Deerhunter1331 Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Do I need heavier gauge strings for drop tunings? Currently, I have 0.45-.100. What happens if I drop tune with this strings, does it mess up the neck in some way? Thanks. ( This is my first post, by the way) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panamonte Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Hi Deerhunter and welcome! My understanding is that yes, you'd be better off with heavier gauge strings for drop tunings and possibly also hex core strings rather round core as these will tend to be less compliant (i.e. feel stiffer). I'm sure someone will be along soon who uses drop tunings a lot more than I do and has more detailed advice to offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 As mentioned above, yes, go for heavier gauge in order to maintain an appropriate tension. If you drop tune the existing set you might need to loosen the truss rod a bit to achieve the correct amount of relief (since there'll be slightly less tension in the strings). If you go for a heavier gauge you might need to adjust the relief a tad anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Only for the string that you drop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brensabre79 Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 (edited) Depends how far you're dropping. If it's just E to a D for a couple of songs I wouldn't worry. You could try a set of DR DDT Strings for this. If its down to a C or B though you'll probably need a heavier string or it'll flap around like a drama queen. If it's a permanent drop of all the strings you could use the bottom 4 strings of a 5 string set - If you go for thicker strings you'll probably have to make some adjustments to the bass set-up though (Nut slots, intonation, truss rod maybe) and it's not so easy to put it back to 'normal' Edited July 1, 2014 by brensabre79 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deerhunter1331 Posted July 1, 2014 Author Share Posted July 1, 2014 Thank you for all of the answers. How much relief should i have? I read through Gary Willis' guide and he has about the thickness of a credit card. Also, should i adjust the relief or the action, as i have recently lowered the action. I know that i might be going off topic, but there are just so many things! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brensabre79 Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 [quote name='Deerhunter1331' timestamp='1404232167' post='2490603'] there are just so many things! [/quote] The setup of your instrument is such a personal thing. And with so many variables it can take a long time to get it just right. There are lots of guides around on how to do it, the Gary Willis one is pretty good as I recall. Its a case of trial and error really. Get it close to how you think it should be, and go from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deerhunter1331 Posted July 1, 2014 Author Share Posted July 1, 2014 Thanks for the answer. What does the relief change apart from the string height? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panamonte Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 The amount of bow in the neck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deerhunter1331 Posted July 1, 2014 Author Share Posted July 1, 2014 Does this affect the tone? Or am i wrong and its something completely different? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panamonte Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Not really - it's more about getting your bass to play as you want it to. In very basic terms, if the strings are rattling on the frets when you stop a string on the first 4 or 5 frets then your neck needs more relief. If you've got rattle when you fret up towards the 12th fret and beyond then you need to raise your bridge saddle(s). Adjust the relief first (if necessary) then the action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrismuzz Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 A tiny smidgen of rattle can sound good though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panamonte Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 [quote name='chrismuzz' timestamp='1404251469' post='2490887'] A tiny smidgen of rattle can sound good though! [/quote] Very true ☺ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.