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General Topics Guitars 5 string bass, 34" in C-standard - string gauges?

S

Steven Persson

Aug 28, 2021
5
2
#1
Oi!

I've just got myself a 5-string bass that I will tune to C-standard. But having a very limiting knowing about bass strings, I'd use a little help. On my 6-string guitar, the one tuned to C-standard, got D'Addario NYXL 11-56 on it and I really like the feel of those since they are a bit on the softer side and not as hard when bending etc. I'd like to have something similar in terms of feel on my bass. Any ideas? I love D'Addario strings so I'll go with those.

Cheers.
 
#3
michael_t said:
C-standard is only half a step UP from the standard BEADG 5-string bass tuning. So, start with a light or extra-light 5-string set and go from there.
Click to expand...
This.
Back in the late 90s I did the same thing and used standards nickel D'Addario 5 string set. I typically use flats so am used to a little extra tension.
Might also try using a string tension calculator or chart from your manufacturer of choice.
 
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#4
Do you mean to drop all strings down two whole steps, like your guitar (G-C-F-Bb-Eb, low to high)? If so and you like the somewhat slacker feel of an 11–56 set on a guitar, I'd recommend the same approach on bass and get something just slightly heavier than typical 5-string set, something like .135/.110/.085/.065/.050 low to high.

If you want a C for your low note, go with the above suggestions of something slightly lighter than standard, maybe .120/.095/.075/.055/.040 low to high.

This all assumes a typical 34" scale instrument. Add maybe .005–.010 to all those suggestions if playing a significantly shorter scale instrument.
 
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#5
Riff Ranger said:
Do you mean to drop all strings down two whole steps, like your guitar (G-C-F-Bb-Eb, low to high)? If so and you like the somewhat slacker feel of an 11–56 set on a guitar, I'd recommend the same approach on bass and get something just slightly heavier than typical 5-string set, something like .135/.110/.085/.065/.050 low to high.

If you want a C for your low note, go with the above suggestions of something slightly lighter than standard, maybe .120/.095/.075/.055/.040 low to high.

This all assumes a typical 34" scale instrument. Add maybe .005–.010 to all those suggestions if playing a significantly shorter scale instrument.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Yes, drop the tuning two whole steps so the low 5th string is in C. Just like my guitar except for the high C-string on my guitar.
 
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#6
Steven Persson said:
Thanks! Yes, drop the tuning two whole steps so the low 5th string is in C. Just like my guitar except for the high C-string on my guitar.
Click to expand...
Then go with something at least as light as what you have seen suggested here, if you like the lower tension/stiffness/whatever you're getting on your guitar. It's not how most people use 5-string basses, but you don't have to be most people :)
 
#10
JTE said:
OK, which is it? Either every string down two whole steps so its tuned G C F Bb Eb. Or is it "so the low 5th string is in C" making the tuning C F Bb EB Gb (or F#)?
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It sounds like a half-step up from the general 5-string standard BEADG; it's an unusual approach, but no moreso than what works for me :laugh:
 
#11
Steven Persson said:
Yes, drop the tuning two whole steps so the low 5th string is in C. Just like my guitar except for the high C-string on my guitar.
Click to expand...

Just to clarify...

5-string standard tuning = BEADG. 5-string C-standard tuning = C-F-A#-D#-G# (or C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab). That's HALF STEP UP.

4-string standard tuning = EADG. 4-string C-standard tuning = C-F-A#-D# (or C-F-Bb-Eb). That's TWO STEPS DOWN.

You're talking about the 5-string C-standard tuning, correct?
 
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#13
Steven Persson said:
Oi!

I've just got myself a 5-string bass that I will tune to C-standard. But having a very limiting knowing about bass strings, I'd use a little help. On my 6-string guitar, the one tuned to C-standard, got D'Addario NYXL 11-56 on it and I really like the feel of those since they are a bit on the softer side and not as hard when bending etc. I'd like to have something similar in terms of feel on my bass. Any ideas? I love D'Addario strings so I'll go with those.

Cheers.
Click to expand...
In theory, you'd want a 085 for a low C1 on your 35" scale bass, to match the tension of a 056 low C2 at 25.5" scale. In practice, though, an 085 bass string is a lot stiffer than a 056 guitar string, and keeping it at C would make for a very unruly pitch envelope upon the attack (unless you pluck/pick it softly and close to the bridge, I suppose), as well as require a pretty radical setup in order to avoid buzz.

Try uptuning the low B string the bass already wears, as suggested.
Too tight? Then get the D'Addario EXL170BT set (lowest string is a 107) and add a single 032 (XLB032) on top.
In case you find it too light this time, give the 170BT set to a standard-tuning bass-playing friend, and get the EXL160BT (lowest string is a 120), plus a single XLB035, instead.
 
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#15
Steven Persson said:
Oi!

I've just got myself a 5-string bass that I will tune to C-standard. But having a very limiting knowing about bass strings, I'd use a little help. On my 6-string guitar, the one tuned to C-standard, got D'Addario NYXL 11-56 on it and I really like the feel of those since they are a bit on the softer side and not as hard when bending etc. I'd like to have something similar in terms of feel on my bass. Any ideas? I love D'Addario strings so I'll go with those.

Cheers.
Click to expand...

I would start with a lighter gauge of strings. Secondly, I'd also keep a close eye on the neck to make sure the truss Rod is adjusted properly.

Before you change from standard tuning, you may want to consider when playing in the key of D, that low B is easy very useful. For reference listen to Uptown Funk.

Have fun and congrats on your new bass!
 
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#17
michael_t said:
Just to clarify...

5-string standard tuning = BEADG. 5-string C-standard tuning = C-F-A#-D#-G# (or C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab). That's HALF STEP UP.

4-string standard tuning = EADG. 4-string C-standard tuning = C-F-A#-D# (or C-F-Bb-Eb). That's TWO STEPS DOWN.

You're talking about the 5-string C-standard tuning, correct?
Click to expand...

Well, I guess it's kind of a 4-string standard tuning I'm after but applied on a 5-string bass so I can mimic the tuning on the first 5 strings on my C-standard guitar. So technically, the B-string is tuned up to C, the rest of the strings will be dropped two steps I guess.
 

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