May Have to Switch to Higher Strings

[ptensioned]

Ditto to the DR DDT's. I have an Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV that I have tuned to C standard. The nut is brass, so filing is a huge PITA. I struggled with various D'Addario and Rotosound strings at that tuning, but when I threw the DDT's on, it felt much better. They're a bit stiffer, and seem to hold their tuning better. They sound great too, not at all flabby. I'm using the 45-105's, but if you have a plastic nut, you might be able to squeeze the 50-110's in (though there's always the risk of cracking your nut). Either way, you can totally tune to drop C with them, no issues. You may even discover you like the options that the looser strings give you. As @Icemanaroonie points out, getting some fret clank in there can really help an aggressive tone.

As for setup, yes, you'll probably need to change things up. The truss rod will probably need to be loosened a bit to account for the lower tension, and you may want to raise your action some to allow for the bigger string excursion. Nothing more than a few minutes work, though...

 

[AngelsBassBall]

For what it's worth, I played in a band where everything was tuned to C# and used a 4 string with 50-110 strings without any issues. I was using Tobias basses at the time and adjusted the intonation and string height accordingly

I've done the same with 55-110 D'Addario rounds on an American Standard Jazz Bass with no issues after initial set up. Good luck!

 

[Obese Chess]

.65-.130 is a pretty big stretch for Drop-D.

 

[Ric5]

As much as I am not a big fan of drop tuning, I've just been asked to join a band, whose front man is aware of my dedication and capabilities on Bass. We've been on stage together before in a different band. So, he plays a lot of music in Drop D and Drop C. Since I don't own a 5 string, I'm going to buy a bigger gauge. I don't like the idea of keeping the same guage, and using them for a purpose that they were not really designed for. I'm a Musician, and I want to serve the music and the band. I also want to be good to my Bass. My normal gauge is 45, 65, 80, 105. However, I think it's best to change to 65, 80, 105, 130. How will this change my setup? Will I have to adjust action, intonation, etc.?

Get an inexpensive 5 string bass and you will be set.

 

[dcarwin]

.130 is overkill. .115 is probably enough.

+ to this. The Invalid Link Removed set is perfect for me for C standard tuning.

 

[bassbombs84]

DR DDT 115's end of story

 

[Substandard]

My band writes everything in drop C. I only ever use the DR Lo Rider 45-105 nickels and have never had an issue with it. It sounds punchy and full and did not require any extra work on the nut.

I'll also add a +1 doe the DR DDT if tension is a big thing for you. I like the lower tension of the standard strings tuned down personally.

 

[Will_White]

.65-.130 is a pretty big stretch for Drop-D.

For d standard .130 is about the same tension as a flatwound .105 tuned to E if I remember correctly although the rest are pretty taught. For C standard the .130 is actually less tension then .105 round wound and still managable for the rest of the strings. Personally I use DR neons .125 .090 .065 .050 for D standard and occasionally drop C but I don't particularly like how the it feels tuned to C. If custom ordering a set from Bass strings online's Invalid Link Removed isn't an option I would buy a 5 string pack and toss out the E for drop D/C. getting a nut filed for BEAD wont effect stability going back to E standard.

 

[HiEnd Basses]

grab a digitech Drop.... let it do the work and leave your bass as is.....

Well, bought my Digitech Drop today. Seems to work fine. Thank you for the suggestion! No messing with tuning keys, intonation, nut filing, or anything else related to the integrity of the setup!

 

[greggcowanom]

Well, bought my Digitech Drop today. Seems to work fine. Thank you for the suggestion! No messing with tuning keys, intonation, nut filing, or anything else related to the integrity of the setup!

Glad to be of help, great little tool for multiple tuning. Has served me well over the years

 

[HiEnd Basses]

Glad to be of help, great little tool for multiple tuning. Has served me well over the years

Never knew it existed!

 

[greggcowanom]

i just stumbled across it about a year ago. Band i was working with liked to jump btween standard and flat tuning. The guitarist was using one and let me try it for sake of latency issues.... didnt notice a thing til you get down past like 4-5 semi tones. For the price it beats the hell out of dragging 2 basses to gigs and the time of picking up between songs.