Eastwood "The Sandman" 2-String Bass

[Mescal]

So, my Eastwood bass is on its way. I should get it this summer. What is not clear to me is what tuning and what gauges Mark used. So could someone tell me what the gauge and tuning of the top string should be, and what the gauge and the tuning of the bottom string? Thanks for the info!

 

[atquinn]

Tuning is D A, like the top two strings on a regular bass with the top one dropped a step. Flatwounds, don't know that the brand matters. And a slide.

 

[Mescal]

Thanks for the info!

So it´s not that you use a 65 instead of a 100 gauge string D string for your top D string?

So just a standard E - A tuning with the E turned down to a D ?

 

[atquinn]

The low string is the stock D string, so 60, 65 gauge, whatever. The high string is a stock G string, but tuned up to A. And they are flat wounds. So maybe use a lighter G string than you usually do to support tuning up. And they are flat wounds. And Mark's action was insanely high; I'm not sure how the Eastwoods are setup. Here's a vid some body made:

 

[Prodigus Filius]

Replace the stock 105 and 85 that ships with the ESB with gauges 65 and 45 flats tuned D2A2. Or 60 40 if preferred
Mark Sandman was also fond of C2G2
If your bass is the Deluxe, it already ships with Chromes 065 045 Flats

 

[Mescal]

Thanks for the replies!

A quick search on the net shows that Ernie ball has short scale flatwounds 50 for the G and 70 for the D string. Would these be the best? I´d guess the thicker the strings, the better, to prevent detuning/breaking?

 

[Prodigus Filius]

Thanks for the replies!

A quick search on the net shows that Ernie ball has short scale flatwounds 50 for the G and 70 for the D string. Would these be the best? I´d guess the thicker the strings, the better, to prevent detuning/breaking?

You haven't stated it, but assume you have the 30.5" scale version. .050 G at that scale has about the same tension of a .045 at 34" scale. .070 for D at 30.5" is roughly equivalent to a .065 at 34" scale

D'addario Chromes singles are prob the most readily available out there.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

Tensions for Chromes at least

DA Tuning Deluxe 34" scale

D2/.065/53.90lbf
A2/.045/59.21lbf

Total Tension =113.11lbf

Compared to
DA Tuning 30.5" scale

D2/.070/50.85lbf
A2/.050/58.90lbf

Total Tension = 109.75lbf

 

[Mescal]

It is indeed the short scale version ....

 

[Prodigus Filius]

It is indeed the short scale version ....

Enjoy, and it's wonderful you are getting into some Sandmanesque slide bass. Dare to be different!!

 

[SC Bassboy]

Just ordered a deluxe model. It's a touch pricey at $1200, but honestly I could easily spend that much making myself a copy. It just made sense to buy the production deluxe version. Plus, it's 34" scale. Anyway, now the wait begins......