What string gauge

[CannibisZombie]

I am tuning my 5 string bass down a step...what string gauge do i need? Thanks

 

[JimmyM]

Whatever you want. I know folks who do it with heavies, mediums, super lights...I used to have to tune down in a couple bands I played with...I used the same gauges I always did...40-95.

 

[CannibisZombie]

Whenever I try to tune my B string down to A it gets way too loose. Thats why i figured I needed a thicker string

 

[Samsound]

Whenever I try to tune my B string down to A it gets way too loose. Thats why i figured I needed a thicker string

You can just replace the B string. I've had mixed results with going to thicker B strings. Consider first a higher tension string. That may or may not mean thicker. If you're using round cores, you might try a hex core on the B.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

What are you using now? (If you know)...

There are some strings that are made to withstand "Drop Tuning" and still have the same diameter as regular strings...

You may need to modify your nut if you go up to a higher gauge of string.

A good quality .135 string should do the trick for you though. A set along the lines of .135 .110 .090 .070 .050 would be nice!

 

[knuckle_head]

If you're going to A on bottom you should go no thinner than a .150. It will have less tension on it than a .100 does at E by about 3 pounds.

A .135 at A will have 33 pounds of tension on it - about the equivalent of using a .092 for an E string.

 

[kesh]

Listen to this guy ^ he knows strings.

(And when are CircleK going to make flats? )

 

[mmbongo]

It also depends on your scale length. 35" is better.

 

[matante]

If you're going to A on bottom you should go no thinner than a .150. It will have less tension on it than a .100 does at E by about 3 pounds.

A .135 at A will have 33 pounds of tension on it - about the equivalent of using a .092 for an E string.

There's nothing wrong with a .092 for an E. Plenty of people use .090 or .085.

 

[kesh]

There's nothing wrong with a .092 for an E. Plenty of people use .090 or .085.

maybe on a 36". on a 34" 85s would be crazy

 

[Thomas Kievit]

I think a .150 is a little bit too much Personally I would recommend something like a .135 or .140 for the B (depending on the scale of the bass and tension of the string).

These strings can help you out as well, they are expensive but won't disappoint you : Invalid Link Removed

 

[bunkaroo]

I was doing ADGCF on my Bongo 5 and I had it set 145-125-90-70-50. Very good tension - did not feel like a drop at all. I got the 125 since I was using the drop C more than the D on the string. A 120 would be fine too I think. This was with D'Addario XL's.

 

[matante]

maybe on a 36". on a 34" 85s would be crazy

Not crazy at all. I've done it and it sounds fine. And there are people who use .090" on short-scale basses.

The point is that it's a matter of preference. There is no rule that says strings have to be tight in order to sound good. For some reason people around here are obsessed with flopiness and care more about how their strings feel than how they sound.