Strings for 5 string bass guitar

[nbtone]

I have been playing bass guitar for 55 years, and last year I got my first 5 string. I tried the low b tuning, and I didn't like it. I bought a set of strings .105 to .030, tuning e to c, and the c string was too thin. It would bend every time I played it, sometimes even off the fingerboard. Then I bought a set of .125 to .045, and they were to tight. I liked the .045 on the top string though. I found a four string set .110 to .055 and put the on with the .045 still there. Now I like to play my 5er. I usually bend a lot of notes on a 4 string, but there isn't room to on a 5 string. The heavy gage strings are just right to me.
I've looked online, and it seems everybody is using either a dropped c tuning or b to g. Am I the only one with this tuning. What string gauge is the most popular for this tuning?

 

[Aidil]

E to C? I'd just go with 105-85-65-45-32 or 100-80-65-45-32, with simple reason cause these are just the easiest available.

If I'd get into more of customization, they'd be something like 105-80-60-45-32 for nearly balanced tension.

What scale of bass do you have? A .045 tuned to C3 is a scary high tensioned on a long scale bass/34" scale. The available D'Addario tension chart only says if it's tuned up to B2 (on a long scale bass), the tension will be 68 lbs, whilst I think most of us prefer 30-45 lbs per string. Unless you are using it on a short or a Mikro scale bass, it's definitely vulnerable to break.

What's the usual string gauge you chose for your 4 string in your 55 years of playing anyway?

 

[nbtone]

It's a Modulus Quantum 5 with a 35" scale neck. I usually play .105 to .045 on a 4 string bass. In the past I used to tune c g d a, too. Even stretching to a c the .045 seems comfortable. Maybe they make a .40?

 

[nbtone]

.040 sorry

 

[GTHintz]

This is just an idea but I'd try the lowest tension strings you can find and see how that goes. Maybe labella Rx or Dr high beams. See what this forum is saying on string tension and you'll be in good shape. If it's a good string then they should hold up. I've tuned the wrong strings before and they haven't broke. Lol tuning a d string to g and a g to c is tight but not undoable. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[nbtone]

I bought a .040 to replace the .045 c string, and I'm comfortable with it. Now I have .110, .090, .075, .055, .040. Seems pretty balanced, and my top string plays the way it should. Thanks for the advice!