What gauge for open C Major tuning on a 5 String

[HaphAsSard]

i havent´t found that set

One thing you could do, just to get your feet wet (and adjust for preferred tension later, ordering custom sets from Pyramid as suggested), is buy a 6-string set, from which you'll discard the second-lowest (the E string), with the following gauges:

25~30
40
60
80
100
120~130

Tensions will be nicely balanced (check them against the aforementioned Stringjoy calculator), but lighter than suggested above (30~35 pounds), but not at all outside the range of what is commonly used (more or less like a 095 low E on a standard long-scale bass, or a 100 on a short-scale one). Plus, it will have some of the familiar sound of detuned strings in metal.

Here are some sets with the above specs:
Galli RSB30125 Rock Star (RSB61) Bass Electric 6 string
https://www.thomann.de/de/marleaux_bass_strings_6.htm
Medina BE156N MAGMA E-Bass Professional Series light (30-125
Pyramid 982 Nickel Plated Steel Bass 027/126 6-String, 47,90 €

 

[micguy]

Guitars are often tuned in open tunings to make playing chords easier. Basses are usually tuned to constant intervals, which makes our job easier. I understand the OP’s request, but I think it comes from a flawed premise.

 

[Lenny JG]

Maybe just use stringtensioncalculator.com
And custom order from newtone strings.

 

[iiipopes]

The GHS bass string tension guide also has table charts so you can see the tension (pulling force, not feel) that any particular string has at any particular pitch.
http://www.ghsrep.weebly.com/uploads/2/2/2/5/22258814/2020-ghs-bass-guitar-tension.pdf

 

[J Posega]

Guitars are often tuned in open tunings to make playing chords easier. Basses are usually tuned to constant intervals, which makes our job easier. I understand the OP’s request, but I think it comes from a flawed premise.

What does it matter? He wants to tune how he wants to tune. I see this complaint in every drop-tuning & detuning thread. Maybe there are a lot of riffs that rely on pedaling those open strings while playing higher notes as well. Maybe you would be comfortable playing those same riffs on a standard tuned bass. Maybe the OP isn't. It's not like it affects you in any way, shape, or form, so why does the premise matter in the slightest?

 

[micguy]

What does it matter? He wants to tune how he wants to tune. I see this complaint in every drop-tuning & detuning thread. Maybe there are a lot of riffs that rely on pedaling those open strings while playing higher notes as well. Maybe you would be comfortable playing those same riffs on a standard tuned bass. Maybe the OP isn't. It's not like it affects you in any way, shape, or form, so why does the premise matter in the slightest?

Yousah!

 

[J Posega]

Yousah!

Coherent argument, thanks.

 

[micguy]

Coherent argument, thanks.

The OP asked for helpful input.
As one who has played bass for quite a long while, I offered my input. Let's let the OP decide if it's helpful or not. No need to jump on someone's advice that you don't agree with.

 

[knumbskull]

Why not buy singles and assemble a set to your own requirements?

 

[J Posega]

The OP asked for helpful input.
As one who has played bass for quite a long while, I offered my input. Let's let the OP decide if it's helpful or not. No need to jump on someone's advice that you don't agree with.

Your post doesn't contain any advice. Advice would have been "I would suggest learning to play the songs in standard tuning." Your input contained no recommendations for what to do, just criticism because you don't agree with what he wants to do.

 

[Drzejzi]

Maybe it would make sense to tune 4 highest strings CGCG and tune the lowest string to the low G? You would have your familiar tuning with an extra low string.

But for CGCGC I would go with with something like 120/110 - 85 - 65 - 40 - 30. Or maybe just a low gauge 5 string set or heavy 5 string set + high C, tension does not have to be perfectly match IMHO.

 

[JonathanPDX]

Guitars are often tuned in open tunings to make playing chords easier. Basses are usually tuned to constant intervals, which makes our job easier. I understand the OP’s request, but I think it comes from a flawed premise.

I agree. What's the point of having two C strings, especially if the second one is the same pitch as the lowest string on your guitar, which you are building your entire musical/tuning plan around?

If you're playing chords on a downtuned bass it's going to be mud city. If you aren't playing chords there's really no benefit to putting your bass in an open tuning. Heck, if your plan is to just follow along to open-C progressions you may as well get a regular 5-string, tune the lowest string up a half step, and call it a day.

 

[HelpImaRock]

Hey, OP. Thanks for asking this question. I play a lot of guitar in open C and have often thought how I might tune a bass to compensate. Out of pure laziness, I might play a 5 string in standard tuning, and capo the first fret for C. On a 4 string, I might go up a gauge on the two lower strings so I could play CGCG.

I look forward to seeing what solution works out for you. And don't mind the haters.

 

[matante]

I've been Hacking all sorts of available sets into the calculator the last couple of days... i havent´t found that set 35-130 though. Which one is that?

You've been given good advice in this thread and I think you're tossing it away by sticking with 45-100 D'Addarios. You need to go lighter not just because of your tuning but because the you're moving to 35" scale.

Finding a .130 in 35" scale length is easy.
If the ideal for the other strings is 35-45-70-90 that's a bit tougher. If you're not willing to custom order, Rotosound makes a set that is 35-55-70-90, so you only need to order a separate 45 for the second string, BUT I don't think that set is available in 35" scale.

