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Tenor 6 String Bass Idea

Xthumpx

Xthumpx

Guest
Nov 19, 2014
21
0
chicago, IL
#1
I Just thought I'd share this. I am not entirely sure how many of you are interested, or if this has been discussed in the past, but after a bit of little research I worked out how to go about making this idea work for 34/32/30 inch scale 6 sting basses. I haven't tried it myself yet, but I think I am going to go for it. It will require a new nut though which is okay.
The tuning and string gauges are as follows:
E3 - .025
B2 - .035
G2 - .045
D2 - .060
A1 - .080
E1 - .107

OR

F3 - .025
C3 - .032
G2 - .045
D2 - .060
A1 - .080
E1 - .107

This set of strings can be put together by purchasing a pack of D'addario EXL170BT, and getting the .035/.032, and .025 in xl nickel singles. I uploaded a screen shot of the tension calculator I used to show the tension is pretty well balanced even with the higher strings. Here is the tension calculator link if anyone else wants to play around with it String Tension Pro Also, as a side note, since these strings use a normal bass string ball ends you wouldn't have to worry about using a different bridge or tail piece like the Bass VI to accommodate guitar sting ball ends.
 

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#3
I was having a lot of trouble finding wound stings for the high F/E. I'm not a big fan of plain strings on my bass.
Is your .020 wound? I would prefer flat wounds, but couldn't find the gauges I was looking for. Perhaps I should keep looking.
 
#4
You could buy single flatwound guitar strings and yes, in this case you'd have to either carefully replace the guitar ball-ends with bass ones, or thread the strings through them before installing. D'Addario Chromes should be long enough to reach the tuners if you have the top-loading option on the bridge, not sure if also when strung through the body. I love their sound on my bass VI, and although they may be not that different tonally from plains of comparable gauge I find them more durable.
 
#6
Xthumpx said:
I was having a lot of trouble finding wound stings for the high F/E. I'm not a big fan of plain strings on my bass.
Is your .020 wound? I would prefer flat wounds, but couldn't find the gauges I was looking for. Perhaps I should keep looking.
Click to expand...

It is, if you go the Boomers (nickel) route. Otherwise, we have a plain .020 and .018 in steel, both of which sound pretty close to whatever you put them with.


HaphAsSard said:
...or thread the strings through them before installing.
Click to expand...

Piece of cake to do, and much easier than replacing a guitar ball end with a bass one.
 
#10
On 34" a .025 E/F3 will be extremely tight, some brands might break. .022 or .020 wounds would be better but they have thin cores that might be fragile, especially if they are guitar strings not designed for high tension, this is why many choose plains for this pitch. However Conklin Guitars sell .020 and .022 bass roundwounds designed for F3. It's still worth trying a guitar Chromes .020 or .022. You won't need a new nut, the downforce centers the string if the nut slot has a properly cut curved base. High strings feel tighter for the same tension, for playability and chords etc. a fall in tension from low to high is most playable and even-feeling.
 

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