Strings for Standard tuning and C#. Any ideas?

[Praisethebass]

Hey all! Currently playing with Thomastik Ti flats on my jazz bass and while i absolutely love the way they sound they are too loose to play drop tuning.
I generally prefer flats over rounds so would love any input, need something that works for both E standard and C# territory while not being too stuff/loose.

Before anyone asks i do have multiple basses but i do prefer to just use this one to gig with because i am so damn clumsy and it gets a new scar every week from bumping into things.

Thanks for any input!

Edit: forgot to mention i like to play stoner/doom/sludge/punk mostly.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

A 110 flatwound works good for both C#1 and E1. Done it many times

There are a few sets with a 110 or close.
Rotosound SH77 and RS77LE 50-110

Ernie Ball Group 1 Flats and and Slinky Cobalt 55-110

Dunlop DBFS50110
50-110

La Bella DTF 0760M 52-110
La Bella DTF 760FM 49-109

They have heavier gauges other than just for E though. Assume your bass is 34”scale top loadiing with these sets listed ie no extra considerations for string through loading vis a vis winding length for the E string

 

[Praisethebass]

A 110 flatwound works good for both C#1 and E1. Done it many times

Any specific brands you like?

 

[Prodigus Filius]

Any specific brands you like?

I’ve only used the La Bella sets mentioned. But have used D’addario Chromes 110 and various other Chromes gauges for the other strings as well. Purchased as singles.
I’m currently in a tapewound period. But when I get back into flats I like factoring in string gauges that give flexabilty for various tuning options with the same string gauges

 

[seafoamgreenjb]

Are you sure it will work intonation-wise and relief-wise?

 

[HaphAsSard]

Hey all! Currently playing with Thomastik Ti flats on my jazz bass and while i absolutely love the way they sound they are too loose to play drop tuning.
I generally prefer flats over rounds so would love any input, need something that works for both E standard and C# territory while not being too stuff/loose.

Before anyone asks i do have multiple basses but i do prefer to just use this one to gig with because i am so damn clumsy and it gets a new scar every week from bumping into things.

Thanks for any input!

Edit: forgot to mention i like to play stoner/doom/sludge/punk mostly.

Would the C# songs require a drop tuning (C#-G#-C#-F#), or an all-fourths one (C#-F#-B-E)?
If the latter case, get the 5-string set (JF345), lose the G, uptune the rest a whole step, and use a capo at the 3rd fret when you need open EADG.

 

[mouthmw]

There's no easy answer to this. The tension will change a lot between these 2 tunings. So the question is how much high tension you're willing to deal with in standard tuning, or how low tension you're willing to deal with in C# tuning. That's 3 half steps down. Maybe try something like 50 70 85 105. The lower two strings will be a bit floppy down tuned, but most likely doable and the gauge is often times used for standard. Forget about perfect setup for both tunings though. It will mess up your neck relief whether you want it or not. I'd try a standard 45 65 85 105 gauge first. Hybrid Slinky set worked fine for me when I tuned it 1 whole step down, but I didn't check 3 half steps down. It's probably ok. Maybe hunt down a 50 70 90 110 set, those are rare and most common string companies don't make these sets.

 

[Praisethebass]

There's no easy answer to this. The tension will change a lot between these 2 tunings. So the question is how much high tension you're willing to deal with in standard tuning, or how low tension you're willing to deal with in C# tuning. That's 3 half steps down. Maybe try something like 50 70 85 105. The lower two strings will be a bit floppy down tuned, but most likely doable and the gauge is often times used for standard. Forget about perfect setup for both tunings though. It will mess up your neck relief whether you want it or not. I'd try a standard 45 65 85 105 gauge first. Hybrid Slinky set worked fine for me when I tuned it 1 whole step down, but I didn't check 3 half steps down. It's probably ok. Maybe hunt down a 50 70 90 110 set, those are rare and most common string companies don't make these sets.

Yeah i'm prepared for a not perfect setup which is fine.. I just came across a set of dogal carbon flats for a good price (lightly used) so i might try those! 50-110!

 

[Praisethebass]

Would the C# songs require a drop tuning (C#-G#-C#-F#), or an all-fourths one (C#-F#-B-E)?
If the latter case, get the 5-string set (JF345), lose the G, uptune the rest a whole step, and use a capo at the 3rd fret when you need open EADG.

That's a great suggestion actually! I almost bought the JF345 for my 5 string but i ended up listing that one (G&L 2500) in favor for a Ric.

 

[Praisethebass]

Are you sure it will work intonation-wise and relief-wise?

won't be optimal but hopefully i can get it to work!

 

[MrAB4003]

Hey all! Currently playing with Thomastik Ti flats on my jazz bass and while i absolutely love the way they sound they are too loose to play drop tuning.
I generally prefer flats over rounds so would love any input, need something that works for both E standard and C# territory while not being too stuff/loose.

Before anyone asks i do have multiple basses but i do prefer to just use this one to gig with because i am so damn clumsy and it gets a new scar every week from bumping into things.

Thanks for any input!

Edit: forgot to mention i like to play stoner/doom/sludge/punk mostly.

Just tune your bass to C# Standard full time and put a capo on the third fret when you need standard tuning. Tuning and retuning up and down is not good for your bass. For strings, I recommend:
A) Medium gauge (50-105) D'Addario Chromes
B) Standard gauge (45-105) Rotosound 77s
C) Steve Harris gauge (50-110) Rotosound 77s