Strings For Lower Tunings (Metal)

[Lukas M]

Well, 1st off i did some reading on Strings to get an idea but i thought its better off to ask people too.

I'm looking for a good string Gauge and Brand For Tunings from Eb - Drop C. I have a LTD ax 404 (mahogany) bass and i play with my fingers. Im looking for a tone some what like David elfesons(megadeth) like here i really like Tone like this.

Failing this im really open to string ideas For standard tunings too i have been using DR's but would like a change.

Any thoughts or ideas?

EDIT: also i really have only had one type so im open to the idea of Flat or round wound strings too.

 

[Arpeggiator]

hmm, thats a bit trick eb to drop c is a big range i reckon you would want a bit heavier than standard (105-45) maybye a 115 E string your on about full drop tuning I.e DGCF or CGCF etc... as for brand i relly like the elite rounds i put on my 5 not to bright but nice and fat. also with relevence to the tone, sounds like you should cut the bass and boost the treble slightly (others correct me if i am wrong.)

 

[trb6pJM2]

well, for drop C tuning, i would just use a BEAD set TBQH, tuning from E to C constantly will just wreak havoc on your neck and eventually the bass could become unplayable.

 

[Parabolic Box]

Yeah, a BEAD set sounds like the best idea.

 

[crazyguy832]

Agreed!

Play BEAD!

Just don't buy a BEAD set of strings and try tuning CGCF! You're liable to break something!

Something like a .115 "E" string though and a 0.6 "G" would work for downtuning.

 

[Lukas M]

Alright, thanks guys

 

[PauBass]

Which manufacturer does 115 "E" strings?

 

[bassman1185]

Which manufacturer does 115 "E" strings?

GHS has a set that runs from .055 to .115, and Ernie Ball sells individual .115 strings.

I have tuned to drop C for a few years. My preference is either .050-.110 DR Hi-Beams or Black Beauties or Ernie Ball Power Slinkies (.055-.110).

 

[ErebusBass]

I play metal, and tune ADGCF. I play DR Lo-riders (130-105-85-65-45). I find that the .105 handles a D very well (that is with a 35" scale neck BTW). I like how it's a little bit looser than your average E string, gives it a unique feel and tone. If you're tuning to C you might want something a little bit heavier, .110 should do it.