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Flats for C-Standard tuning with a Drop A#?

JBuckley

JBuckley

Dec 18, 2008
121
94
Alameda, CA
#1
Hey folks,
I'm jumping into a sludge/doom metal band that uses C-standard tuning and dropping the low string down another full step. The bass I borrowed last night was a Musicman tuned this way with just standard heavy rounds, and the low string was a bit floppier than I'd like. I'm thinking I'd like flats for this on my PJ rather than my J, because of both the versatility and the body-through stringing. And I'm leaning toward the Steve Harris Rotosounds. Would those work tuned that low and maybe be a bit less floppy, or are they so stiff that they wouldn't work? Any tips on a good set of flats for this would be much appreciated. Thanks!
 
#4
Getting A# / Bb out of a .110 and not being floppy is asking a lot. I have a customer who uses .105 as a B-string and it is flop city to me, not sure how he does it...

If you are going to be using this tuning a lot, I suggest getting a new nut. Nuts are easy enough to swap out usually.
 
#5
JBuckley said:
That is the right tuning, on a 4 string. If I had a 5 string, this wouldn't be an issue. The Steve Harris strings are
.110 .95 .75 .50

I don't think I could get much fatter than a .110 in my nut.
Click to expand...

The Steve Harris set might work reasonably well for C-F-A#-D#, considering they're known for being "high tension" as well as being "stiff" to begin with. But dropping the C down to A# might make it a little too loose and floppy. I guess there is only one way to find out...
 
Last edited:
#6
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Get a 5-string .045 - .130 set and discard the 0.45
Most importantly though, take your bass to a competent guitar tech and get it properly set up for Drop A#, it will make the world of difference whatever strings you go with :)
 
#7
So I broke down and picked up a 5 string! It's the Sterling by MusicMan SUB StingRay5. It's definitely got the right sound I'm looking for and a hell of a lot of bang for the buck, and I only have to tune it a half step down on the low string and a half step up on the rest. I'd still like to string it with flats. Any suggestions for
 

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