Need some string suggestions/setup questions

[grilled_cheesus]

Hey guys. Ill be playing some country gigs for tour next year and could use some string suggestions. We will be all tuned to Eb standard, and I will be playing a 4-string. Ive been putting 50/105's on my bass, but it's set up for E standard. I guess my first question is if getting my bass specifically set up for Eb tuning will help with the strings not feeling so 'slinky' or loose feeling. Also, my second question is string gauge/brand recommendations. I'll be tuning down to Drop C# for some songs with the hipshot tuner so im curious if there's a string gauge set that would be good to drop that one string down to C# occasionally for some songs without it feeling suuuper slinky once again. Sorry if these are dumb questions, Im just not used to playing anything outside of E standard and Drop D so just trying to learn. Im open to any suggestions of helpful info to do with this. Thanks yall.

 

[DrBnz]

Eb isn't that far off. I don't know if I'd do anything. If you feel its getting loose feeling you could go up a bit in diameter. As for type, steel or hex cores will feel like more tension than others. But there isn't a "right" answer for your questions really. Its all personal preferences. But if I was gonna be forced lower than E for any good period of time I'd just use the 5 string as it easily solves "all that". Plus I'm not big on the idea of setting up a 4 string just for a specific purpose.

 

[michael_t]

Hey guys. Ill be playing some country gigs for tour next year and could use some string suggestions. We will be all tuned to Eb standard, and I will be playing a 4-string. Ive been putting 50/105's on my bass, but it's set up for E standard. I guess my first question is if getting my bass specifically set up for Eb tuning will help with the strings not feeling so 'slinky' or loose feeling. Also, my second question is string gauge/brand recommendations. I'll be tuning down to Drop C# for some songs with the hipshot tuner so im curious if there's a string gauge set that would be good to drop that one string down to C# occasionally for some songs without it feeling suuuper slinky once again. Sorry if these are dumb questions, Im just not used to playing anything outside of E standard and Drop D so just trying to learn. Im open to any suggestions of helpful info to do with this. Thanks yall.

What specific brand and type are you currently using on 50-105. The gauge consideration is only a small part of the equation for determining what's suitable for certain tuning.

Stiffness/flexibility is more important than gauges themselves.

 

[grilled_cheesus]

What specific brand and type are you currently using on 50-105. The gauge consideration is only a small part of the equation for determining what's suitable for certain tuning.

Stiffness/flexibility is more important than gauges themselves.

I typically use dadarrios either the NYXL or EXL's but ive been experimenting with stringjoy recently

 

[grilled_cheesus]

Eb isn't that far off. I don't know if I'd do anything. If you feel its getting loose feeling you could go up a bit in diameter. As for type, steel or hex cores will feel like more tension than others. But there isn't a "right" answer for your questions really. Its all personal preferences. But if I was gonna be forced lower than E for any good period of time I'd just use the 5 string as it easily solves "all that". Plus I'm not big on the idea of setting up a 4 string just for a specific purpose.

yeah i know 5 string would kinda help with that. I just dont really like playing the 5 strings and i also dont own one yet. 4 string feels like home for me, but ive been forced to at least consider the chances of having to get a 5 string for sure. Also what do u mean by diameter?

 

[michael_t]

I typically use dadarrios either the NYXL or EXL's but ive been experimenting with stringjoy recently

I would put together a custom set, 50-65-85-110. D'A XL Nickels are readily available in singles. That set would be nicely balanced in Eb standard, and the .110 can still be tuned down to C# without going too floppy.

 

[Ggaa]

One band I'm in also does everything in Eb, I have a dedicated bass for that, w/Dadd XL Nickel 45-105(130 tapered B). And I use 40-100(125 tapered B)for std tuning. Stiff enough for my plucking hand. Fingerstyle only.

 

[DrBnz]

I hear ya... I've had 5 strings and gave em up due to lack of interest. But a 5 string is just a 4 string bass with a nice long thumb rest. Otherwise its all the same. If I needed that range, that's the tool I'd grab. But for a 4 string, I'd go with something like michael_t is talking about to get into that range.