SimonH Posted April 28, 2012 Share Posted April 28, 2012 Hi - still relatively new to the bass game after 30 years on guitars, but having a great time. Need some advice: I just acquired a 5-string to avoid having to detune to a drop D for a couple of songs in my band's set... but we de-tune by a semi-tone to give the vocals and harmonies an easier time and the B string (now A sharp) flaps all over the place, and intonation and tonal definition isn't great. What would be the best string choice to keep it as tight as I can? I've just ordered some DR Drop Down Tuning in a 5-string set, 45 to 125... or is this just life and I should put up and shut up? All advice gratefully received... thanks! Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Foxen Posted April 28, 2012 Share Posted April 28, 2012 Heavy enough strings will retain some tension when detuned, but best is to get some made for the tuning you are in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbass4k Posted April 28, 2012 Share Posted April 28, 2012 (edited) DR DDT's are the perfect thing, by some engineering witchcraft the tension doesn't really vary that much. I go from D# standard to drop B quite regularly with mine and I've never noticed a tension difference. I have a 0.05 to 0.11 set and the 0.11 is perfectly playable in B, flaps a little in A, so a 0.125 should be fine in A#. The intonation is perfect in evey tuning, and they make lows a lot more distinct. Edited April 28, 2012 by bobbass4k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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