Strings for drop B tuning?

[*RooT*]

What gauge string do you recommend for drop B tuning? Also if I wanted to tune back to standerd E would a heavy gauge string put to much strain on the neck e.t.c.. Guitar is an Ibanez EDB 550. What do you guys recommend? Thanks

[geoffbyrne]

What do you mean by 'drop B' - do you mean BEAD?

If you do, you couldn't tune the strings needed for that (effectively the bottom 4 strings of a 5 string set) back up to EADG - you'd ruin the neck.

G.

[BottomEndian]

[quote name='geoffbyrne' post='884110' date='Jul 2 2010, 04:23 PM']What do you mean by 'drop B' - do you mean BEAD?[/quote]
I assume "drop B" to be B-F#-B-E. The bottom four from a light 4-string set would probably be a good start. (Light because the upper 3 strings are a touch above normal tuning.)

[Mr. Foxen]

I know (most of us know) a guy who used heavy standard strings for tuning to drop A (actually drop, like AEAD. There are tonal compromises, but he compensates with lots of pedals and multiple giant rigs (I'm guessing that's what he is compensating for).

[*RooT*]

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' post='884116' date='Jul 2 2010, 04:28 PM']I know (most of us know) a guy who used heavy standard strings for tuning to drop A (actually drop, like AEAD. There are tonal compromises, but he compensates with lots of pedals and multiple giant rigs (I'm guessing that's what he is compensating for).[/quote]

Sorry, as in slipknot - Korn tuning.. i would like to be able to play both there tuning and standard tuning on the one bass.

[StevieD_FenderP2009]

You'll break the neck
I started having problems with the neck of my bass cos I had it set up for Drop C Sharp (C# G# C# F#) but kept tuning it back up to E Standard and in the end the neck started to bow awkwardly and felt awful to play

My recomendation? DO NOT DO IT!

[Deuce_E]

I used to re-tune my Ibanez EDB 600 from BEAD to DGCF to play in different bands. I found that I was picking up buzz where I handt usually and the intonation was right out. Eventually I convinced the 'D' band to come down to 'B' so I could avoid this re-tuning nonsense and save my neck.

I do a fair bit of tapping when I play so I prefer a lighter string, so got a set of 4 string (I think Rotosound) 115's. I would have prefered a 120 for the B (as opposed to a regular 5 string set where a 125 or 130 would be standard), but could not find a set.

As you have the Ibanez EDB, I'm sure you'll be familiar with the quality of the Elixir strings (apart from the nanoweb comig off ad looking horrible). From them you can get single 'B' strings so you could buy a set of 4 at get the 'B' to match. This is definitely what I will be doing next re-string.

[josh3184]

I'd reccomend a 5 string, you're doing to have a LOT of trouble doing this on a 4 without causing long term damage to the bass (you'll need to adjust the truss rod for a start, then intonation, etc,etc). More trouble than its worth, trust me on that

[RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE]

I'd also say 5 string, altho' I believe there is a schecter model ,and a Warwick model that allows
you to have both the tunings that you're after on a four string . (correct me if I'm wrong)

[velvetkevorkian]

Getting the tuning on a four isn't a problem- might need a truss rod tweak and intonation adjustment, but that's not a big job. What is a problem is trying to use the same strings to tune up to standard- you would either have too much tension on the neck from the larger strings for tuning down, or standard strings which would be totally floppy if you tune them down to drop B.

Just to clarify, by drop B do you mean BF#BE?

[cameltoe]

DR have just started making drop-tuning specific strings. You'll need to set the whole guitar up again around that tuning though.

[Mog]

Check out Circle K strings: [url="http://circlekstrings.com/store/index.html"]http://circlekstrings.com/store/index.html[/url]

Its possible with standard sets but it sound like muck. If its just for bedroom jamming then you'd get away with it.

[civictiger]

I play in a Metalcore Band (Drop C - C, G, C, F) and a Muse Tribute Band (Standard & Drop-D -mostly).. and although I have 2 basses - so it should be ideal to have one for each band, I use my Fender for both.

I tune my bass to Drop C all of the time, and then I will make correctments are tune it up to Standard for my Muse one for gigs or practises and then leave it back in Drop C. I have done this for a while and I havent really seen a difference in the neck.

I use Elites on my basses, Medium Gauge on my Yamaha and Heavy Gauge now on my Fender as my Metalcore band being in Drop C, it makes it easier to play breakdowns as the strins arent as floppy and kinda of fight-back at you.
However, the big problem is that I use a pick in my Metalcore band so its easy to play with thick strings, but having Heavy Gauge strings playing finger style for my Tribute band it a LOT harder to play songs, as it is more tension to play with so you get worn out easier - especially on songs such as Hysteria. I could play that song all day with my Medium strings but with Heavy I do feel my fingers going a bit!!



all in all, im just passing by my personal advice.


