Setting up for Drop c?

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by rapturebass, Jul 28, 2009.

  1. rapturebass

    rapturebass

    Dec 6, 2008
    Connecticut
    how doyou setup a drop c bass? what string gauge should i use etc. thanks.
     
  2. Turnaround

    Turnaround Commercial User

    May 6, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Independent Instrument Technician
    Assuming that it's a 34 inch scale, to maintain the same string tension as a normal tuning you will need approximately .060, .090, .110 and .130 gauge strings. If you use these gauges you will need to have your nut re-filed to accomodate the fatter strings.

    BTW, your bridge may not be able to handle strings this fat and you may have some serious intonation problems.
     
  3. NKBassman

    NKBassman Lvl 10 Nerd Supporting Member

    Jun 16, 2009
    Winnipeg, MB, Canada
    I play in drop C with 50-110 strings, and though I would prefer a little more tension on the lowest string, overall it's not too bad. In the end, try out a few different gauges and see what works best for you.
     
  4. +1. if you go with a standard 4 set get the thickest available. don't tune between c and standard once you are in drop c as it will over stretch the string causing frequent slippage.