Hipshot won't tune low

[blackreverend]

Hey Guys,
So I have a Hipshot detuner on my Jazz bass, and just for my own mental ease of playing, I usually tune down to B instead of D or C, and that hasn't been an issue until now.
I just switched from Cleartone to EB Slinky flats, and now I can't get the drop below C; the low E was .105 and is now .100; I had thought the extra tension being flats would keep it good, but I'm not sure what the issue it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[michael_t]

I just switched from Cleartone to EB Slinky flats, and now I can't get the drop below C; the low E was .105 and is now .100; I had thought the extra tension being flats would keep it good, but I'm not sure what the issue it. Any help would be appreciated.

You mean you're trying to drop the EB Cobalt Flat 100E all the way down to B? I think that's a little too light in tension even for a flat.

 

[J Posega]

Flatwound won't make them higher tension, just a stiffer feel. A .100 tuned down to B sounds like it would be a wet noodle.

 

[michael_t]

Flatwound won't make them higher tension, just a stiffer feel. A .100 tuned down to B sounds like it would be a wet noodle.

EB Slinky Flatwound (aka Cobalt Flats) are one of the more flexible ones of all flats as well, so that doesn't help, either.

 

[blackreverend]

So would you think it's the gauge? the .105 I had before did it with good feel and sound

 

[michael_t]

So would you think it's the gauge? the .105 I had before did it with good feel and sound

Larger gauge = increased tension = better stability for down-tuning. .105 is better than .100, .110 would be even better than .105.