i have a 4 string and i've used drop A tuning many times before, but now the strings are way too loose and floppy and slap against the fretboard and rarely ring out a sound (except for the annoying sound that the string makes smacking the fretboard). according to my tuner it's in tune and everything. i was thinking maybe it could be because it's been so long since i've restrung my bass? i've already bought some new strings for it that i have to put on soon, but was wondering if it could possibly also be because my bass needs to be adjusted? thanks in advance
AEAD? what gauges are you using? low A needs to be at least .145. For switching between A and B .145 is optimum. Then try adjusting neck relief and saddle height. You should build a set from singles http://www.bassstringsonline.com/Build-your-own-set_c_163.html or for permanent AEAD buy a 'drop tune' set from Circle K Strings http://circlekstrings.com/store/standard-drop-tuned-4-strings.html
How long since you last adjusted the truss rod? What your describing could be truss rod needs adjusting from climate change. Or strings jsut getting too old. Since it worked fine before with the same strings on it.