Drop A# on a 5 string bass?

[antte95]

So, I would like to know if you can play in drop A# on a 5 string bass (tuning the B string to A# and so on) or would it make the tension weird since you would have to tune up all the strings except for the B string?

 

[irishmonster100]

once your not using a super heavy gauge of strings
i the E A D G strings are 100-80-60-40
then its shouldnt be a problem

 

[knumbskull]

i'd suggest just tuning the whole thing down a half-step. that way you won't get any mismatched tension across the neck.

also, there's no real advantage in the "drop" tuning arrangement IMO, apart from having to do a little transposing if that's what your guitarist(s) are playing in...

you might also like to find a set of strings slightly on the heavier side.

 

[knumbskull]

...if you MUST go with drop tuning, you'll need a slightly heavier low A# string, and slightly lighter E# A# D# G# strings.

see D'Addario's string tension chart and try and match the tension:

http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf

i found this useful (I play drop C - yes I know i said there was no advantage in it ...)