Tuning question

[Eupharies22]

Ok my bass is setup to standard tuning, im joining a band now that plays in C , should i just buy heavier strings and tune it down to C or....
Should i have the bass set up to C, but then that means i cant tune up to standard tuning due to the strings being far 2 tight and it may ruin the neck?
Is it just as good to buy heavier strings and tune down, as oppose to having my bass setup to a specific tuning?

 

[oh.my]

I'd say, just play it the way it is.

 

[Brittain]

I'd never have it set to a specific tuning, because then you're pigeon holed, use the heavier gauges, that way if you want you can get it back into standard without too much hassle.

 

[Bob the bassist]

Getting a 5 string would make the whole thing a non-issue.

 

[spade2you]

Getting a 5 string would make the whole thing a non-issue.

Except a night of playing in C minor can be a bit much on the hands. There aren't many open notes that you can use and typically you hammer the first position and pull off to the first position all night.

 

[Bob the bassist]

5 string and a capo?

 

[Eupharies22]

lol i would love a 5 string but, got a mia jazz atm which i love and cost a fair amount, wat kinda gauge would i be looking at?

 

[Brittain]

A big one.

Just find the heaviest you can really, I'm not an expert on gauges, I'm sure some people on here know all that kinda stuff though, just somethin meaty.

 

[lowendgenerator]

I tune drop C and use 45 65 85 115 on a set of DR lo riders. You can get away with tuning the A D and G a step flat, any farther I'm not sure.

 

[ErebusBass]

a .110 or .115 should a C nicely, if you're playing in drop C (CGCF), .085, .065, and .045 will work. If you're tuning to C standard, (CFBbEb), something a little heavier probably.

Edit: Damn, beat me to it.

 

[Eupharies22]

ok cool, yeh id be in CGCF, is it only really the E string i need heavy on, not the ADG so much?