Can I get production strings to tune a 6 string to EADGBE ?

You would probably be better off finding a 4-string set you like for EADG and getting the high B and the high E as singles. I have never seen a standard factory set for that tuning.

Or, check into companies who can customize a set for you. Seeing you're based in N. Ireland, Newtone (based in the UK) is a good option. Or, Pyramid in Germany.

tim0391 said:

Hey guys - hoping for some advice/information on a crazy thought I had…

Played a 6 string Warwick Corvette today which really impressed and it got me thinking…

Out of curiosity (as I’m now leaning on a 6er as my next bass) CAN you get a set of (preferably production) strings that you COULD tune to standard electric tuning? Or roughly what gauges would you need to achieve this?

Please don’t hit me with the ‘a guitar is a guitar’ and ‘a bass is a bass’ comments - I’m a bass player by trade and a self taught guitarist gigging both at a high level for 15+ years.

I simply just like the idea of being able to use the guitar shapes on bass!

Any info anybody had would be appreciated as others threads I see just dismiss the idea completely for the above.

Every question is a good question.

Tim

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I play a bass-VI type instrument, so you'll get no argument from me re: tuning.
This said, I'm not aware of any production sets for EADGBE or EADGCF tuning.

You could either:

- get a 7-string set, specifically one for BEADGCF tuning (as opposed to one for low F#) and toss the lowest (expensive);

- complement a given set with high single strings, as suggested above - EADGC sets do exist, and you'd only have to source a bass high F, or a guitar string of similar gauge (goes without saying the topmost two could be easily tuned a half-step down);

- about 35.5" winding length may be enough for some long-scale sixers (not a Corvette, I suspect, due to its bridge+stopbar arrangement increasing minimum needed length).
If it turns out to be the case
(read: if the 6-stringer you end up with measures max 35.7" or so from lowest-string ball-end to boardward edge of nut),
a set made for the aforementioned bass VI, to wit the Fender Super 250B6, may be all that you need. Inexpensive to boot.

Get a seven string set and just use EADGCF