Heres a link to buy the strings, with a gauge selector on the right.
[url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/578-elites_4_string_stadium_stainless_steel_bass_guitar_strings"]http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/57..._guitar_strings[/url]

And heres a link to my band, if your interested (bass is turned down on the demo we have, as they didnt have a bass player at the time until I joined and we are still writing before doing more demos)
[url="http://www.myspace.com/amherstuk"]http://www.myspace.com/amherstuk[/url]

[Kongo]

[quote name='civictiger' post='899239' date='Jul 19 2010, 06:32 PM']I play in a Metalcore Band (Drop C - C, G, C, F) and a Muse Tribute Band (Standard & Drop-D -mostly).. and although I have 2 basses - so it should be ideal to have one for each band, I use my Fender for both.

I tune my bass to Drop C all of the time, and then I will make correctments are tune it up to Standard for my Muse one for gigs or practises and then leave it back in Drop C. I have done this for a while and I havent really seen a difference in the neck.

I use Elites on my basses, Medium Gauge on my Yamaha and Heavy Gauge now on my Fender as my Metalcore band being in Drop C, it makes it easier to play breakdowns as the strins arent as floppy and kinda of fight-back at you.
However, the big problem is that I use a pick in my Metalcore band so its easy to play with thick strings, but having Heavy Gauge strings playing finger style for my Tribute band it a LOT harder to play songs, as it is more tension to play with so you get worn out easier - especially on songs such as Hysteria. I could play that song all day with my Medium strings but with Heavy I do feel my fingers going a bit!!



all in all, im just passing by my personal advice.


Heres a link to buy the strings, with a gauge selector on the right.
[url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/578-elites_4_string_stadium_stainless_steel_bass_guitar_strings"]http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/57..._guitar_strings[/url]

And heres a link to my band, if your interested (bass is turned down on the demo we have, as they didnt have a bass player at the time until I joined and we are still writing before doing more demos)
[url="http://www.myspace.com/amherstuk"]http://www.myspace.com/amherstuk[/url][/quote]

Ogh, my bands playing 2 days appart from yours, 13th not the 11th otherwise it'd be pretty cool to play the same night man.

EDIT: I just made the connection bewteen name and Laney Amp, hey I remember sellin that! How's it holding up?

IN terms of drop tuning, when I used to do it, 110 can do a good Drop-B if you don't fancy having a low-B on there, I used to use this cause I'd switch from C# standard to drop-B with the flick of a Hiphot.
But these days even tho my band plays in C# standard, drop B and drop-G# (Drop-B but with the B becoming G# instead) I just use my Yamaha TRB 6-string in standard tuning as I've become to hate detuning bass. Guitars sound awesome, but bass is already challenged in the tension to playability depot. IMHO of course.
Besides, it both means a challenge if you do follow the guitar (open strings are different), or in my case, means you are free from following the guitarist.

Have a noodle and see what tickles your fancy, you could try a 5-string.

[BT!]

My band have recently started to use Drop B [B-F#-B-E] so any advice on strings etc would be very much welcomed

[Mr. Foxen]

[quote name='BT!' post='1049053' date='Dec 6 2010, 10:00 AM']My band have recently started to use Drop B [B-F#-B-E] so any advice on strings etc would be very much welcomed [/quote]

Use bottom 4 of a 5 string set and tune BEAD, makes it a bunch easier to reach the useful notes without going up and down the neck so much.

[BT!]

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' post='1056857' date='Dec 13 2010, 12:55 AM']Use bottom 4 of a 5 string set and tune BEAD, makes it a bunch easier to reach the useful notes without going up and down the neck so much.[/quote]

so leave the g string off and go with those i assume? just a matter of cutting the nut or a bit of adjustment on the truss rod as well?

[BT!]

ive ordered these
[url="http://www.absolutemusic.co.uk/store/guitar-department-45/guitar-strings-459/bass-strings-4593/5-string-bass-45932/warwick-red-label-5-string-bass-guitar-set-stainless-steel-42301m-45-135-2012"]Strings[/url]

planning on using the top 4 and going BEAD

how much will i need to adjust the truss rod?

[lettsguitars]

[quote name='BT!' post='1087518' date='Jan 13 2011, 03:01 AM']ive ordered these
[url="http://www.absolutemusic.co.uk/store/guitar-department-45/guitar-strings-459/bass-strings-4593/5-string-bass-45932/warwick-red-label-5-string-bass-guitar-set-stainless-steel-42301m-45-135-2012"]Strings[/url]

planning on using the top 4 and going BEAD

how much will i need to adjust the truss rod?[/quote]
until it's right!

[lettsguitars]

[quote name='lettsguitars' post='1087521' date='Jan 13 2011, 03:31 AM']until it's right![/quote]
seriously though. a drop b/d/z or whatever tuning, even with fatter strings will have (generally) less tension than a standard set (right?). which will mean a slight increase in back bow. if you have a stiff laminated or maple neck, you should allow 24 hours for it to settle. then check the new relief (up bow), and either add more back bow (clockwise) or relief until you're happy. again dont go mad if your neck doesn't move easily. if the rod feels loose, just take the slack out in your preferred direction. or if it is already tight, quarter turns and 24 hour waits. if you have a nice flexible mahogany neck the movements should be pretty much instant, which is how i like things to be.

[MuckedUpFunkies]

I never really saw the point of drop tuning a bass? I mean even with a guitar in drop B you will still be lower than it. When I used to play metal I just thumped the bass up on the amp and played everything in standard