Drop C# Tuning in 4string

[janmichaeltorio]

What is the advisable gauge for drop C# tuning?

 

[JohnnyWishbone]

My band downtunes to C# or Bb - I'd recommend at least a .110 gauge fourth string for C#, heavier if possible.

I used to use a 110-90-70-50 set but the fourth string was still lacking a little tension, so have now found a slightly heavier set with a 120 fourth string.

I know a couple of guys who downtune the same as me have taken to buying 5-string sets and ditching the highest string. A lot of manufacturers don't produce 4-string sets with anything over a .105!

 

[Baird6869]

Heaviest strings possible IME or buy a 5er.

 

[janmichaeltorio]

My band downtunes to C# or Bb - I'd recommend at least a .110 gauge fourth string for C#, heavier if possible.

I used to use a 110-90-70-50 set but the fourth string was still lacking a little tension, so have now found a slightly heavier set with a 120 fourth string

.110s a little loose for drop c#?? Or should i buy .115 or .120?

 

[janmichaeltorio]

Heaviest strings possible IME or buy a 5er.

5er is so expensive! (For me haha) gonna try dr ddt

 

[Baird6869]

5er is so expensive! (For me haha) gonna try dr ddt

That or something like .050 to .110 from most manufacturers should work fine.

I used to tune 1.5 steps down for a few songs every gig due to my singer not being able to do a few songs as recorded in E. Open E is a bit floppy but fine in the mix IME.

 

[janmichaeltorio]

That or something like .050 to .110 from most manufacturers should work fine.

I used to tune 1.5 steps down for a few songs every gig due to my singer not being able to do a few songs as recorded in E. Open E is a bit floppy but fine in the mix IME.

What brand of strings do you use??

 

[WarrenD]

For Drop C# (C# G# C# F#) I would say 115-85-65-45. However, I don't think there are many 115s lying around...

 

[srvmojo]

GHS Heavy Boomers have a 115 E strings

 

[Orskeezio]

I use a 5 string bass tuned UP to a "Drop C"! I use EB Super slinky .040 .060 .075 .095 .125. Works amazingly well.

 

[Baird6869]

What brand of strings do you use??

That was a few years ago, but pretty sure they were Ernie Ball Slinkies.

 

[AdamR]

Heaviest strings possible IME or buy a 5er.

Standard B tuning doesnt work well for drop C.

 

[Baird6869]

Standard B tuning doesnt work well for drop C.

Tunng up a semitone on a 5er or full step on for C# has worked for me and obviously that is what I was referring to.