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String Gauges for Special Tuning

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DylanAOS

Mar 28, 2011
4
0
#1
My band is currently in Drop B (BF#BE) and we'd like to add a low F# as the fifth string.

What string gauges should I get for this? It will most likely be going on a Schecter 5 Elite. I know I'll have to get the action and truss rod adjusted also to accommodate all of that. I'm a big fan of DR strings also, not sure if they have a gauge low enough so something close would also be cool.
 
#2
DylanAOS said:
My band is currently in Drop B (BF#BE) and we'd like to add a low F# as the fifth string.

What string gauges should I get for this? It will most likely be going on a Schecter 5 Elite. I know I'll have to get the action and truss rod adjusted also to accommodate all of that. I'm a big fan of DR strings also, not sure if they have a gauge low enough so something close would also be cool.
Click to expand...

I would recommend circle k strings. They will have what you seek.:bassist:
 
#4
Link Removed <- If you didn't realise it's a real company

They have gauges up to .254.

5 String Set - Balanced Standard 182
Price: $60.00
.182 .136 .100 .076 .055

Or buy individuals and go for -

.190
.142
096
.072
.052

To my knowledge you'll need a .175 or greater for low F#. DR doesn't make anything that big.
 
#7
FunkMetalBass said:
Circle K is my preferred brand. I use a .200 for the low F#, although I prefer heavier strings. I second the Balanced 182 set for normal use.
Click to expand...

5 String Set - Balanced Standard 200
Price: $60.00
.200 .150 .112 .084 .061

According to the tension chart the .112 will not take F# and the .84 will not take B. Or if they will, they will sit at 57+lb tension, which is insane. :D

.200 F# - 46.8lb
.150 B - 47.4lb
.112 F# - ~57lb
.084 B - ~59lb
.061 E - 58.5lb

OP, consider the custom set that i specced out because you are drop tuning in the middle of the set. It's one set bigger for the first 2 strings, then one set smaller for the higher 3.

.190 F# - 42.3lb
.142 B - 42.6lb
096 F# - 45.0lb
.072 B - 45.6lb
.052 E - 43.5lb
 
#10
DylanAOS said:
My band is currently in Drop B (BF#BE) and we'd like to add a low F# as the fifth string.
Click to expand...

Yes Circle K make the best subcontra strings. They don't sell sets for such a weird tuning so you'll need to build a custom set from their single strings.

ehque has the right idea, download the Link Removed and choose gauges to give you equal tension on each string in F#BF#BE tuning, make sure the tension is over 30 pounds (the manufacturing tension) to maintain an excellent tone. I would recommend a lower tension than ehque suggests, I suggest no more than 39 pounds. This way you can use the .182 which has 3 wraps instead of 4 and therefore is more flexible with a clearer more harmonic tone.

What gauges are you using for BF#BE?
 
#11
Well if it were me I would get a 4 String Set - Drop Tune Standard 136
.136 .092 .068 .049
and a .182 - Standard Scale
form Link Removed
The set is $29 the single is $25 and with shipping just guessing the total to be about $59.05

And trust me that .182 is an awesome F# string:D
 
#14
FunkMetalBass said:
When I finish the refin that I'm doing on my old P-bass, I'm making it a slap machine and stringing it up with a Balanced 182 into E0 standard tuning.
Click to expand...

Just throwin' it out there, I tried E0 standard with that same set and it was too loose for me. Seemed no matter how light I picked, every note would go drastically sharp. Tuned it up to F#BEA and it was perfect. I'm debating getting the 190 set for E0 like I originally intended, but I'm pretty happy with F#, so I don't know.
 

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