Hey guys,
Any advice for tuning to D-standard or string recommendations?
Man, Ive spent too much of my life pondering this question.
Generally I like the tension of a standard 45-100 set in EADG tuning on a 34" scale bass. Probably because thats how I learned to play, but that always been comfortable for me to get clean and fast playing.
When I started playing alternate turnings and basses of different scales, I struggled to find the right string sizes to get the play-ability I wanted. I play low and slow mostly now, so I am able to compromise a bit on string tension; I don't need or even like them at "stock" tension. However I couldn't find the correct mixture of size and string tension that allowed me to have reasonable action, sustain, and allowed me to dig in without getting a shitload of buzz/noise.
After a lot of experimentation, I finally decided to see if math could help me. I created this spreadsheet. It calculates string unit weight based on your basses scale, the note the string is tuned to (denoted as frequency), and the desired tension. For instance a 100 tuned to E on a 34" scale bass has a tension of 36.5 lbs. So if I use that tension figure as a target for the tension I wish to have on my 35" scale bass tuned to A#, the spreadsheet will tell me I need to look for a string with a unit weight of 0.003389. That equates to about a 140 in the low position. That's a tree trunk and I find it almost unplayable with major sustain issues and intonation problems. So, like I said, I compromise a little. A little less tension, maybe a tiny bit of extra height on the bridge, and I've made slight adjustments to my technique over time. The custom set of strings I use now on my 35" scale bass actually plays a lot like a 40-95 set in standard tuning.... It's glorious.
Anyway, try it out and let me know if you want some help. The frequency conversion chart is on the second tab. All the UW and Tension references are based on D'Addario XLs because that's what I play, but I did some comparison and strings of the same gauge are similar. You can plug in your actual figures from your string manufacturer to get more accurate output.
Oh by the way; For your D string to achieve the same tension as a 100 tuned to E... you'd be looking at a 110. But I think a 105 is more comfortable and can be played cleanly.
String Tension Calculator
