Flats for D standard.

[el murdoque]

Title says it. I got a set of Chromes on my P bass, .100 E string.
This works okay'ish for D standard, the tension feels like Thomastik Infelds in E tuning.
I'd like a bit more tension, though.

Will going for the medium gauge Chromes with .105 E string make a significant difference?
I've also seen the Rotosound 77 Steve Harris Signature strings come with .110
and there are the La Bella 760M Deep Talkin Flats Heavy with a .110 E string.

Anyone here experienced with downtuning flats?

 

[michael_t]

Thread 'D Standard Club (DGCF)'

Nov 24, 2015

So I've been searching for a D Standard Club and all I came up with was a tuned down club that accepted all tunings lower than EADG and the last post was in 2013. If I missed a D Standard Club in my search, please let me know so I can shut this down and join that one.

My goal is for this to be a place for Bass players who play in D Standard to come with their questions and stories that may be helpful to our kind. This is a safe place where D standard is THE standard.

We are all equal here, so there will not be a number system. Anyone wanting to join, just reply to the thread and add "D...

• OOD
• club
• Replies: 1,037
• Forum: Strings [BG]

• 

 

[Hot Rats]

I use rotosound 77's. .045-.105. they are not floppy at all, way tighter feeling than Ti's at regular tuning.

 

[OnlyFlats]

Use a string tension calculator!

 

[michael_t]

Use a string tension calculator!

When it comes to down-tuning, I find "stiffness" is more important than "tension" (as in pulling weight).

If the OP likes the Chromes, I would simply up the gauges to 50-105. They're one of the stiffer flats so they should work.

 

[michael_t]

I've used the SIT Power Flats 45-105 for DGCF before and didn't think they were "floppy".

Invalid Link Removed

 

[MrAB4003]

When it comes to down-tuning, I find "stiffness" is more important than "tension" (as in pulling weight).

If the OP likes the Chromes, I would simply up the gauges to 50-105. They're one of the stiffer flats so they should work.

That’s exactly what I did. The 50-105 Chromes are fantastic strings!

Also, I second you coming to join us at the D Standard Club. It’s an amazing place!

 

[OnlyFlats]

When it comes to down-tuning, I find "stiffness" is more important than "tension" (as in pulling weight).

I acknowledge that Stiffness, the actual feel and experience of the string, is the end goal. However still believe that considering Tension is a step to getting there.

One aspect that a string calculator can help with is show the difference in tension per string. Often the lowest string already has tension less than the other strings, and down tuning emphasises that. Getting that lowest string feeling right is often the priority.

It's about an 8lbs tension difference between E and D standard on a .100, which matches the OPs reported experience. Using a .105 would bring that to about 6lbs. A .110 would be safer.

Ps I linked the wrong calculator before sorry
this one for bass