Tuning a Bass to A (NOT drop A)

[westicle]

Does anyone have experience tuning a 5 string bass to A but not drop A, so all strings are down a whole step?

I have a tour coming up in October that I need to sort a bass for and I'm looking into getting a Ray35. The guitar player is in drop A but I don't like playing basses in drop.

 

[mech]

I played with bands that tune down a half step and a .130 -.050" set feels a little loose. I'd recommend a set that's a little larger. Don't know whats available for what you like but I'd use at least a .135" set. Found this.

DR Strings Electric Bass Guitar Drop Down Tuning 5-String, .055 - .135, DDT5-55

mech

 

[westicle]

I'm borrowing a 5 string Aria Pro II at the moment and I put 135's on that. It's a little loose for my liking and I think the nut needs raising to cope. I've not modded a nut before though.

Also, the 135 only just fits in the bridge and the ball end sticks out a bit, won't go all the way in.

I haven't seen sets of bass strings over 135 though. Might have to buy some singles.

 

[Lars_Vegas]

Did that for years with Traben Torrent 5-String and D'addarios 135 - 50s.
It wasnt to loose for my taste but neither very tight.

dunno about rays though...

 

[Fallen Zephyr]

Circle K strings could do that, or you could talk to Jason at bassstringsonline.

 

[westicle]

Cool, never heard of either so will have a butcher's. Cheers.

 

[westicle]

WOW. Just looked at Circle K. I had NO IDEA you could get strings that big. Some of their sets are insane.

Just need to find them in the UK now....

 

[OOZMAN]

WOW. Just looked at Circle K. I had NO IDEA you could get strings that big. Some of their sets are insane.

Just need to find them in the UK now....

They ship everywhere. I got a .180-.36 set. They sound amazing

 

[westicle]

Oh yeah. Shipping isn't as horrific as I thought it might be either.

Just need to buy a bass now

 

[mech]

Also, the 135 only just fits in the bridge and the ball end sticks out a bit, won't go all the way in.

On all my 4 strings that I've converted to BEAD I've had to drill the hole in the bridge for the B string to 5/32" (.156") so the large wrap by the ball will fit through.

mech