Necessary modifications for D#/Eb0 tuning?

[GanonInACannon]

After a nearly decade-long hiatus from guitar and bass, I recently purchased an Ibanez GSR205. Currently it is tuned Bb0, Eb1, Ab1, Db2, Gb2 with stock strings (.130, .105, .085, .065, .045). Through some research and experimenting, I have found that Eb0 is the lowest pitch I can somewhat easily identify (likely due to harmonic distortion), so I have decided to tune the bass down a fifth.

For strings I'll probably get a .200 for the Eb and a .140 - .150 for the Ab. The new strings will certainly require a nut replacement, and perhaps bridge and tuner replacements. I know Kalium has the gauges I need, but I've heard its customer service is essentially nonexistent these days, so I'm wondering if Newtone or Octave4Plus would be adequate substitutes.

As for the electronics, I'm pretty much clueless when it comes to on board components (pickups and such), so I don't know what (if anything) needs replacing or modifying. I'm decently versed with off board components, and know most of what I hear will be harmonics rather than the fundamental.

 

[MrLenny1]

I swap between E-C and B-E (med light nickels) on a 5 string and have not needed
any nut adjustment. Also have 2 gigs that are 1/2 step down.
The nut was originally cut for E-C. Run it through my
regular rig with no issues. GK Neo 1x12 and GK MB500 head.

 

[GanonInACannon]

I swap between E-C and B-E (med light nickels) on a 5 string and have not needed
any nut adjustment. Also have 2 gigs that are 1/2 step down.
The nut was originally cut for E-C. Run it through my
regular rig with no issues. GK Neo 1x12 and GK MB500 head.

Is it tuned E1 (regular bass) or E0 (octave lower)? I want an octave and a half-step below regular E-C.

 

[MrLenny1]

Is it tuned E1 (regular bass) or E0 (octave lower)? I want an octave and a half-step below regular E-C.

I misunderstood your tuning so, disregard my comment.

 

[walterw]

i have never heard any electric bass tuned that far down (an octave below the regular low E) sound like anything except string noise and sour upper harmonics

the scale length of even a 35" scale bass is just way too short to get anything useful out of the string; trying to compensate with a string that's way thicker just makes it too stiff and inflexible, again making it sound sour and unmusical with no real fundamental

you kinda can't get there from here

 

[GanonInACannon]

i have never heard any electric bass tuned that far down (an octave below the regular low E) sound like anything except string noise and sour upper harmonics

the scale length of even a 35" scale bass is just way too short to get anything useful out of the string; trying to compensate with a string that's way thicker just makes it too stiff and inflexible, again making it sound sour and unmusical with no real fundamental

you kinda can't get there from here

Basses with such low tunings (and some tuned even lower, to C0), aren't too uncommon. Some lab tests have concluded that, under ideal conditions, humans can hear a 12hz sine wave. With longer scale lengths and capable equipment, even a C0 can be semi-usable, though its fundamental would still be barely audible at best. I'm obviously not expecting much from a cheapish 34 inch bass, but I think it still warrants an attempt.

 

[knumbskull]

Maybe check out what pickups/electronics Knuckle Quake basses use? They are tuned E0 off the shelf.

top load bridge would be my only other suggestion! Good luck, ignore the naysayers...

 

[walterw]

Maybe check out what pickups/electronics Knuckle Quake basses use? They are tuned E0 off the shelf.

they’re also apparently 40” scale length!

whole different ball game