Ideal strings for lower tunings

[JREaton42]

Hey everyone, this has probably been asked lots of times before and for that I apologize, but I'm wondering if anyone has any advice as to the best kinds of strings (brand, gauge, etc.) for playing in lower tunings. I have a 5-string MTD bass which I use primarily for playing metal, which means I spend a lot of time with it in drop D, drop C, D/C standard, etc. I know next to nothing about the best gauge or brand of string to get for these kinds of tunings, and I was hoping someone could help me out.
Thanks

 

[mmbongo]

DR DDT's are designed for Drop Down Tuning (hence the name!)
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[spector_boogie]

DDT's are terrible IME. Artificial tension = FTL big time, which means the higher strings are kinda useless. Plus tone wise they just don't really even sound good.

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for drop D or D std I'd use the .118 drop tuned set
for drop C or C std I'd use the .124 drop tuned set (which is what I use plus a .150 low B)

Been using C and C std variations for about 6 years now and nothing comes close.

 

[CamiloDíaz]

Just to add to the debate, I recently strung my 4 string bass BEAD, but I installed the DR DDT 55. With the right amount of fine set up, I got the 115 string to low B. Intonation is as good as a proper B sting, and the whole set feels balanced and keeps the intonation pretty well. I didn't want to file the nut, so I took a shot at DDTs, and worked perfectly. Keep in mind, though, that I like my strings somewhat floppy. YMMV.

 

[bassbombs84]

DDT's are great for drop C. Would imagine they would work for you

 

[JREaton42]

Do the DDT's have good sound in standard tuning, because I don't always play in drop tunings.

 

[Axiel]

I find that i have to keep one bass strung for drop c and another in standard because any high tension strings or thicker gauge strings feel terrible in standard tuning. Just imo of course.

 

[CamiloDíaz]

I find that i have to keep one bass strung for drop c and another in standard because any high tension strings or thicker gauge strings feel terrible in standard tuning. Just imo of course.

+1, standard tuning doesn't work well if you go too much outside standar gauge.

 

[ixlramp]

I spend a lot of time with it in drop D, drop C, D/C standard, etc.

Specifically which tunings will you be switching between? ... standard as well as the above? What does the lowest string get tuned to? ... a .145 is optimum for switching between B and A.

We need to know the range of tunings to suggest gauges that avoid excessively high or low tensions in the different tunings. It will help setup and playability if you limit the range of tunings as much as possible.

Or you can figure it out yourself using the daddario tension chart for 'XL nickelplated roundwound long scale' here: http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf be sure to keep all tensions within the 30 to 50 pound range across all your tunings.

That chart can be used to approximate roundwounds of any brand, steel or nickelplated.

If your lowest string is tuned any lower than A, Circle K Strings are your best option ... check out their tension chart: Link Removed

 

[JREaton42]

Specifically which tunings will you be switching between? ... standard as well as the above? What does the lowest string get tuned to? ... a .145 is optimum for switching between B and A.

Yes, I use it for tunings ranging from C standard to standard; however, I generally don't tune my low B string down below an A.

 

[ixlramp]

Thanks for the info, i'm thinking .145 .110 .085 .065 .050, but don't take my word for it, you should verify it yourself