String gauges for 6 string bass tuned in 5ths.

[billardbass]

I've been contemplating re-tuning my Ibanez SRFF8O6 (35.5-33.6" scale) in all-fifths tuning, low to high: FCGDAE. I like to use Kalium strings. Also I'm not fond of the idea of using a plain string for the high E as I've seen recommended in other posts.

The gauges I've come up with, based on personal experience and comparing the gauges of various standard sets, are: 0.182, 0.118, 0.086, 0.065, 0.039, 0.025.

I prefer a slightly looser tension (I use a 95 set on my Jazz Bass) but too loose on the F string and everything falls apart (I have another 6 string tuned F#BEADG with a 0.174 on the F# which sounds great but very much less so when de-tuned to F)

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ixlramp]

Will reply again soon with thoughts, good to see i'm not alone in stringing a 6 in fifths.

 

[ixlramp]

Have you used the Kalium tension calculator 6 times, each time with a different scale length, to get the tensions of your proposed set?
Your GD being .086 .065 will mean a big rise in tension from G to D.
The rough rule derivable from physics is: for 2 strings a fifth apart at equal tension the gauges will be in ratio 3:2.

From discussions with Kalium's Skip, apparently their .025 will not go much above C, as they use slightly thinner cores than average. Their strings of medium to small gauge are somewhat like hybrid bass/guitar strings, with smaller cores than average bass strings and thicker cores than average guitar strings. Their 'guitar strings' are actually identical to their 'bass strings' except for length and ferrule size.

Generally a .025 at E will be very tight and near break tension, i used a .025 at E on 34" for a few weeks and it felt scary-tight.
Since you want a wound string the best option is a dedicated wound high F, Conklin Guitars sell steelwound .022 and .020 by mail order here [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I recommend the .022, should be fine at E on 33.6". You could add this to a Kalium steel custom set.
This will allow you to lower the tension of your higher strings to improve playability for chords, bends, tapping etc.
With a large range instrument it becomes essential to have tension fall towards the highest strings to not break the thinner cores, but also because thinner strings 'feel' tighter for a constant tension, they also do not need as much tension to function well as they have less mass and momentum and are less prone to floppiness.

If you like a .095 set for standard EADG then don't use a ,065 for the standard D, that should surely be .060 or .055? Your top strings will be lighter and more balanced if something like .055 .035 .022 (close to 3:2 ratios) (but check with the Kalium tension calculator).

For a while i tuned my 6 in fifths AEBF#C#G# with .145 .095 .060 .035 .022w .013p, tension falling from low to high.