Drop A Flat with a LOW E Flat on bottom

[Anthony Rinaldi]

Hey! I tune in drop Ab or standard most of the time, and I was wondering if any of you guys have ever tried using a tuning like this on a six string bass, and if so what string gauges you used:

Eb Ab Eb Ab Db Gb

I'm looking for gauges that can safely switch between that and F# B E A D G without any adjustments to the neck, if possible.

 

[ixlramp]

No, but here's how to design your set:
Use the bass tension chart by Kalium (Circle K) Strings Link Removed
That can be used to roughly approximate the tensions of any brand of roundwound.
Your lowest 2 are retuned by 3 semitones so will have a fairly large change of tension, so choose gauges that are at a minimum practical tension (just over 30 pounds as recommended by Kalium as a minimum) at Eb Ab. So consider .200 and .150 or possibly .190 and .142 for a lighter option.
Then add whatever you prefer for the higher 4 strings.
The big strings will not work strung through the body for various reasons.
Invalid Link Removed
Order a custom set of strings, they have no cost penalty compared to their pre-designed sets (because it's mail order only).
They are nickelplated steel roundwounds but Kalium have a new store and new products coming 'in about a week' so you might want to wait to see the possible new options.

Alternatives:
Pyramid strings of Europe can make big custom strings for you.
Conklin Guitars of the USA sell big single strings on their website.
Kaliums are apparently the clearest/most flexible big strings, very well designed and high quality. Their flexibility makes them more likely to intonate on a standard 6 string bass, highly recommended by ERB players.

 

[lz4005]

First - Is your Eb 11 half steps below standard or 1?

Second - Whether or not you can use those two tunings without having to adjust your neck depends on the stiffness of the neck, not the kind of string.

 

[Thomas Kievit]

Low Eb below Low F# is only 1,5 steps

First - Is your Eb 11 half steps below standard or 1?

Second - Whether or not you can use those two tunings without having to adjust your neck depends on the stiffness of the neck, not the kind of string.