Which string gauge for C# G# C# F#?

[And I]

DR DDTs without a doubt. I'd go 50 - 70 - 90 - 110 for those tunings but there are plenty of options.

 

[Rocket Queen]

That's a good question - it's an iphone app that says "strings" on my screen, but I don't think that's the real name (String tension pro, maybe?). As it's no longer supported, I'm not sure who actually made it or the exact name. It has data from GHS, D'addario, and Kalium. It allows you to change tunings, scale lengths, etc. It's very versatile. However, as it's no longer supported, I'm afraid when I update my phone it's going to disappear.

“String Tension Pro” (String Tension Pro | Under Construction | D'Addario) is a D’Addario web page that was apparently operative until at least late last year, but is now “under construction” pending improvements, and, naturally, provided only D’Addario data. But since your app only included data from companies that have already publicly published their tension measurements, then I can simply continue to consult those individual company websites. (PSA: Rotosound, Stringjoy, and TI also publish their tension data.). Thanks for the info.

 

[micguy]

“String Tension Pro” (String Tension Pro | Under Construction | D'Addario) is a D’Addario web page that was apparently operative until at least late last year, but is now “under construction” pending improvements, and, naturally, provided only D’Addario data.

Yeah - I ran into that trying to answer your question. I wonder if the person who developed the app contracted with them to put that up for them, or...I might be hallucinating the name thing.

 

[gordonfreemanjr]

Thanks everyone for the contributions. Eventually I ended up with Ernie Balls 45-105 and they seem to get the job done for now.

 

[Riff Ranger]

Thanks everyone for the contributions. Eventually I ended up with Ernie Balls 45-105 and they seem to get the job done for now.

Works for me, too gotta love a simple and cost effective solution!

 

[gordonfreemanjr]

Works for me, too gotta love a simple and cost effective solution!

Absolutely. I almost ordered a separate 110 string, but decided to give the stock 105 a go first - and it was the correct call. Tension and soundwise, no need for any corrections at the moment.

 

[mikeswals]

So after 10+ years of playing a 5 string exclusively I got myself an amazing American Professional Precision Bass, 4 string. And now I’m trying to wrap my head around stringing it.

My natural tuning is half-step down, which on a 5 results with: a# d# g# c# f#, which would translate to a 4 string’s: d# g# c# f#. Easy.

However, in this setup dropping the E string full step down on occasion would result with: c# g# c# f#. I’m pretty sure your regular .45 set can’t handle that.

Which string gauge would you suggest?

Thanks!

For well over 20 years doing the C#G#C#F# tuning in original bands I've always used 45-105 string gauge, and a 130 if I used a 5'er.

For standard tuning I go back to 40-100 sets and a 125 B on my 5'ers.

This weekend I'm playing with two different bands; an alt-metal original band that down tunes, and then my regular cover band that standard tunes.