Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
C standard
- Thread starter ghiggin1079
- Start date
I don't think .105 is thick enough for C; a minimum .120 is recommended. So, maybe 55-120, 60-125 or 65-130, depending on how tight you want them.
Yeah I remember being in a drop c band years ago and using a "E" string set and HATING. It did however make me get off my ass and learn 5 string
I'm a relative newbie for C standard, but on my 4 string tuned to C I use D'Addario Heavy Gauge, 55-110. It's the first bass I've ever tuned to C, and I also figured I could easily tune up to C# when I want to learn the various Sabbath songs I found to be in C#. I generally prefer strings slightly stiff. I have no complaints. If memory serves, the strings could barely fit in my nut, so that may also be a concern depending on which gauge you go for.
Can you (or do you already) use stainless steel rounds? DR DDT are designed with extra thick core wires for down-tuning, and I've used the 45-105 set for the D-standard tuning with good results. Maybe you can try either the 50-110 or the 55-115 to see how they are in C-standard.Yeah I remember being in a drop c band years ago and using a "E" string set and HATING. It did however make me get off my ass and learn 5 string
As others are essentially saying, most players wouldn’t want either of these sets for CFA#D#. Choosing between Beefy and Regular Ernie Ball Slinky sets, by chance? If so, consider the Power Slinky set (.110/.090/.075/.055). Most players will still find that .110 a bit wobbly at C1, but they’re your best bet among packaged sets of Slinkies. I have a friend who plays doom in this tuning with these strings, using a pick up by the neck.
I happily used Slinkies for years but decided to give Dunlop’s Standard Series a shot when I saw they had a .120/.100/.080/.060 set, and I now use that set for my fretted four-string basses tuned BEAD. I think most players would find this set perfect for CFA#D#; I like somewhat lower tension/stiffness/et cetera. I don’t notice much difference between the stainless and nickel-plated-steel sets in the Standard Series, but the Super Brights are very different and probably best avoided in these circumstances.
Last edited:
As well as the scale length question previous post asks, is this C standard on a 4 stringer?
If it is long scale and a 4 stringer, than these are an option STANDARD SERIES NICKEL WOUND BASS STRINGS 60-120
Galli do a same gauge set
If it is long scale and a 4 stringer, than these are an option STANDARD SERIES NICKEL WOUND BASS STRINGS 60-120
Galli do a same gauge set
I vote 105s or 110s. 130-65 in drop B is very stiff for the B(but useable if preferable) and the higher strings are too tight for anything above EAD IMO. I use 110s for drop B and am happy but like the bit of sizzle.
I use 45-105 strings with EADG and drop the lowest string to C, C# or D depending on the song. It's floppy, but definitely doable.
With 110~120 it would be fine.
With 110~120 it would be fine.
I'm really not that fussy with brands but I do tend to use the yellow slinks..
Yeah I've used beefy for BEAD pretty religiously to decent results but didn't know if Cstandard was a stretch so-to-speak for em..
I played this with 45-105 strings tuned CGCF. This is the sound you get.
This. That have 3 different bead sets on their website. .125 being the highest. However, they weren't listed @sweetwater.
I've been using the Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky 63-130 with a new nut to accommodate the thicker strings. Are they the best? I'm not sure. But they work well and sound pretty good so far on my Sterling Bongo. Tension seems nice as well (I do prefer higher tension).
For modern metal, I'd get 65-130 gauge strings and go up half a step. I once had a bass tuned to C Standard and I had DR DDTs (65-125 gauge) on it. The tension was pretty good for C Standard, so those would be my recommendation. I would only recommend down tuning a 50-105 (or similar) set if you were playing doom metal or another genre where you want looser strings.
I have D'Addario NYXLs (55-110 gauge) on my main bass and I tune to D Standard. That set can handle C Standard, but the strings are looser than I'd like.
