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5-String Drop A: String Gauge Suggestions

D

dausualsuspact

Sep 4, 2011
7
1
#1
Hey guys. I'm in a group where they want me to use my five-string in drop A (A-E-A-D-G) and I need some help with string gauge, especially the low B string since the .135 currently on there tuned down to A is a little flappy.

The bass I'm using is a Squier Deluxe Jazz Bass Active V and it's a 34" scale. I currently have a set of Ernie Ball Power Slinkys (.135-.105-.085-.070-.050) on it and have been looking into Circle K strings, so if Knucklehead stumbles across this, I'd more than appreciate his or anyone elses advise.
 
#2
hi there intresting reading what gauge you use. I was going to say try a .135 but your using that anyway.

try a .140?

i use drop tunings as well A C G C F. so it would be .135-.120.-.85-.65-.45 gagues. my bass is a warwick thumb and i use the warwick black label. The .120 is a D'Addario xl pro steel taper wound. this works for me and my style of playing.
hope this helps!
 
#3
Knucklehead is no longer a member here, so he won't be posting :)

Check into DR DDT's, which are designed for tuning down:
Link Removed
Those will be more solid feeling and powerful sounding than the Slinkys, even though the gauges are the same.

For Circle K's, you'll need the .150 or .158 set.
 
#4
Maybe give flats a whirl. I can even drop tune on my short scale with flats because the tension is so much higher than rounds.

Daddario Chromes, Ernie Balls, or Roto77 all are very bright and a usable substitute for rounds IMO.
 
#5
mmbongo said:
For Circle K's, you'll need the .150 or .158 set.
Click to expand...


So if I were to follow Circle K's tension chart ( Link Removed ), if I wanted a .158 for my low A string, I would have to approx. match the tension of that string (39.6 lbs tension) to the rest of the strings? If so:

E String - .102 to .106 (40.4 to 43.2)
A String - .076 to .079 (40.2 to 43.0)
D String - .057 to .059 (40.4 to 43.8)
G String - .041 to .043 (38.5 to 42.1)

I believe I did the "math" right.
 
#7
mmbongo ... he needs the drop tune set for AEADG not the balanced set ;)

dausualsuspact said:
if I wanted a .158 for my low A string, I would have to approx. match the tension of that string (39.6 lbs tension) to the rest of the strings? If so:

E String - .102 to .106 (40.4 to 43.2)
A String - .076 to .079 (40.2 to 43.0)
D String - .057 to .059 (40.4 to 43.8)
G String - .041 to .043 (38.5 to 42.1)
Click to expand...

Yes correct ... however Circle K actually sell 'drop tune' sets designed to have equal tension strings in a drop tuning, so they've already done the work for you: Link Removed

The .158 drop tune set is .158 .106 .079 .059 .043

CKS usually suggest choosing a set which contains your preferred gauge for E, but also keep in mind these strings are very flexible and feel loose for their gauge so it may be a good idea to choose a set slightly heavier than the gauges suggest. If you like an EB 105 E you may even want to consider the CKS .166 set which has a .112 for E.

If you don't go for CKS then a .145 from another brand will be at low tension but will just work for A.
 

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