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recommended string gauge for an ADGCF-tuned bass
- Thread starter xidn
- Start date
Anyway, what set of strings/gauge would you recommend for a 5 string bass that's tuned this way - ADGCF? I'm using an ESP LTD B-105 bass, and practicing mostly progressive and death metal songs.
- Aug 5, 2005
- 7,243
- 92
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: J.C. Basses
Agreed. Their sets are tension balanced and there is a huge choice, you can find the perfect set for any amount of detuning:
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When you detune 2 half-steps, you obviously lose tension on the strings to get the lower tone. An unwanted side effect can be "floppy strings" which play way too loose, often give some buzz on a few frets, and are more (negatively) affected by the magnets. This occurs when the string is relatively thin because the tension drops off dramatically when detuned.
To counter the "floppiness" you have to use a thicker string--often thicker than the string diameter that you would normally chose be used in that position-- to counter the loss of tension. A THICKER string detuned 2 half-steps has more tension (i.e. less floppy) than a THINNER string detuned 2 half-steps. This may mean grooving out your nut just a bit to allow for the wider width.
Many string manufacturer's have string tension guides that help you decide which diameter to chose in each tuning to keep the tension constant. For example, I use D'Addario strings. To detune my nickle-plated roundwound B string (.135) to an A, the tension drops from 36.1 lbs to 28.6 lbs, which is still playable, but pretty loose. If I move up to a .145 diameter, the B sits at 41.5 lbs and the detuned A at 32.9 lbs--a much better tension for my playability.
I can do the same thing for my flatwound chromes, too, for a mellower sound. Just depends on which guitar and which sound you want.
Bottom line: there may not be a set stock of strings that fits your bill... check the tension guides and get the thicker strings that keep the tension in the 30's or 40's, if possible.... that way you can make your own "Balanced" set.
To counter the "floppiness" you have to use a thicker string--often thicker than the string diameter that you would normally chose be used in that position-- to counter the loss of tension. A THICKER string detuned 2 half-steps has more tension (i.e. less floppy) than a THINNER string detuned 2 half-steps. This may mean grooving out your nut just a bit to allow for the wider width.
Many string manufacturer's have string tension guides that help you decide which diameter to chose in each tuning to keep the tension constant. For example, I use D'Addario strings. To detune my nickle-plated roundwound B string (.135) to an A, the tension drops from 36.1 lbs to 28.6 lbs, which is still playable, but pretty loose. If I move up to a .145 diameter, the B sits at 41.5 lbs and the detuned A at 32.9 lbs--a much better tension for my playability.
I can do the same thing for my flatwound chromes, too, for a mellower sound. Just depends on which guitar and which sound you want.
Bottom line: there may not be a set stock of strings that fits your bill... check the tension guides and get the thicker strings that keep the tension in the 30's or 40's, if possible.... that way you can make your own "Balanced" set.
for a standard BEADG, i don't know.. i'm using a brand new bass and these are the strings that came with it
Okay, new basses usually come with the most popular set, called 'standard' or 'medium': 130 100 80 65 45 or 130 105 85 65 45.
I'm going to answer your question and suggest gauges in case you decide to put together a set using single strings.
If you like the tension of your strings tuned to BEADG, and want to put together a roughly equivalent balanced tension set I calculate perhaps 145 120 90 65 45? You'll probably need to file the nut slots a little wider.
The 145 will be at a lower tension than the other strings, but not so low as to lose good tone, it will need a lighter technique than the tight and punchy 120. I would recommend a 160 for A, but if you are not going with Circle K Strings 145 is the largest single you will find. D'Addario make excellent 145s, I've been using them tuned to A for years. They are flexible and have a short, fat tapered section which perfect for avoiding inharmonicity.
- Aug 13, 2000
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- Audio Pro - Ecuador
DR DDT 5 string sets have a lowest string of .135 maximum, which is not tight enough for A. Even .145 is barely tight enough
That assertion assumes that a 135 DDT is constructed the same as a standard 135, it's not.
knuckle_head
Commercial User
- Jul 30, 2002
- 2,621
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- Owner; Knuckle Guitar Works & Circle K Strings
There are a very-few ways to combine a core and three (maybe 4) wires to reach a diameter 0f .135". The tension on the DDT .135 will be near-identical to any other .135.
Construction may alter the feel of a string, but you can't buck physics.
I'd suggest sets that resemble;
.158 .118 .088 .064 .046
.150 .112 .084 .061 .043
If your bass is a 35" scale length you could get by with;
.142 .106 .080 .058 .043
Ding ding ding!
IME, you should up the thickness by .005 for every semitone dropped. So .145 would be ideal, maybe .150. Right now I'm tuned C#G#C#F#B (drop C#) and I'm using .40-.125; 2 semitones above standard, .010 thinner.
EDIT: this applies for the 5th string. (semi-obviously)
