String gauges for detuning to C#?

[Oscar South]

I need to detune to C# and drop C# for a recording job I'm doing, going to get some strings for it later off the net. What would you think would be better, a heavy EADG set or a light BEAD set? Also if anyone could actually suggest what gauges they'd use that'd be really useful, but any thoughts are welcome. I can't really use a regular fiver tuning as its got a lot of fast work using open strings (could capo I guess ).

Cheers,
Oscar.

[Guest MoJo]

Hi Oscar
You may find this guide useful [url="http://www.daddario.com/Resources/JDCDAD/images/tension_chart.pdf"]Tension Chart[/url] . If you look at page 10, you'll find bass guitar strings. If for arguements sake you're using a .125" string for your B string, the tension figure would work out to be 31.4. To achieve the same tension at C# you'd have to go to between a .110" and a .120".
Don't forget, if you're using a four string bass, that the slots in the nut may be too narrow to accept the thicker strings without filing them out.

If you have time, [url="http://www.newtonestrings.com/"]Newtone[/url] strings can handwind a set of strings for you in the standard string gauges you normally use but with a higher tension core so that you can detune without having to take a file to your nut. Delivery is normally a few weeks but price is comparable to standard decent quality strings

[budget bassist]

For drop C which i use in my band a lot i use ernie ball power slinkies, that's 55-110 which i find plenty thick enough to cope with drop C and i don't get much rattle if any at all on my musicman if i don't play stupidly hard and you won't need to file the nut either and if you want to tune back up to standard they're not too tight either.

[phil_the_bassist]

[quote name='bassman2790' post='258850' date='Aug 9 2008, 02:50 PM']If you have time, [url="http://www.newtonestrings.com/"]Newtone[/url] strings can handwind a set of strings for you in the standard string gauges you normally use but with a higher tension core so that you can detune without having to take a file to your nut. Delivery is normally a few weeks but price is comparable to standard decent quality strings[/quote]


They can DO that?! that's brilliant!!

(i know, easily impressed over here!)

[phil_the_bassist]

[quote name='bassman2790' post='258850' date='Aug 9 2008, 02:50 PM']If you have time, [url="http://www.newtonestrings.com/"]Newtone[/url] strings can handwind a set of strings for you in the standard string gauges you normally use but with a higher tension core so that you can detune without having to take a file to your nut. Delivery is normally a few weeks but price is comparable to standard decent quality strings[/quote]



They can DO that? that's brilliant!

(yeah, i know...I'm easily impressed!)

[Sibob]

[quote name='bassman2790' post='258850' date='Aug 9 2008, 02:50 PM']If you have time, [url="http://www.newtonestrings.com/"]Newtone[/url] strings can handwind a set of strings for you in the standard string gauges you normally use but with a higher tension core so that you can detune without having to take a file to your nut. Delivery is normally a few weeks but price is comparable to standard decent quality strings[/quote]

+1

I tune to Drop C standard in my band (C, F, Bb, Eb) and use Newtone High Tension strings, because of the higher tension I can use 45-105 on a 34" scale neck and still get a tension and action similar to that of a standard tuned bass!
And all for the price of a set of Elites or Rotos

Malcolm is a great guy, and if you just tell them the tuning you're using, they'll work out a tension that'll work for you and your scale length.

Good luck
Si

[1759JJ]

My band uses tunings drop C# and B, and I use Ernie Ball Super Slinky 5's on my bass. I have a Musicman Sterling which is a 4 string, but i just throw the .40 string away as i don't need it. The top string is .125 which i feel is ideal, as it gives good lows, punch, but highs too - you could consider this option if you are recording for a band playing metal/heavy sort of stuff

[markytbass]

I would just use a light 5 string set say 40-120 or 125. I did when a band I played in tuned down to C

[peted]

I spent a fair few years tuned to C#G#C#F# (drop C#) for a metal band and used 45-105 gauge without any trouble. Take note of people's advice on having to fiddle with the nut to get higher gauge strings to fit.

[Sibob]

If you use Newtones, you don't have to use 5 string set gauges or fiddle with the nut

Si

[Happy Jack]

[quote name='bassman2790' post='258850' date='Aug 9 2008, 02:50 PM']You may find this guide useful [url="http://www.daddario.com/Resources/JDCDAD/images/tension_chart.pdf"]Tension Chart[/url] . If you look at page 10, you'll find bass guitar strings. If for arguements sake you're using a .125" string for your B string, the tension figure would work out to be 31.4. To achieve the same tension at C# you'd have to go to between a .110" and a .120".
Don't forget, if you're using a four string bass, that the slots in the nut may be too narrow to accept the thicker strings without filing them out.

If you have time, [url="http://www.newtonestrings.com/"]Newtone[/url] strings can handwind a set of strings for you in the standard string gauges you normally use but with a higher tension core so that you can detune without having to take a file to your nut. Delivery is normally a few weeks but price is comparable to standard decent quality strings[/quote]

That's two really excellent links you've posted there, both now added to "My Favourites".

Many thanks.