4 string tuning drop C?

[azulito]

Hello all, I have recently been recruited to fill in for a rock/metal band for some recording. The guitarist/writer plays in a drop C. His low E is C and everything else is a full step down. They really want that low C to be power low note.
I was using a 5 string tuned standard. Now I want to try using a new 4 string I just got (80's MIJ Ibanex roadstar). I have been debating with myself as to how I should tune it. Normally on a 4 string I play standard or drop the E to D. I enjoy playing with the drop to D and find it not so bad to find my scales/octaves, but tuning the E to C and leaving the rest is a bit messy.

I was wondering peoples opinion on tuning the same way the guitarist has his guitar. Everything a full step down and the E to a drop C. I ordered some DR DDT's 55 - 115 to use for this but haven't put them on yet.

Running through Ampeg SVT 3Pro. with Ampeg 4x10s and 1x15


Thoughts and suggestions? Thanks a bunch!

 

[Burlington]

I used to use those strings for drop C, they're great, you should be fine.

 

[Ric5]

Or you could tune a 5 string 1/2 step sharp and use light strings.

 

[MRDOOM]

You might need to set up the bass a little differently, but other than that you should be fine, especially with those strings.

 

[JoeVictim]

It looks like you answered your own question.

"I was wondering peoples opinion on tuning the same way the guitarist has his guitar."

Answer is yes. CGCF.

Go with a heavier string guage. The .115's should be fine. I use the bottom strings from a .125 5 string set and the tension is nice and tight. +1 on a good setup. My tech charged me $20 to adjust saddles, neck relief, fretboard clean and oiled nut. I tried to tip him but he declined. I honestly thought it was going to be around $60.00. Goodluck. Also, it may be a good time to change out the nut.

 

[rockstarbassist]

Yup, CGCF.

The DDTs will work fine for now, but you'll notice their super-tight tension and if you want some good/better alternatives check out the Strings forum for some detuning discussions. They're also an overly dark string.

 

[knuckle_head]

Look for gauges that resemble;

.118 .080 .058 .043

or

.124 .084 .061 .043

I suggest the .124 set

 

[azulito]

Thanks for the input! Great! I have never used a bass forum before.... What was I thinking!?

 

[JoeVictim]

Look for gauges that resemble;

.118 .080 .058 .043

or

.124 .084 .061 .043

I suggest the .124 set

And Circle K strings are the best I have ever played. I highly recommend them to everyone.

 

[rockstarbassist]

And Circle K strings are the best I have ever played. I highly recommend them to everyone.

Same. Seriously, glad I drank the Kool-Aid. I can't wait to get my new bass in so I can order another set.

 

[NKUSigEp]

My main Spector is tuned that way all the time. A proper setup works wonders and I've only ever used DR Hi-Beams (45-105). No slop and action is great. Sounds killer too!

 

[beelzelboss]

Hello all, I have recently been recruited to fill in for a rock/metal band for some recording. The guitarist/writer plays in a drop C. His low E is C and everything else is a full step down. They really want that low C to be power low note.
I was using a 5 string tuned standard. Now I want to try using a new 4 string I just got (80's MIJ Ibanex roadstar). I have been debating with myself as to how I should tune it. Normally on a 4 string I play standard or drop the E to D. I enjoy playing with the drop to D and find it not so bad to find my scales/octaves, but tuning the E to C and leaving the rest is a bit messy.

I was wondering peoples opinion on tuning the same way the guitarist has his guitar. Everything a full step down and the E to a drop C. I ordered some DR DDT's 55 - 115 to use for this but haven't put them on yet.

Running through Ampeg SVT 3Pro. with Ampeg 4x10s and 1x15


Thoughts and suggestions? Thanks a bunch!

I use to play a lot of metal that was in drop C. I didn't even buy bigger strings. I used medium DR lo-Riders, and they were pretty floppy. What you got there should do fine, but your going to need to set it up to play with those high tension strings and intonate it.

 

[Mayers]

I have tune one of my 4 strings bass like a cello ( C-G-D-A ) and I didn't have any problem with regular strings, I had to raise the action to remove some clank but that's it.

 

[d180fuzz]

My L2000 is tuned to drop-C, I use the DR Jonas Hellborg set, and they're not floppy at all. They sound great - and they're 40 - 100 gauge.

 

[drewfunk]

I enjoy playing with the drop to D and find it not so bad to find my scales/octaves, but tuning the E to C and leaving the rest is a bit messy.

Dropping the E to a C and tuning the rest a step down will use the same fingering patterns as drop D, not messy at all.

 

[azulito]

Dropping the E to a C and tuning the rest a step down will use the same fingering patterns as drop D, not messy at all.

Exactly. Thanks for the input. Had it setup for the strings and all is working great now!

 

[Repeida]

I was about to ask the same question. But I wanted to ask at wich distance should the strings be from the neck using drop C and with an 110-90-75-55 gauge strings? is it just tune the octaves and that should be ok? or try to move the curve of the arm, and then tunning the octaves?
I know that there are tools to see if the distance of the strings to the neck are right, but I can't find them here, where I live
and take the bass to a luthier just to do that...