What strength should i use?

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Brnader

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Hello!

How thick should the strings be to play drop C (4-strings)?
Are there any strings you can recommend?

Thanks for the answer (hopefully:roll:) !

Stay tight!
 
Brnader said:
Stay tight!
Click to expand...

In Drop C, you sure won't... :-P

Seriously, go to your local competent tech, and have a talk with him. You need larger string gauge (5 strings set), and that requires a setup and a modification of your instrument's nut to accomodate for the bigger strings.

I guess you're not playing soft music, aren't you? :-P
 
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are you serious? do you mean every bassplayer that plays in lower tunings as the normal plays with a 5 string?
i've to look it up ( can i say that ?) but I don't knoe if I should believe you..

and yes i play metal;)

but thanks nervertheless!
 
I would get some roundcore strings, DR or Newtone. I have found roundcore strings better for drop tunings.
 
Brnader said:
are you serious? do you mean every bassplayer that plays in lower tunings as the normal plays with a 5 string?
i've to look it up ( can i say that ?) but I don't knoe if I should believe you..

and yes i play metal;)

but thanks nervertheless!
Click to expand...

No, I meant, you use a 5 strings set, get rid of the G, and use the low B tuned in C.the strings having a larger diameter, there will be some adjustments to be done at the nut, as well as a set-up (action/intonation). Having a 5 strings bass can be better (but not necessarily), but it only depends on your needs and playing style.

The lower you tune, the bigger the strings gauge is the golden rule.

Anyway, you don't have to believe me, I don't know anything about basses, I'm just trolling around... :-)

I don't even play bass.

Seriously.
 
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There are two ways
- Use lighter 5 strings set, and tune it half step up - from B to C - you will have a tight sound...
- Use heavy 4 strings set, and tune them down. You will have that specific downtuning sound. That growl you are probably looking for :-) In that case, playing a 35 scale bass helps, and as Alexandre said, the bass will ned a new setup for that tuning.

Cheers,

Flo
 
Florin said:
There are two ways
- Use lighter 5 strings set, and tune it half step up - from B to C - you will have a tight sound...
- Use heavy 4 strings set, and tune them down. You will have that specific downtuning sound. That growl you are probably looking for :-) In that case, playing a 35 scale bass helps, and as Alexandre said, the bass will ned a new setup for that tuning.

Cheers,

Flo
Click to expand...

Candid question here from a non-bassist, but would not transposing instead of detuning would help you :

- Improve your transposing skills?
- Have a more defined sound instead of flirting with the brown noise all the time?
 
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That "downtune farting sound" is actually very cool if you ask me, so having THAT sound is a good enough reason I guess.

I agree with transposing. However, some heavy riffs do sound better when open strings are involved :-)
 
Florin said:
That "downtune farting sound" is actually very cool if you ask me, so having THAT sound is a good enough reason I guess.

I agree with transposing. However, some heavy riffs do sound better when open strings are involved :-)
Click to expand...

Are you implying that "farting sound" is better for metal?

:-)
 
Alexandre said:
Are you implying that "farting sound" is better for metal?

:-)
Click to expand...

a s a former ADADG tuner i must point out that the eternal quest for the brown note is a truly noble cause. The right bass and the right strings and right amp and you'll get no farting, just pure subsonic, stool loosening, elephant summoning lows. Check out JPT's low F# samples for proof.

as to the original point of the thread, you will need a setup, but you have to decide whether you want tight strings (thick ones with more clarity) of the tone of normal guages clanking and growling at really low tensions. (think ryan martine-i think he uses pretty standard guages tuned pretty low)
 
Check out this strings:



I´ve never tried ´em, but they are designed to be used in drop tunings. There is and old thread here in the forum were we discussed about drop tuning and strings, use the SEARCH TOOL.
 
I use a .124 string for my C, from Circle K Strings. It feels and sounds great, and they have special sets for drop tuning too. Head on to Circle K Strings and check out their selection! (I'm just a happy customer, no affiliation with them whatsoever.)
 
for drop C (I'm playing metalcore/hardcore) I used DR Lorider/Hibeam 50-110, but now looking something around 40-120 (5 strings. won't use G string) for drop B.
 
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