Recommended String Gauge for BEAD?

[Skybone]

There is the potential that I might become involved in a new project that will more than likely be heavy on the down tuning side of things. As I only own 4 string basses, all of which are strung with 45-105's, I'm starting to think I need to maybe look at getting some heavier gauge strings on one of the basses, and some nut adjustments to accommodate the heavier gauge.

 

But, the question is, what is the best string gauge for BEAD (or possibly even lower?)?

 

Obviously, been looking at various options, such as DR's DDT's, but how low from standard will the 45-105 set go before they loose too much tension?

 

Just to add something else into the mix, I only ever use Stainless strings due to getting a reaction with NPS.

 

Done a few searches, and it looks as though 65-125 would be a sufficient gauge to go for, but calling out to the collective wisdom of the BC massive for any potential guidance that can be imparted. 👍

[Supernaut]

60-120 is the minimum IMO. 

[Skybone]

2 hours ago, Supernaut said:

60-120 is the minimum IMO. 

Cheers, kind of along the lines I was thinking. 👍

[Doctor J]

If you use .105 for E when tuned to E, then it would make sense to try to keep E, A and D the same gauge, no? I use a .145 for B on a 4 string ESP Jazz I have in BEAD and sometimes drop that B to A. In my experience you've got to have bigger differences in gauge the lower you go, not smaller.

[sky]

depends on your play style and the type of music! i think slower doomy stuff you can get away with lower tension and it being floppy. my band plays in c and i just use power slinkies (55 to 110), the tensions low i think thats about the minimum you need for it to not go out of tune when you pick.
if its more precise? music if you get what i mean, faster stuff i think you need the tension. probably best way to go would be a light 5 string set and dont use the g string
 

[BigRedX]

For me a 120 B-string is far too low tension. For standard 4th tuning, string tension is highest in the D string and then drops off as the strings get thicker or thinner.

 

As others have said it very much depends and how you play what sort of feel/sound you want and ultimately there is no overall correct answer just one that works for you.

[Skybone]

Need to hear if this project is even going to get off the ground, let alone anything else first!  

 

From what I can see, the "go to" gauge for 5's is around 130/135. Can get a 5 string set of Warwick Red's for less than £15, so that'll probably be the starting point, and work from there. 

 

If the project gets off the ground...

 

Cheers all. 👍

Edited Monday at 16:35 by Skybone

[BigRedX]

Be aware that Warwick Red Label strings don't appear to be available with a taper-wound B and their ball-end wraps tend to be quite "chunky", so depending on the bass you intend to use them with they may not fit the bridge. It is possible to get the more expensive Warwick Black Label strings with a taper-wound B.