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E-string advice for Hipshot Xtender dropping to C#

#21
Geddaric said:
All my E`s are .105 and dropping to D is fine (both rounds & flats), but I`ve tried dropping to C and for me the string just becomes too floppy for my liking. I`ve only done 1 song that really requires a Low C and if i really HAD to perform it anymore I`d buy a 5.
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I had a 5-string Warwick years back and tried for a long time and couldn't get on with it.
I'm happy with a 4-string.
 
#24
michael_t said:
Most basses can take the .107 with no modification. I've used that very set on my Fender Jazz with no issues.
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The only gauge I've ever had to file for was the 110 on a set of roto sound 88s.

As for down (er?) tuning with a hip shot, 105 will probably do what you need, 107 may be better, and the DDTs referenced above I would definitely give a shot were I in your shoes
 
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#25
I would also recommend the DDTs, but be mindful that they are Stainless Steel strings and if I remember correctly, Euros still have nickel frets. It would wear your frets down a bit faster than nickel strings. With that being said, I use C# Standard/Drop B with an Xtender using Daddario EXL 160 BT's and I love the .120 for C#. Obviously, they would be way too tight for D#, so I would encourage the Dunlop Nickel Wound 55/115 pack.
 
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#26
I run a similar setup with one of the bands that I play in who tune down to Eb. I have a detuner on my E string and I usually stick with a .105 string, preferably hex core. I prefer medium action, though, so it works for me.
 
#27
RavenousPoe said:
I would also recommend the DDTs, but be mindful that they are Stainless Steel strings and if I remember correctly, Euros still have nickel frets. It would wear your frets down a bit faster than nickel strings...
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This whole idea about stainless steel rounds "wearing out frets" is a little overblown in my opinion. The Fender Jazz I just put the DDT on was owned by a friend of mine, who used nothing but DR Hi Beams since it was brand new. Absolutely no wear on the frets after 10 yrs. There are SS rounds by other manufacturers that may be a little more abrasive, but as far as DR is concerned, their SS rounds are fairly smooth and non-abrasive.
 
#28
michael_t said:
This whole idea about stainless steel rounds "wearing out frets" is a little overblown in my opinion. The Fender Jazz I just put the DDT on was owned by a friend of mine, who used nothing but DR Hi Beams since it was brand new. Absolutely no wear on the frets after 10 yrs. There are SS rounds by other manufacturers that may be a little more abrasive, but as far as DR is concerned, their SS rounds are fairly smooth and non-abrasive.
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That's also a good point! I can attest to Daddario Stainless Steels being quite abrasive, but all of the DR strings I personally have used have been on Warwicks with the brass frets.

With that being said, they do feel much more comfortable on my fingers than the Daddario Pro Steels. You could very well be on to something!
 
#29
JLGBss said:
Hi,

I've just had a Hipshot Xtender fitted on my Spector Euro.
I bought the instrument 1 week ago brand new (and it's awesome!).
The bass is tuned down a semitone to D# and the Xtender is set up to drop to C#.

When dropped, the E-string flaps a little.
I'm using a .100 gauge E-string.
What string gauge should I use to minimise the flapping?
I'd like to keep it as light as possible.

Also, would I have to file the nut to accomodate a new gauge?
I'd prefer not to.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I use Steve Harris signature Rotosound strings on my C# bass. It sounds killer and it's really fun to play. The strings are heavy gauge (110-55 I think), so you might have to file the nut. I recommend you try them out though.
 
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#31
As some have said, if you are tuning that low then go to 110. If you want to try 105 then go ahead. ( I use 105 with my Drop D BUT I tune in E standard)
good luck
 
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#32
Some guys do have a strong grip, specially if they are a mason or doing lot's of manual jobs. I asked my friend about this and he said he can't control it. You do not want to shake hands with him for more than 2 seconds. I guess if you are carrying 35 lb adobe block on one hand while in a scaffolding 7-8 hours a day, you will have the grip that he has. I always wondered if guys like him if they played bass if they can cause fret wear sooner.
 
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#34
I've put a set of Billy Sheehan Rotosounds on today: 43 - 65 - 80 - 110
Raised the action a touch.
Though it's heavy and loses a bit of brightness in the attack, the 110 is good.
Dropped to C#, there's a bit of rattle/flap but it's tolerable.
I'll probably continue experimenting in future, but for the moment, I'll see how it goes.


Thanks to everyone for their comments and suggestions.
They are very much appreciated.
More Q's to come...

Cheers!
 

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