Tone much worse in drop C# - help!

You didn't indicate what amp you are trying to play through. Also state what speakers you are using. It might not be the fiddle, on the outside, passive?

 

1 do not know what the effects the Eden wtdi has on the signal. 2 behringer amp is rated 20 to 20k Hz, so probablyn not the amp. 3. Suspect the cab, the cab is likely rated at 45-14kHz, so. I would expect drop off the later cabs have a stated low spec of 36 Hz. 4. Garage band, not a user, but format you are recording to, might make a difference, just guessing. 5. Quality of headphones, best I can say review the specs. 6. Passive versus, active, Without research, not sure how much circuitry design has on low frequency cutoff. Can it make a difference, probably..
I know I didn't give any real answers, but hopefully, it gives you an idea on an investigative process. Right now I suspect the cabinet.

 

45-105 are pretty small to play detuned that much. 105s are really a standard tuning size. At C# theyre way under-tensioned and it’s no wonder it sounds flabby.

Larger strings designed for drop tuning, available everywhere, will fix your problem but you may have to widen the nut slots.

 

Yes, a 105 tuned down to C# is probably pretty loose. The first thing I’d try is heavier strings and a setup.

 

You did say that. Sorry.

The only thing I can think of is to measure the setup when you’re tuned to E and try and duplicate that at C# or at least see if it changes.

To me though, the strings are meant to have a certain tension on them and dropping way down is going to make them loose and floppy, for lack of better terms. Good luck and let us know if you come up with something. It may be helpful to someone else.

 

If you have to be with those particular strings you might have to accept that it won't be optimal. Rise action and adjust neck to give the strings max room and lighten your touch?

 

I would use something closer to a .120, essentially a light B string. If your nut cannot accommodate larger strings, you will need a new nut. It is just basic physics, a .105 string will always be floppy when tuned to C#. Drop C# is not super deep, your rig should handle it just fine once you get a good tone coming out of the bass.

 

Don't just change the E string, change the whole set. I used these for C# standard & they were just right:

 

I use 45-125 5 string d'addario sets and ditch the high G string for C standard tuning

 

If you use the same strigns and the same bass setup then it is only natural for it happen. I would use heavier gauge for C#.

A comment: it is not wise to tune and detune the intrument . the neck will warp eventually

 

I understand but this doesn't mean that the wood in the neck like it.

 

Get the Elixir low B strings and ditch the G strings you have if you bought that many sets. Widen the nut or replace it, and set up the bass for the new string tension. This should get you going. Drop C# is well within the range of a standard tuned 4 string so this should work fine.