Basically you're using a non-standard tuning and a non-standard scale length AND you're not willing to custom order. That's the tricky part. I think you're assuming that a custom order is too expensive and not worth it but I would ask a couple of companies and find out for sure before you dismiss the idea.

 

[Reg Braithwaite]

The OP asked for helpful input.
As one who has played bass for quite a long while, I offered my input. Let's let the OP decide if it's helpful or not.

This situation has a name: The XY Problem is a communication problem encountered in situations where the question is about an end user's attempted solution (Y) rather than the root problem itself (X).

If you believe that what the OP really wants to do is just play basslines to match a song that he's playing in CGCGCG tuning on guitar, then X is "play basslines to match a song that he's playing in CGCGCG tuning on guitar" and Y is "tune a bass CGCGC."

On the other hand, if the OP has a specific reason for wanting CGCGC tuning (such as wanting to make certain fingering easier, or to facilitate the use of open strings), then this is not the XY problem.

Either way... It's actually a very common type of interaction to be had when people ask for help, and as long as help is offered in a generous spirit rather than accompanied by criticism for asking about Y instead of X, it's all to the good, IMO.

 

[micguy]

I think you're assuming that a custom order is too expensive and not worth it but I would ask a couple of companies and find out for sure before you dismiss the idea.

I get custom string gauges from Kalium, Curt Mangan, Stringjoy, and (through Just Strings) GHS. Ernie Ball, and SIT - a custom set isn't as difficult to find or as expensive as you'd think. You do have to buy on line, though - your local GC isn't going to have custom strings on the shelf.

 

[Reg Braithwaite]

Question for everyone saying that non-standard tunings don't matter on a bass. My limited experience is that the sound of my acoustic bass guitar is very sensitive to the way I tune it, and yes I have tried playing the exact same music on the same instrument, but with different tuning.

Same thing for my EUB: When I switched to fifths tuning, I deliberately left the old D string on and listened to how it sounded playing up and down the fretboard. It sounded fuller to my ear with the other four strings in fifths than in fourths. The entire instrument sounds different now, and I like it, even though I'm playing music I can (almost) play just as easily in fourths tuning.

And obviously, in the world of double basses, scordatura... viennese tuning... solo tuning... Different string gauges and tunings absolutely matter for double basses.

What is there about bass guitars (I am presuming we're talking about solid-body instruments, not ABGs) that lessens or eliminates the effect of using different tuning to get a different sound?

 

[matante]

I get custom string gauges from Kalium, Curt Mangan, Stringjoy, and (through Just Strings) GHS. Ernie Ball, and SIT - a custom set isn't as difficult to find or as expensive as you'd think. You do have to buy on line, though - your local GC isn't going to have custom strings on the shelf.

The OP is in Germany so that might be why he is hesitant. He also will need extra long scale since he's buying a 35" scale bass. That complicates things a little bit more. Maybe that's why he is discouraged. I don't know.

 

[knumbskull]

Question for everyone saying that non-standard tunings don't matter on a bass. My limited experience is that the sound of my acoustic bass guitar is very sensitive to the way I tune it, and yes I have tried playing the exact same music on the same instrument, but with different tuning.

Same thing for my EUB: When I switched to fifths tuning, I deliberately left the old D string on and listened to how it sounded playing up and down the fretboard. It sounded fuller to my ear with the other four strings in fifths than in fourths. The entire instrument sounds different now, and I like it, even though I'm playing music I can (almost) play just as easily in fourths tuning.

And obviously, in the world of double basses, scordatura... viennese tuning... solo tuning... Different string gauges and tunings absolutely matter for double basses.

What is there about bass guitars (I am presuming we're talking about solid-body instruments, not ABGs) that lessens or eliminates the effect of using different tuning to get a different sound?

the issue here is that the tuning the OP is talking about would result in very inconsistent tension across the neck, if you used a "normal" gauge set of strings and simply retuned. i don't know about EUBs but in electric basses, this would cause problems with neck stability (as well as inconsistent timbre from string to string - already something of an issue with EBs!).

i completely agree with what you're saying about string tension affecting tone - what i'm recommending is that for this knd of varied tuning, players should choose individual strings that give a relatively balanced tension across the neck. you can figure out if you want more or less tension to get the sound you want, but you need to adjust your gauges across the whole neck to achieve this.

EDIT i'm no expert on this, just ended up in bands that required non standard tunings on bass!

 

[Marco Schwarz]

You've been given good advice in this thread and I think you're tossing it away by sticking with 45-100 D'Addarios. You need to go lighter not just because of your tuning but because the you're moving to 35" scale.

Finding a .130 in 35" scale length is easy.
If the ideal for the other strings is 35-45-70-90 that's a bit tougher. If you're not willing to custom order, Rotosound makes a set that is 35-55-70-90, so you only need to order a separate 45 for the second string, BUT I don't think that set is available in 35" scale.

Basically you're using a non-standard tuning and a non-standard scale length AND you're not willing to custom order. That's the tricky part. I think you're assuming that a custom order is too expensive and not worth it but I would ask a couple of companies and find out for sure before you dismiss the idea.

Good point regarding the scale length. A Long scale set won't work with a 35" Bass?
The low C with a .120 string would be 38 lbs, which a thought was a good starting point. Unless the String is too short though of course...