Heavy gauge strings for Blues band...? Help

[bob_atherton]

Hi. I am joining a blues band that tunes in  D, not standard tuning.

For many years my strings have been nickle DR Lo Riders 45-105. These are perfect for my style of playing.

For our new band rehearsals I've been tuning down to D and setting up the bass accordingly. This is sort of OK but far from ideal as the strings are a lot more floppy, easy for my left hand but lacking the tone and punch that I'm used to.

I need strings that will give me a pretty similar feel to the DR's when tuned down to D. Any suggestions will be very welcome, Thanks.

I'm also open to thinking about getting some heavy weight flats as I think these might fit the bill as well. Again any ideas..?

Thanks, Bob

 

[jrixn1]

For flats: I had a P bass with La Bella 0760M "Original 1954", 052-110, all strings tuned down one step, which I thought worked well and sounded good.  Pino had this setup on the D'Angelo album Voodoo.

[bob_atherton]

23 minutes ago, jrixn1 said:

For flats: I had a P bass with La Bella 0760M "Original 1954", 052-110, all strings tuned down one step, which I thought worked well and sounded good.  Pino had this setup on the D'Angelo album Voodoo.

If its good enough for you and Pino, that should work for me. Am I right in thinking these were the strings Jamerson used? If so, what's not to like?!!

[bob_atherton]

Just ordered a set. Pretty sure they will nail what I'm after. Thanks again. Bob

 

[chris_b]

DR make a set of stings designed for down tuning.

[Witch Hazel]

i found the Roto 77s work well for tuning down to D.  they're quite stiff for a given tension so losing a bit of tension doesn't make them go floppy. i'd go for the heavy tension, but if you usually use rounds, the medium might be a good option too.

[JohnR]

Newtone Strings will make you a set to meet this requirement.

[Wilson_51_]

I’ve used DR lo-rider .50 - 110 in D standard and they worked well. Maybe just upping the gauge if your happy with the strings?

[bob_atherton]

Thanks Guys. I have a soft spot for flats. I had them on my very first bass, a Shaftesbury Tele copy back in 1970. Short scale so easy on my fingers and good to learn on. 

I don't often have the opportunity to go for flats, but a blues band seems like an opportunity I can't pass up. 

I may yet feel I need to go back to rounds and , to be honest, I didn't know DR did lo-riders in 50-110. Do them come in nickle at that gauge? I hate stainless rounds. 

Anyway will report back once landed and worn in. I think that takes about a year or so...(-: 

[sky]

if you love the nickel lo riders then id just get a higher gauge set