string and tuning help plz

[broomer]

hey.

just joined another band, who currently play all ther songs tuned to C sharp. im used to standard tuning so found it a bit weird.
basically i have a four string and was wondering wot the best choice of stings are for lower tuning???
cheers

[Machines]

Choosing higher gauge strings will allow you to lower the tuning without losing as much tension on them. This means you should get less string buzz and it should sound better ! Try getting 55-110

[johnnylager]

[quote name='Machines' post='213811' date='Jun 6 2008, 12:52 PM']Try getting 55-110 [/quote]
+1

If you use a C# tuning, you might get away without any truss-rod tweaking, but if it's std E, it might need nipped up a bit with the heavier guage. Maybe.

[broomer]

cheers,
will changing the strings to a higher gauge then make things difficult when it comes to standard tuning??
i was thinking of gettin sum elixirs which i think are 45,65,85,105 cos atm im jusing lights

oh course there is the other approach which is to get a 5 string too

[thumbo]

45-65-85-105 is generally the most popular gauge for standard tuning. This gauge won't feel too heavy and they'll sound nice and chunky. For drop C you'll need heavier than this if you want to retain punch in your sound, i agree with the other guys up there that are saying 55-110.

I used to play my Jazz bass in CGCF, I tried out many different gauges and brands and finally settled on putting together odd sets. My gauge of choice for this tuning was a set of Rotosound 55-110 with the 110 changed for a 115. Having the 115 for the low C made the strings feel much more balanced across the board.

[markytbass]

I was in a band who tuned down. I found 50-110 were alright for tuning to D but when we went lower © I had to change to a heavier guage. I ended up getting a 5 string set (40-120) I think the 4 I used were 60-80-100-120, they were spot on for me.

[broomer]

cheers guys i'll give sum heavier gauges a go.
the only thing im not sure of is what this will be like to play in standard tuning????? will be a tad tight wont they???

[The Burpster]

Repairs and tech for you son!

[broomer]

sorry matey, been a while since ive been on here

[bass_ferret]

You cant have your cake and eat it. You either set the bass up for tuning down 3 semitones or for standard tuning. Alternatively use the bottom 4 of a 5 string set, get a 5 string or do what I do and have basses with standard and detuned - I go to D. Sounds like a perfect excuse for indulging in some GAS.

[broomer]

yer i think your right,
time to find myself a mean looking 4 string, mmmmmm Warwick Corvette $$ maybb

[Jobiebass]

[quote name='broomer' post='213967' date='Jun 6 2008, 04:54 PM']cheers,
will changing the strings to a higher gauge then make things difficult when it comes to standard tuning??
i was thinking of gettin sum elixirs which i think are 45,65,85,105 cos atm im jusing lights

oh course there is the other approach which is to get a 5 string too [/quote]

I know nothing about tuning but Elixirs are fooking awesome!