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drop C with a 35" 5 string bass?

i use a .125 for drop C on a regular 34" scale, works great - by that logic a .120 on a 35" should be worth a try...

EDIT just re-read your post, i think a 5-string set would have too much tension on the higher 4 strings. you might want to put together a singles set of 120, 85, 65, 45 and whatever the higher one is...
 
I would use one of the .112 or so sets from Circle K. Not trying to plug them really, I haven't tried or ordered them yet, but it's probably the easiest way to get a good set for tuning up.

yeah thats what i'm thinking... right now i use 30-50-70-80-90-110 and thats a 50-110 4string set and a 30 single to make my 5 string sets... I hate having to mix and match stuff at times.. i wish companies would make a 30-110 but the demand for drop C 5 string tunings isnt very huge hah..


i was hoping the "light" 40-120 5string sets would work.. but the more i look at it.. the more it looks like a no go..
 
I would use one of the .112 or so sets from Circle K. Not trying to plug them really, I haven't tried or ordered them yet, but it's probably the easiest way to get a good set for tuning up.

I like using .110s but the reason i ask is because i wanted to find a away to just buy 5 string sets instead of mix and matching sets...
 
... except none of your other strings are standard tuning.


? I never said any or my strings are standard.

I tune drop C on a 5 string which is C - G -C -F -G#/Ab as stated in the OP.

D standard is D - G -C -F -G#/Ab

I said drop C is D standard with a "drop" C

just like drop C is standard with a "drop" D
 
hhhhmmm, the way I always looked at it, having a low B on a 5 was the answer to everything. My brother tunes his guitar to whatever, C, B, D and I can hit all those notes without issue. I leave my 5's in standard tuning. It's my 4 that I sometimes do D-standard with; but really since I got the 5's I leave the 4 standard also. It's less to worry about.
 
Wouldn't 5 string drop C just be CEADG? I don't know how you can change all of the strings and call it "drop C".

Even then, as another poster said, it would actually be called raised C since a C is higher than B.



I can see that.. by your logic.. But if everyone started making up definitions for things that are already defined the world would be even more messed up then it is... you might as well start writing lyrics to rap songs..

but what makes EADG "standard" tuning? simple.. Its standard by definition just like "Drop C" isnt CEAD because by definition its NOT.

I don't make up the definitions I just use them. You can call it whatever you want but by definition its wrong.

Invalid Link Removed

google is awesome.

oh and I flat the A to keep things in 5ths
 
hhhhmmm, the way I always looked at it, having a low B on a 5 was the answer to everything. My brother tunes his guitar to whatever, C, B, D and I can hit all those notes without issue. I leave my 5's in standard tuning. It's my 4 that I sometimes do D-standard with; but really since I got the 5's I leave the 4 standard also. It's less to worry about.

Sure but when your music calls for a quick run of low Cs and string skipping between then I'd be ridiculous to keep hopping back and forth when you could just hit and open C.
 
but what makes EADG "standard" tuning?

I'd have to say it's standard both due to long history & to a strong majority of bass tuning.

I see your point, especially referring to the link (which discusses 'drop c' on a guitar), & it has merit.

No need for argumentiveness &/or defensiveness; these terms are still developing for bass. You must admit to some logic in disputing the term 'drop' when you are actually up-tuning.
 
I transposed the "drop-c" tuning onto one of my spare Yamaha 5 stringers, it turned out OK but I opted to put the drop-c on a 4 stringer instead. Much more normal feeling and wasn't nearly so tight. It was very playable, though...just not what it could be on a 4.
 
Knumbskull already go the answer I was looking for.. but if you guys want to go on another "why drop tune" or "I want to make things up" thread go right ahead and start another thread..

Yeah dude youre fine, thats exactly the tuning that I play my spector 5 in, for exactly the same reasons you stated. I use 40-120 Dunlop strings.

If youre coming from thicker strings on the 5 in standard tuning, you prob wont need to adjust the neck if going to light gauge and tuning up a 1/2. It generally offsets itself, well it did in my bass anyways