I'm tuning my bass like a Cello - input on string gauges appreciated

[dausualsuspact]

For the past two years I've been playing on a 5 string and I've decided to give that bass a good rest and switch to a 4 string for the time being. But I then thought how I loved the range my five string gave me and I decided that I want to play a 4-string bass that has the range of a normal 5-string.

So then using theory of sorts, I figured that by tuning a 4-string bass like a cello (C-G-D-A), I would have the desired range I would want. The C string would be a half-step above a 5 strings' low B, the G would be a whole step down from a normal A string, the D string would be the same as any other bass, and the A string would be a whole step above a normal G string.

Right now, I think a string gauge of .125/.095/.75/.40 would do it. Would this be a good choice, or should I go up or down on a string's gauge?

(P.S: I don't think this will have any effect on the string gauge choice, but the bass I'm going to have this tuning on has a reverse Fender-style neck.)

 

[knuckle_head]

.124 .082 .055 .035 if you like a .100 for Standard E.

If you like a .105 for E consider .130 .086 .057 .037

 

[alsendk]

You really should try thinner strings, for example Rotosounds strings...30 to 85 for the E string.
I do not know about the cello effect, but you do get a very nice crisp sound,...very special, and it gives you a fine control, when doing vibrato, becourse of the string being not so hard to supress.
The strings are more loose, but this just takes a day of playing, to get used to this
greetings
Allan
Denmark
Fretles Tune bass player

 

[FunkMetalBass]

(P.S: I don't think this will have any effect on the string gauge choice, but the bass I'm going to have this tuning on has a reverse Fender-style neck.)

You are correct - string tension is only judged based off of the string mass, the frequency, and the speaking length (i.e. scale length). The amount of string before the bridge or after the nut doesn't factor into the equation.

 

[walterw]

cool idea; the only issue is going to be that tuning in 5ths spreads the notes of the scale into patterns that are farther apart, requiring a lot more stretching and position-shifting. that's why 27"-scale cellos are usually the biggest instruments to use 5ths tuning.

5ths tuning is good for violin and mandolin because 4ths tuning would by the same token shrink the scale patterns into cramped, finger-bunching clumps.

edgar meyer is of course known for exploring cello-tuned (but an octave down) upright playing.

 

[dausualsuspact]

cool idea; the only issue is going to be that tuning in 5ths spreads the notes of the scale into patterns that are farther apart, requiring a lot more stretching and position-shifting.

5ths tuning is good for violin and mandolin because 4ths tuning would by the same token shrink the scale patterns into cramped, finger-bunching clumps.

Very true when it comes to finger stretching and learning scale patterns all over again. But it will be great dexterity-wise and it would be loads of fun watching people squirm at the sight of my deformed fingers ala this:

 

[TapyTap]

Very true when it comes to finger stretching and learning scale patterns all over again. But it will be great dexterity-wise and it would be loads of fun watching people squirm at the sight of my deformed fingers ala this:

Plus, you can always switch tunings if you change your mind. Exploring intervallic structures outside of the typical fourths relationship between the open strings could be a great way to discover some new musical territory. In this case, chordal inversions are your friend. I say go for it!

 

[ixlramp]

The D'Addario tension charts are here: http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf
I recommend using that to create a set with strings at equal tension. Look up the tension of your preferred E string and choose gauges with similar tension to that. You can use those charts to approximate the tensions of other brands. Your suggested 75 for D is way too heavy, thats ultra tight, 68 pounds, and will break some brands. How about a 55 or 60?

Suggested set from the XL nickelplated chart: 125 80 55 35
35 pounds tension on each string, equivalent tension to a 100 E (in agreement with knuckle_head).

I've been tuning my basses in fifths for 15 years so i can help you with this.

 

[RickenBoogie]

..and just in case tuning in 5ths becomes a problem, consider D standard, D-G-C-F. Very natural, and still provides a good range.

 

[dausualsuspact]

Your suggested 75 for D is way too heavy, thats ultra tight, 68 pounds, and will break some brands. How about a 55 or 60?

Now that you mentioned it, I honestly have no idea what I was thinking (or what I was on ) at the time. Thanks man! As well as everyone who has put in input!

 

[walterw]

.124 .082 .055 .035 if you like a .100 for Standard E.

Suggested set from the XL nickelplated chart: 125 80 55 35

I've been tuning my basses in fifths for 15 years so i can help you with this.

looks like knuckle_head's general string expertise and ixlramp's specific 5ths-tuning experience seem to agree.

 

[srayb]

..and just in case tuning in 5ths becomes a problem, consider D standard, D-G-C-F. Very natural, and still provides a good range.

I agree... I recently bought a 4-string fretless... but wanted to go a little lower than Low-E. Cello tuning crossed my mind, but really could only be achievable (for playing) on a fretted.

DGCF works perfect for me by giving me a full-step down (and I also like the lower string tension).

 

[ixlramp]

looks like knuckle_head's general string expertise and ixlramp's specific 5ths-tuning experience seem to agree.

That's because we used the same method balanced tension close to that of a 100 E. The difference being he was choosing from the Circle K Strings gauges. Looks like Circle K may be selling fifths sets soon

 

[251]

.124 .082 .055 .035 if you like a .100 for Standard E.

If you like a .105 for E consider .130 .086 .057 .037

^^^^ THIS ^^^^ is the man who knows about strings. Have a look at his website. In particular the string tension chart; Link Removed

A PM conversation with knuckle_head will be the short route to your goal.

FWIW, a light tension, balanced set of strings brought life to my Steinberger XP-2 when I remounted the fretted neck. That neck has always had too much relief & no truss rod. I like round wound strings & the balanced Circle K strings sound & feel much better than TI Jazz Flats. Thanks!