Looking for string gauge recommendations for a 4 string bass to be tuned to Eb all the time..Thanks!!!
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String guage set up for Eb tuning..4 string...
- Thread starter MC Bassman
- Start date
What brand/type/gauges are you currently using on your Jazz bass? Eb is only a semi-tone down from E, so you might be okay with the same gauges.
Have you tried tuning them down half a step to see how they feel? That would be a good place to start.
Another suggestion would be to try the EXL160BT (Balanced Tension) set, 50-67-90-120. The 50-70-85-105 set is a little uneven in tension with tight G and D and looser A and E. The BT set would feel more even across all four strings by keeping A and E from feeling too loose when down-tuned.
I think the D'Addario 45-107 balanced tension set would work. I equip my basses with a Hipshot Xtender so I click in and out of drop D a fair bit, and the 107 is great. So I think using that gauge in E-flat standard would be doable.
You shouldn't have to change strings to tune down a half step.
Almost all of my basses are tuned to Eb. I use DR Hi Beams or Sunbeams in .040” - .095” gauge.
The 160BT set is great for full tone down (DGCF) tuning, as this matches almost identically the tension of the other set in the family, 170BT (45-107) at standard pitch. But to me it is a little stiff at Eb tuning. When I want to tune down a half step, in my research starting a couple of years ago when the guys in one of my old bands wanted to do a few gigs, but down to Eb tuning, I have found through experience that 50-65-85-110 is a good compromise, as there is no set out there that I have found is balanced in tension, or as close as possible, unless you prefer the "traditional" sets that have a tight D string (usually a 70) and loose E string (usually 105).
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Overthinking it. Any string you normally like will feel nearly identical half step down. It’s not a big difference at all.
This would be my vote, although my fingers may let me get away with .035-.095.
I suggested the EXL160BT based on the OP currently using the EXL160 in EADG. The difference in tension between the two sets when tuned to EADG is a little over 12 lbs., 201.68 lbs. vs. 189.33 lbs. So, when the 160BT is tuned down half a step, it would at least be less than the EXL160 in EADG.
Depends on preference of stiffness vs. "floppiness".
This has been my experience, as well. I play in a multitude of acts at both standard, A440 tuning, and Half step flat. Both my basses stay in flat tuning normally, and I bring em up on nights where 440 is necessary. I use the same strings for the last 8 years or so. D'Addario Pro Steels, 45-130. They play fine in either tuning. No real change. And, over the years, I've tried a great many sets in both Standard and Flat tuning. They all worked.
It also depends on your preference and how hard you hit the strings. If, for example, you are used to medium gauge strings and decide to use heavy gauge for the alternate tuning, a half step is not really much and the strings will still feel stiff and heavy.
Ernie ball regular slinkys.
50-105
The heavier gage compensates for the 1/2 step down and helps maintain good and properly set action.
50-105
The heavier gage compensates for the 1/2 step down and helps maintain good and properly set action.
