• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

bright strings for down tuned short scale

Wademeister63

Wademeister63

Aug 30, 2004
1,541
193
62
Denton Tx
#1
Been using Hi-beams for a while now and love em but I don't think they're going to do what I want in this situation. I'm learning some stuff tuned down a half step, which I've never done before. My Peavey G Bass has a 35" scale and seems to handle the down tuning real well but my Jazz bass feels kinda floppy. But I'd REALLY like to try this with the bass I built myself which has 33-1/4" scale, same as a Rick. Pic below, though it's apart now and has a natural maple finish and a single P pickup instead of the T-40 pups. I don't have to string it up to know that my Hi-beams will be super floppy.
I'd like to stay close to the Hi-beam sound but I don't think the Hi-beam gauges are going to cut it. Maybe none of the DR strings. I have looked around some and found GHS Boomers with a .115" E, and that may work but I don't know the sound of those strings. No doubt a bunch of you guys have tried tuning down on a Rick, what have you found for a tight grindy sound tuned to Eb?

DSCN0510.jpg
 
#2
I have used the same GHS set on an Ibanez SR480. The tuning was DGCF. The experiment was a success. In the end I went back to regular tuning because it just never "felt" right to me. I would take the same set and probably go BEAD because of my 5 sting experience. Fender and GHS both have a .110 set, which would be the way I would go next (not a fan of high tension strings). With a 33 1/2 inch bass, it probably won't be a lot of difference.
Great bass, by the way.

FG
 
#3
Thanks FG,

I went ahead and took the plunge on the GHS strings. Not too expensive compared to a lot of other stuff I've bought, so we'll see what we see on that deal. Oddly enough, I did try tuning down on both of my jazz basses and they both feel tighter (which I like) than the 35" Peavey. I think I may have put light or medium's on the Peavey and heavies on the jazz basses. I hope to have this bass back together within the next week or so and I've got a pretty good feeling about it =).
 
#6
Well I got it all together and it seems pretty good. I'd like to have some more brightness but I can get a real nice tone by cranking the treble up on my Bmax. I sort of hate to have to crank the treble, but DUH.. that's what it's there for idnit? I may yet swap out pickups after I play with it a while. I really do like the feel of these heavy duty Boomers on this bass. Very good tension in spite of being tuned down and shorter scale.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back