Right strings for Drop C tuning?

My band plays in drop C#, which is C# G# C# F#. I use a .105 .85 .65 .45 set for it, and enjoy having a little lower tension than normal. I tried a set with a .110 string and liked it, but the tension was a little high for me, might be just right for Drop C.

Shouldn't be "dangerous" for your neck, you will need to adjust your truss rod since the thicker strings will probably put a little more tension on your neck.

...and I think there have been other threads started on this subject already, so try a search too see what others have said.

 

I play Drop Db (C#) in one band and D-standard in another. I have a 4-string rigged with Rotosounds with .50-.65-.85-.115. They work really well for both tunings and keep things from getting floppy.

To figure out string tension, you can use Circle-K and Dunlop's tension guides. From there, a good solution is to use bassstringsonline.com's build-a-set option. They have a bunch of options for brands and sizes that you can't get retail and very competitive pricing (plus Jason is a TB'r and offers discounts to members). Circle K is also a good option with many guages, but I've not used their strings (yet).

You'll probably need to set up your bass with whatever you decide, and if you go with a larger string, you might need to have your nut adjusted (slots widened). Get a pro to do it, or you can learn to do it yourself.

 

For Drop C I use gauges .120 .085 .065 .045.

.125 .090 .070 .050 could work really well too, if you were to get this 5 string set: 50-70-85-105-135 I would use the 50-70-85-135 and not use the 105.

 

Order a custom set from naked strings. I did the same for drop c on my jazz bass and they worked well for me. I used the .125 for the low strings.

 

Drop C as in CGCF?

^This. The fattest 4 strings of a 5 string set would have dangerously tight GCF strings, however a B string tuned up to C is fine.
You need a special set with the lowest gauge increased to avoid a floppy low C.
Circle K Strings have 'drop tune' sets designed to have equal tension strings in a drop tuning here: vStandard Drop-tuned 4 Strings these are nickelplated roundwound, top-load bridge only.
Or you could build a set from singles of another brand with gauges similar to one of the CK sets.
Use these tension charts to discover what tension you like and then choose gauges for all strings at that tension:
http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf
http://circlekstrings.com/CKSIMAGES/CircleKtensionChart.pdf
You can use these charts to approximate the tension of other brands, there is only a little variation.