Tuning 5 String Bass UP!

[mimsy89]

Hi, sorry if this has already been asked.

I'm new to the forum and did have a look but couldn't find anything

I have an Ibanez SR-505 with a 34" scale.

At the moment it is tuned to drop B (BF#BEG#) as I need to have the higher string for the band I play in. However, the strings still feel too tight and wondering if anyone has any recommendations on gauges or maybe even a set to go for.

Currently I have from high to low - .035 .050 .070 .090 & .130 (sometimes .135)

However, some new songs are in C# straight (C#F#BEG#) so I would need a bit of flexibility with the lowest string so I think I would stick to .130

I play with my fingers and am going for the High on Fire, Baroness, Kylesa type tone

If anyone has any suggestions/recommendations on string gauges I'd be very grateful.

Thank you

 

[Thomas Kievit]

I think you should keep what you use now. If you tune up, the tension of the strings increases, which will also increase on the neck. So going too thick won't do your neck so good

 

[mimsy89]

Thanks for that

Would a lighter set not benefit?

 

[two fingers]

As someone with no experience whatsoever in drop tuning, I can't help. But I still want to say WELCOME to TalkBass!

 

[knuckle_head]

Stick with the .130 for switching between the B and C# - your other gauges seem fine.

 

[mimsy89]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Never tuned up before but loving it at the moment

 

[Freightshaker]

I'll assume that's a round wound string if you like High on Fire (steel/nickle?). I find the truss rod on my 505 doesn't like to adjust evenly on high tension strings, but those gauges usually make relatively low tension. Can't really suggest a brand/line without knowing what your using currently.

 

[mimsy89]

Yea they're round wound.

To be honest. They're nameless brand ordered from strings direct. Going to treat myself to some decent strings

On guitar I use Dean Markley or Ernie ball. On bass I have no idea string wise :/ problems of a converted guitarist

 

[Thomas Kievit]

USe Ernie Balls on your bass guitar as well if you like them on your guitar Other brands that I would HIGHLY recommend : R. Cocco, Pyramid, Circle K, Elixer (very expensive but worth their price) DR and D'addario.. Basicly all the top brands

But, I would go for the Ernie Balls if I were you. They have a nice warm and punchy sound. I think you will like them on your bass

Yea they're round wound.

To be honest. They're nameless brand ordered from strings direct. Going to treat myself to some decent strings

On guitar I use Dean Markley or Ernie ball. On bass I have no idea string wise :/ problems of a converted guitarist

 

[mimsy89]

Cool. Thank you very much

Ill check them out

If I was to go lighter gauge. Do you have a rough idea what size?

Also, is there an easy way to work out next size up/down etc?

Thanks again

 

[Freightshaker]

I use the D'Addario web site charts to ballpark other manuf. tensions. A formula is also available. For example, a .50 XL will have similar tension to a .50 DR lowrider. You can go round core for a looser feel but I think they have less punch.

 

[Joe Murray]

I ask this because I'm honestly curious, why would you tune UP?? Those notes are available to you in standard tuning.

 

[mimsy89]

Cool thanks guys

I tune up as a lot of shapes we use are uncomfortable in a standard tuning

I also play a few solo pieces and use those extra high notes more than I do the lows

 

[Joe Murray]

Cool thanks guys

I tune up as a lot of shapes we use are uncomfortable in a standard tuning

I also play a few solo pieces and use those extra high notes more than I do the lows

Right on. Thanks. And good luck with on your string search.

 

[mimsy89]

Thanks again everyone for the help!

Great forum

 

[InsaneBassninja]

I put a 105, 80, 65, 45, 30 for my High C 5 string bass. Am am going to put mendomen set strings on my 6 string I think its a 125, 105, 85, 65, 45, 30

 

[mimsy89]

Cool man. Is that standard tuning with high c?

 

[Thomas Kievit]

Yes, then you have E A D G C

 

[mimsy89]

Cool. Would you get a custom nut to match the thinner strings or just put a shim in them?

 

[knuckle_head]

Depth of nut slots shouldn't change with gauge - side slop will bite in to sustain a bit but you can get away with it long enough to know whether or not you like it. It'd be best to get a new one cut when you can.