strum an open C chord on your bass?? Honestly, I don't get it. If you are tuning to open C, it should be C E# A# D# G#.
Click to expand...

I'm assuming this is lack of familiarity rather than trolling, but it is common in the rock/metal scene for guitarists to use "drop tunings" (such as Drop D, which is DADGBE, or Drop C, which is a full step below that) to achieve a lower timbre and to allow the use of "one finger" power chords on the lowest strings. In the majority of cases, the bassist will tune their bass to an equivalent tuning, because it makes life a lot easier in ways that are specific to typical rock/metal playing and songwriting.
 
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#20
MCS4 said:
I'm assuming this is lack of familiarity rather than trolling, but it is common in the rock/metal scene for guitarists to use "drop tunings" (such as Drop D, which is DADGBE, or Drop C, which is a full step below that) to achieve a lower timbre and to allow the use of "one finger" power chords on the lowest strings. In the majority of cases, the bassist will tune their bass to an equivalent tuning, because it makes life a lot easier in ways that are specific to typical rock/metal playing and songwriting.
Click to expand...
I guess I've never understood the alternative tunings. It took me long enough to get muscle memory on my neck with standard tuning. One of the reasons I play a 6 string is to have the ability to play with guitarists who drop tune without me having to do the same. More power to you.
 
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