Strings for Drop D tuning

[WestyBassBob]

Hey all

I have just discovered the joy of playing in drop D. Since I play short scale that "D" string can get quite floppy. What are your recommendations for a stiff round wound? Nickle or stainless it doesn't matter.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

What brand you using? You might be able to get just a single in the same brand you have already. Is your short scale a string thru, or top loader, or a tailpieced object like a beatle bass? Changes options

 

[WestyBassBob]

I think it's DR Nickles. In the past I have enjoyed DR High Beams and most Nickles sound the same to me.

I play a SBMM Short scale ray. 30" standard bridge.

 

[michael_t]

I think it's DR Nickles. In the past I have enjoyed DR High Beams and most Nickles sound the same to me.

I play a SBMM Short scale ray. 30" standard bridge.

DR Hi Beams (stainless steel) and DR Sunbeams (nickel-plated steel) are both round core and tend to be more flexible and even floppy, especially on a short scale bass. Unfortunately, Nickel Lo-Riders (hex core, stiffer) don't come in "short scale" as such.

If you want a E string that can be tuned down to D on a short scale without going all floppy, I would suggest you look into hex-core strings for extra stiffness.

 

[DrCannabass]

GHS Boomers. I like the light gage, but med-lights are cool, too

 

[michael_t]

GHS Boomers...

Speaking of the Boomers, they do come in "short scale" (32.75" winding) 50-70-90-107.

EDIT: I might also add the Boomers are at the stiffer end of the roundwound stiffness scale, so they don't go all floppy like the DR round cores.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

You can go a 5 string set and set aside the E string and use the heavy B as a Drop D. Works well. You end up with standard 45 65 85 for GDA but the bigger gauge for D, bearing in mind 105's are often a bit slack for E on a shortscale let alone D. Eg Dunlop short scale 45-125 superbright nickels.
Products - Strings - Bass - Dunlop

The tensions would be roughly (based on d'addario xl nickel tensions)
D1/.125/34lbf
A1/.085/35lbf
D2/.065/38lbf
G2/.045/33lbf
You will have to widen the E slot a litlle though for this approach probably. Worth doing as it opens up string choices

 

[Prodigus Filius]

There is a dedicated thread on the SBMM short scale bass that may provide some tips as well https://www.talkbass.com/threads/sbmm-stingray-short-scale.1443247/

DR Hi Beams and Sunbeams also come in a 45-125 short scale set SMR5-45 and SNMR5-45 Once again, just set aside the 105's https://www.drstrings.com/bass-hi-beam
https://www.drstrings.com/sunbeams-bass
You can easily flip from drop D back to E using 125's. The tension is only 42ish at E1 ie 8lbs more than for D. Your truss rod won't notice a thing either way

 

[SunByrne]

I suspect the issue is string gauge, not so much which strings. Play the strings you like, but put a heavier string on the low D. The bass I usually have in drop D is strung 45-60-80-115 (where for E I would have a 105 on top).

 

[Prodigus Filius]

I suspect the issue is string gauge, not so much which strings. Play the strings you like, but put a heavier string on the low D. The bass I usually have in drop D is strung 45-60-80-115 (where for E I would have a 105 on top).

If one was to ignore the thing about not winding non tapered bits of string around the E post than gauges like a 115 in long scale would present additional options for sure. Only seems to matter for humungus flats and small tuning posts I guess

 

[Prodigus Filius]

DR Strings SMR5-45 Hi-Beam Short-scale Bass Guitar Strings - .045-.125 Medium 5-string

 

[DeVinTheSaYian]

Ernie Ball power slinkys string gauge is 55-75-90-110 4 string and 50-70-85-105-135 for 5 string great for drop d and d standard and if you want to go for drop c on a 4 string buy a pack of 5 string set and use the lower 4 strings and modified the 4th string slot on the nut file it down to the size of the 130 gauge string

 

[Hutch801]

DR hex core strings are great for down tuning. The DDT in particular, however not sure what will work for short scale.

 

[poochiecheeks]

The Billy Sheehan rotosound set has a 110 E string with standard gauges for the other 3 strings

 

[WestyBassBob]

If one was to ignore the thing about not winding non tapered bits of string around the E post than gauges like a 115 in long scale would present additional options for sure. Only seems to matter for humungus flats and small tuning posts I guess

Yeah I try to avoid it but most people seem to agree that for roundwounds short scale length doesn't matter much.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

These Dunlop's are long scale with a .115 STANDARD SERIES NICKEL WOUND BASS STRINGS 55-115