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Correct gauge for a C string

gimmeagig

gimmeagig

Feb 25, 2004
2,891
1,197
Coeur D'Alene,Idaho
#1
I just converted one of my 34" J 5 string basses to E to C. I have D'Addario Prosteels 105 to 45 on it. Currently I have a 28 on it. It works fine on my 6 string and my 35" scale E to C bass. But on the 34" J it might be a bit too twangy compared to the other strings. I can get the prosteel singles in 30 or 32. What would be the correct gauge tension wise?
 
#3
Why not try both? I’d start with the 32 as that looks to be the “standard” C that D’Addario packages in their string sets. If it felt off, I’d try the 30 next.
 
#4
30 is my go to.
Played 6ers for about 12 years. (35”)
Now I play only 5ers stung E to C.
(34” and 35”).
Even my lightest gauge instrument (Wooten DR’s) sports a Pure Blues C, .030.
 
#5
28 seems like a big drop from 45 and would feel too light for my fingers. Between 30 and 32, whichever your ears and fingers like best is the "correct" one. Alternatively, neither is a wrong one. The only way you can be sure is to buy and try both.
 
#7
Okay thank you guys. I've had the 28 on the bass and it actually blends surprisingly well with a 45 G string. That's with brand new prosteels.
I'm in a Latin jazz/world music group and I often play the role of the guitar player because we have tracks and there is bass going on behind me when I do that. So I don't need the C string to sound fat I need clarity.
I had 30s on my 35-in scale E to C bass. That felt too tight for me that's why I went to a 28. I should have kept the 30s. Now I have to buy one again. Not sure I can handle a huge expense like that LOL
I'll get another 30 just to see, but I do have a feeling that I might stay with the 28
 

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