Question about downtuning

[groooooove]

id definitely go with 5 strings.

 

[Nebasska]

I've switched between .105's and .110's multiple times on the same bass. As long as you just widen the width of the string slots and don't make the depth deeper you will be fine if you want to go back to .105's

 

[MDBass]

so I got a gig with a good working band, they are in d standard to drop c, I have a digitech drop pedal it works ok, but I'm wondering would it be easier to set up a 4 or 5 string, string tension is key, I don't like floppy strings?

Heavy enough gauge strings are the key, regardless of how many strings your bass has

My current favorite bass is a four string tuned BEAD; I'm essentially using the thickest four strings of a five string set, and the tension and clarity are phenomenal.

 

[gln1955]

I have a few nuts filed for B-E-A-D and have absolutely zero issues when I throw on a standard set of strings. B-E-A-D will change your freakin life.

Yeah, I'd at least try BEAD. It's not a huge commitment.

 

[MDBass]

if you've got a 5-string, you won't need to down-tune

You absolutely will if the band uses a lot of open C based riffs, which bands tuned to drop C frequently do

 

[rxdiablo]

Try some heavy core strings. I've been able to stay with a 0.105 fourth string without the strings going too floppy in a band tuning from D-standard at the high end to drop A# at the low.

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[Highroler79]

if you're looking for ease, then it would be easiest to tune to drop d then use the drop pedal to drop everything one whole step.

but it's all personal preference. i play a 5 string bass at gigs, but depending on the song i will use the drop pedal or occasionally just tune the E string to a D.

I would set up a 2ed bass whole step down, with the correct tension of strings to compensate. I did this and it works great