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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.