EAEA-tuning?

[podoh]

I want to experiment tuning my bass in some sort of EAEA-tuning.
I now have strings on it with regular gauge, and I don't really dare to tune the D and G-string up one step, 1) because I think they will break and 2) because the tension will be to high for my playing anyway.
I already tried a DGDG-tuning, but it was unsatisfying - to heavy, to low and unpractical in group improvisation.

So that leaves me looking for a solution string-wise.

Should I:
- buy some lighter gauge regular EADG-string set?
- use the upper two strings of a six string BEADGC-set?
- consider any other possible solutions?


Thanks in advance

 

[JustDavid]

Check into D'Addario's string gauge chart to see how much tension is increased by the planned up-tune.

&/or to see what gauge up-tuned has the same tension as your favorites normally-tuned.

 

[ehque]

I've tuned a G up to A before, on DR Hi-Beams (experimenting with CGDA tuning). Considering that strings generally work as well on scales up to 36", a 34" tuned one full tone up exerts about the same tension as a 36", and should be ok.

I take no responsibility for string breakage though.

 

[BananaKing]

I've done DADA before, so it is possible, and I've tuned the D string to E once, or twice, before.

However, I would be careful, depending on the gauge of string that you're using. lighter strings will work MUCH better.

 

[podoh]

I've tuned a G up to A before, on DR Hi-Beams (experimenting with CGDA tuning). Considering that strings generally work as well on scales up to 36", a 34" tuned one full tone up exerts about the same tension as a 36", and should be ok.

I take no responsibility for string breakage though.

So some lighter gauge Hi-Beams might do the trick?
(Now I've still got the stock strings on my bass.)

 

[ehque]

I was using strings of medium gauge. D and G were a 65-45. YMMV.