Setup for tuning down a half step

[musicman5strng]

My band decided that we are going to start tuning down a half step to make things easier on our vocalist. It is a female and her "breaking point" is a high A. We tried it at rehearsal and she sounds a lot better and the higher notes a lot fuller. Anywho my question is: should I adjust my setup to play this way? I know I will have to adjust the relief in the neck but other than that should I use higher gauge strings to get a tighter sound, anything else I might be overlooking?

Thanks

 

[herndonbassist]

I would detune and see if you need to make any changes before just making them. Beyond that I think you've pretty much got it; truss rod if there is incorrect relief and heavier strings (optional, but they will increase tension for less flapping) are gonna solve most potential hangups with tuning down.

Everything else to taste!

I agree with Joshua, tuning down a half step shouldn't make much difference at all. You MAY appreciate going to heavier strings if they don't feel like they have enough tension, but that's all I can think of. Think of how many times you may have been out of tune by a 1/2 step. MOST of the blues guys that I have played with are tuned down so they can do the SRV and Hendrix stuff.

Go for it, I don't think you'll have any problems.