DR DDT Gauges

[Gearhead17]

I had a question about DR DDT Strings – If I am looking to tune to the following: C# F# B E, what gauges of strings should I be looking at? These will be used on a Spector Euro 5LX and I currently use DR Hi-Beams. If the string length is the same – I should have no issues. Definitely not looking for something tapered. And yes, I understand I can just transpose notes all over the 5 string, but I wanted to tune this way to make playing particular songs much easier. Plus, I wanted a lower open string tone. I like to use open strings as often as I can.

Here is what I see available:
125, 105, 085, 065, 045 (same gauges I use for standard tuning on the DR Hi-Beams)
135, 115, 095, 075, 055 (do I need to go this thick?)

Do I need to go thicker or can I tune the thinner strings down and be alright? My instinct tells me thicker, but I was not sure about the DDT strings.

 

[mr.black]

wait so you have a 5 and you want to tune the B UP to C#? then you left off the G# please re phase the question.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Available DDT "Singles"

.030
.040
.045
.050
.055
.060
.065
.070
.075
.080
.085
.090
.095
.100
.105
.110
.115
.120
.125
.130
.135
.145

Available pre-packaged "Sets"

40-100
45-105
50-110
55-115
65-125
40-120
45-125
45-130
55-135

Depending on the tension you would like, I would go with 120 100 080 060. You can either purchase singles or the 5-String "set" depending on where you choose to purchase from and their availability.

That is a good starting ground and you can fine tune it from there if you decide you don't like one particular string feel. The only thing I might change would be the .120 to a .125 if you want a tighter C# string. But the .120 should be fine.

 

[Gearhead17]

wait so you have a 5 and you want to tune the B UP to C#? then you left off the G# please re phase the question.

I was not intending to go to G# on the 5th string. I was simply going to re-string my 5 string bass and ignore one string in the specified tuning. It might end up as B C# F# B E in the end or C#, F, B, E, G. Depending on what string gauges I go with. I wanted to use the 5 stringers I have without getting a new nut made to accommodate this. Only if it is possible..

 

[ixlramp]

I recommend using a tension chart (Circle K Strings / Kalium has the best chart) to roughly match the tensions you like now, and buy singles. DDT sets are very top heavy. Best to design a set to your needs, pre-packaged string sets are only ideal for a small number of people.