Best Strings To Detune a Whole Tone on a 4003 Ric

[Rickytwo]

Hi Guys a bit of advice required please.

 

I currently have a couple of Rics that I gig with, my main is a 1977 4001 and my stage spare a 2012 4003.

 

As a band we are somewhat "aged" and playing classic rock from the 70s is gradually taking it's toll on our singers voice so much so that no songs are played at concert pitch.

 

Most are detuned a semitone but several are down a whole tone. I detune the 4001 one step for gigs and then use the Digitech Drop pedal for the two step down songs. Using the pedal does however affect the overall tone coming out of the rig.

 

I'd like to detune the 4003 two steps to do away with the drop pedal, swapping guitars as necessary but my usual Rotosound Roundwound Swing Bass strings are a bit too flappy when I've briefly experimented at home two steps down.

 

1. Can anybody recommend strings out there that are specifically designed made for the job needed?  Given my basses and current strings you'll appreciate that I'm after a bright Chris Squire type of sound.

 

2. Would buying a 5 string set work by tuning the B string to D, E to G, A to C, and D to F. Would that work or would the tension be too much for the neck ?

 

All advice appreciated

 

Thanks in anticipation

[Skybone]

You don't mention what string gauge you're currently using, I would make an assumption and say 45-105's.

 

For D Standard, I don't think you'd need to go too much heavier. You could use the 45-105's but they may be a bit too loose for you. 

 

IIRC, Rotosound do a drop tune set, Dropzone 66 RS66LH 65-130, or there's the RS66LE 50-110 set.

 

Or there's the DR DDT 45-105, designed for Drop Tuning, and should keep the tension. Not cheap though.

[ezbass]

Just going down to D-F, going up a gauge to 50-110 should be sufficient, assuming that you actually find your current set too loose. Tuning a five set string up 3 semitones sounds like trouble, plus you might have to widen the nut slots quite a bit.

[Mykesbass]

30 minutes ago, ezbass said:

Just going down to D-F, going up a gauge to 50-110 should be sufficient, assuming that you actually find your current set too loose. Tuning a five set string up 3 semitones sounds like trouble, plus you might have to widen the nut slots quite a bit.

This seems the sensible option. Also, check (if available) the string tensions - it is not all down to gauge. D'addario list all theirs online.

[Rickytwo]

Thanks Guys, most helpful. Thought the 5 string option might be asking for future problems even if only tuned for the gig..

 

Yes, current strings 45-65-80-105s.

 

Will have a look at all the options cited.

 

Happy New Year to All

[Lozz196]

The highest tension strings -  roundwounds - I’ve used are Rotosounds, Warwick Red Label and Fender. Many moons ago back in the late 80s I was in a band that detuned to D and used Roto 50-110s.

[thodrik]

D’addario have a 120-50 set (50-67-90-120) which I have used for D standard/drop C. Personally I prefer them to any of the drop tuning sets I have tried from DR or ‘heavy core’ strings I tried from Newtone.

 

50-110 would probably be fine though, I just prefer a fairly high tension/tight low string.

 

 

[Wolverinebass]

Get some DR Droptunes. I use the 105-45 set on mine which is in C# standard.

[Cosmo Valdemar]

12 hours ago, Wolverinebass said:

Get some DR Droptunes. I use the 105-45 set on mine which is in C# standard.

Having played this very bass I can confirm the DRs work remarkably well.

They last a very long time too so they're worth paying a bit more for.

[miles'tone]

I used Roto 66 steels .110 gauge on my Ric 4001 for exactly the same reason. They were perfect in every way (tension, tone, feel) for D standard - whole tone down.

Recommend. 

[Jackroadkill]

I use Roto 45-105 on my Jazz bass and that's tuned to C standard.  They're a little wobbly but only a little.

[woodyratm]

Newtone do pretty awesome strings. You can custom make if the normal brands gauge don’t suit. 

Depending on what you’re doing, you might need to adjust the nut. My basses are 150 on the low string with the nut filed (5 string)