Double Bass Tension on bass with 5ths tuning

[Mark Clout]

Hello!

How risky is it to tune in 5ths with the added pressure on the top? I was thinking Orch B tuned up to C, solo F# tuned up to G, orch D, orch G tuned up to A.

Thanks.
Mark

 

[JoeyNaeger]

Why not use a solo A string instead of an orchestral G?

In terms of tension, I think most B strings are also meant to be tuned to C so that shouldn't pose much a of problem. Solo strings in general always seemd low tension to me so tuning up the F# to a G doesn't sound to bad either.

 

[Mark Clout]

Thanks for your reply J.

Mark

 

[Jeff Moote]

An example: the strings Joel Quarrington uses are Spiro B/C, the rest are Dominants F# at G, D, and solo A. These have a total of 276.7 lbs of tension according to Thomastik's figures including adjustments for the two low strings being up a semitone. A set of regular gauge Pirastro Flexocor have 271.4 lbs of tension. The difference is negligible.

 

[Mark Clout]

Cool. Thanks Jeff!