Setting up 4 String Bass for Drop C

[xAKUM3TSUx]

I'm new here and I'm sure someone has probably already posted something like this before also I'm not sure if I'm writing this in the right section so feel free to shoot me. If anything I'd like to first of say hello.

Ok now, down to the subject. I've played electric guitar for years and was always interested in learning to play bass as well. Luckily as an early birthday present from my gf I received my very first bass guitar last week. It's a Schecter Omen-4 Extreme and I really love the feel of it. I have an audio interface and jam to a lot of metal which brings me to my problemo- Most of the music I jam to is in drop C. After googling the specific gauged strings I would need I bought some Ernie Ball Power Slinky's and slapped them on my week old bass (again, I'm new to bass so you can probably see where this is goin'). My problem is that I'm not sure if the bass has to be setup for Drop C and I'm pnly an idiot for not asking around before I put them on. I think I made a mistake because the strings feel loose at my desired tuning.

I was wondering if anyone on this nice forum could lend me a hand before I wig out and go to my local GC. I don't feel like spending 50 bucks on a setup that I could probably do myself but if thats the answer then so be it. Feel free to be harsh and tell me what I did wrong. I'm just looking for some honest help. Thank you!

 

[lz4005]

By drop C you're talking about tuning the E string down four half-steps and the rest of the strings down two half steps from standard, right? Just making sure we're all on the same page here.

If the strings you have are too loose at the tuning you want to use the solution is to get thicker strings. Then a setup after that for intonation, height and relief.

If I was going to tune that way I'd try the BADG strings from a 5 string set. That way you're tuning a normally-floppy B string up one half step instead of an E down 4.

 

[since197three]

I tune to dropped C with one of my basses. D standard DGCF dropped to CGCF. You definitely need to get your baas setup or you will have buzz city and very loose strings. Also what IZ4005 said about low strings from a 5 strings set look into. A 4 string off the rack set aren't thick enough.

I order custom gauges from bass stringsonline.com.

 

[xAKUM3TSUx]

Thank you both for your input. It's eased my mind a ton. I guess if anything, a setup is in order along with a heavier gauge of strings.

I order custom gauges from bass ______.

If it's ok to ask, what gauges do you use for your DGCF-CGCF tunings?

 

[Grizz33]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/dr-strings-drop-down-tuning-heavy-bass-strings

THESE, my friend. Both of my bands play DGCF-CGCF. Been using them for years. Welcome to the boards!

 

[harmendebresser]

050 - 110 would be a minimal, but I can pretty much drop B (F# B E) with those in my set-up. Using a capodaster too on the second fret if I need standard tuning

 

[SplinteredSkull]

I use .130-.105-.80-.65 gauge strings and I can do standard tunings from A to C. I usually just have it standard as BEAD and I set it up to my liking. Tuning down or up still feels good to me. Raising you action can help tighten things up but you can only do it so much.

 

[since197three]

Thank you both for your input. It's eased my mind a ton. I guess if anything, a setup is in order along with a heavier gauge of strings.


If it's ok to ask, what gauges do you use for your DGCF-CGCF tunings?

I use 125 110 90 65
Next time around probably order an 85 for high C though.

And that's strictly for CGCF.

 

[xAKUM3TSUx]

I dont even know how to thank you rockers enough. Analyzing the advice from all your suggestions has gotten my Omen to sound awesome! Now I can jam properly with my mixes.

Again thank you you all very much!