C-G-C-F!

[Fufumonakyla]

Yes thats Right, C-G-C-F. I was wondering if anybody knows of anybasses that can handle that tuning particularly well. I need something thats a bit more High quality than my Hartke Starter Bass(LOL!) so far the only bass that stands out is the Hartke XL-4(i found one used for $500, is that a good price?)

But yeah, if you know of any others please let me know. im slightly desperate!

 

[neptoon]

any bass can handle that tuning, even your hartke...maybe you shoudl try some heavier guage strings so they aren't as floppy

 

[Darkstrike]

Mabye a 35" scale bass might help.

 

[Double Agent]

Spector Euro-LX 35
Yamaha TRB-4

Any other 4-string bass with a 35" scale. The Spector is probably best for aggressive, downtuned styles though.

I agree you could probably do it on any bass with the right setup and proper strings (you're gonna need something thicker than .105 for a low C), but the extra scale length on the above basses make them ideal for downtuning.

 

[Earwigger]

DR makes a set with a .135 B string I think.

 

[Fufumonakyla]

hmm....ok so i could just get my hartke set up to play in Dropped C eh? Then at the same time, could i put Active Pick-ups on it? Because id like to get a bass with EMG's, so could i just buy a pair of the EMG P/J active pickups and have them installed on this bass?

 

[washburnfan]

I was just in a band doing a half step up from that C#/G#/C#/F# and had great luck with my SUB Sterling (34") with Dunlop's Heavy's 50-110.

 

[Double Agent]

Because id like to get a bass with EMG's, so could i just buy a pair of the EMG P/J active pickups and have them installed on this bass?

Yes, don't see why not.

Also, I would recommend at least a .115 for the low C string as that will improve the tension for the lower tunings. Switching to strings that heavy will require a new setup, so pick out your string gauge first, then take it to get setup.

 

[Fufumonakyla]

Could i stay in just the standard Gauge? i kinda like the string tension i have going now, or would a heavier gauge be required to eliminaye Fret buzz, and make sure everything is intonated?

 

[neptoon]

yes, heavier guage strings would increase your tension, thus eliminating fret buzz...with a little more tension, you should be able to lower your action a little to help with playability...don't forget intonating your bass with the heavier guage strings...i would highly recommend NOT staying with standard guages...

 

[Double Agent]

Could i stay in just the standard Gauge? i kinda like the string tension i have going now, or would a heavier gauge be required to eliminaye Fret buzz, and make sure everything is intonated?

You could, I just don't think you should. A normal E string is .100 or .105 for most people. A regular B string is .125 or .130 for most people. A low C is only 1/2 step higher than a low B. So, if you could imagine what using a .105 as the lowest string on a 5er would sound like....not good IMO. Much floppage, buzz, and difficult to keep in tune...let alone intonated. That doesn't mean it CAN'T be done, and there are probably some doing it with good results, but I wouldn't do it myself.

I would at least go with a set of .055-.110 or get a set of light strings for a 5-string and throw away the highest string. YMMV.

 

[Human Bass]

yeah, I would go for a light B instead of a heavy E.

 

[Figjam]

Use .055-.110 works pretty well. Any bass should be able to handle it, strings are more important.

 

[Fufumonakyla]

Well, i decided to takew a string off of my Fretless, and see how that sounds on this bass, and it sounds pretty nice. So i think ill start using a Round Tapewound string on this bass now and get it set up with that......Also switch over to some Active EMG P/J pickups. I think it will sound a loit better, and eliminate Fret buzz, and tension problems....and be cheaper than buying an all new bass. Thanks for the help guys!

 

[Beav]

I use a LowEnd Jazz (which is a 34" scale) in my metalcore band with that tuning. I did some experimentation with custom gauge SIT strings and found my gauge to be 55-75-95-125. The tension is fairly close to a standard gauge string in EADG tuning. I would never attempt to tune them up the "standard" tuning, but for dropped-c they're amazing.

 

[dman_113]

I had my Jazz bass tuned this way for about three years, Fodera Diamonds .55-.110 worked
great.

 

[spade2you]

You can use any strings and any bass for this tuning. Sounding GOOD is another story. Heavier strings is generally an easy fix, although you must be sure that your bridge can handle the thicker strings.

 

[acook]

I have an Epi EB3 (standard scale version) Bass with regular light gauge HALF ROUND strings (.045,.065,.080,.100) and they seem to do the job, Bottom C is a bit loose but not something to really cry about.

Man I would love to have a Spector, They look so dam cool and everyone i have heard has just a beautiful tone!! I wish I had more money