IainS Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 As the singer in my band gets older we're all having to play songs in a lower key than we did twenty years ago, which is fair enough. We've now got to the point though that we're tuning down a semitone, and I'm struggling with the loss of tension. I don't really like the floppy string thing. I've tried flats but didn't get on with them, especially in hot, sweaty pubs. Any suggestions for higher tension roundwounds? Thanks all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The59Sound Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 DR Lo Riders GHS Boomers D'Addario Prosteels Any of them in at least 45-105 gauge will do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bay Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 We always play a semi tone down, I use roto 66s and can’t say I have noticed them being floppy so might be worth a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mep Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 Not noticed this with many different strings. Thicker the better I suppose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 @D’AddarioUK D’Addario offer a string tension guide that allows you to select the correct gauge of string when tuning down to maintain the tension you enjoy. Check it out here: http://stringtensionpro.com/ 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verb Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 I started using D'Addario EXL230 55-110 nickels when I needed to tune down a tone, I have even tuned the E to C# but that does get a bit floppy. I use them for standard and semitone down without problem. I have a used set you can have, cut for a Warwick, if you want to try them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigwan Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 What strings do you use now? Go up a gauge and see if it helps. I went from Elite 40-100 to 50-110 when we tuned down a tone and the bass needed minimal adjustment so tension must have been pretty close. As Dood suggests use the D'Addario string tension calculator, it'll get you in the ballpark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainS Posted January 31, 2018 Author Share Posted January 31, 2018 Thank you all. A few good suggestions there and it seems D'Addario might be a good place to start. And Verb, that's an incredibly kind offer that I think I'll take you up on. I'll PM you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewisK1975 Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 They will go floppy if the strings have been tuned to standard pitch for all of their 'life' and then tuned down. Could that be contributing to your problems? If so, might be worth trying buying your normal strings and tune them to E flat from new. Might require a little bit of Truss rod adjustment too. As others have said, going up a gauge will also help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 On the subject of drop tuning to C# or C, I recommend this awesome off the peg set: The 120 is perfect for keeping tension in the tuning which also means you get a good fundamental tone too. http://daddario.com/DADProductDetail.Page?ActiveID=3769&productid=380&sid=cbd76bef-c14f-45bf-82c1-b89cd0b51eab 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainS Posted January 31, 2018 Author Share Posted January 31, 2018 52 minutes ago, LewisK1975 said: They will go floppy if the strings have been tuned to standard pitch for all of their 'life' and then tuned down. Could that be contributing to your problems? If so, might be worth trying buying your normal strings and tune them to E flat from new. Might require a little bit of Truss rod adjustment too. As others have said, going up a gauge will also help. That's a good point. The strings do spend half their life at standard pitch while I'm learning songs from the original, then tuned down to play with the band. I'm going to try out a set of used 55-110s and see how I get on with them, then if I like them I'll get a new set and leave them tuned down from day one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainS Posted January 31, 2018 Author Share Posted January 31, 2018 And Dood, thanks for the link to the D'Addario string tension guide. I've never considered looking at the tension of strings in measurable terms, just high or low tension. I feel like I have been educated. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 2 hours ago, dood said: On the subject of drop tuning to C# or C, I recommend this awesome off the peg set: The 120 is perfect for keeping tension in the tuning which also means you get a good fundamental tone too. http://daddario.com/DADProductDetail.Page?ActiveID=3769&productid=380&sid=cbd76bef-c14f-45bf-82c1-b89cd0b51eab Eurgh Nickel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 3 hours ago, charic said: Eurgh Nickel I guess you could use the @D'Addario UK guide for Prosteels or NYXL strings He he! - I have to admit though, I've ProSteels on one of my basses and they really seem to suit it, whereas I have Nickels on another. My Power Jazz Bass Specials really love the FlexSteels so I think it'll be a toss up between ProSteels and NYXL for them next when the sets in my drawer have run out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 To be fair I've not tried nickels properly since my early years playing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D'Addario UK Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 As a very general rule, I usually advise going up one 'gauge' for every half a step down tuned in order to maintain a similar feel and tension. Of course the 'perceived' tension may increase or decrease based on string thickness and how it feels under your fingers, but you can just about nail the actual, measurable tension. Unless I've missed it, you don't say which gauge of string you are currently using that starts to feel a little loose. I'll use as an example EXL170 on a 34 inch scale length. Tuned to standard tuning: 1 G 2 0.0450 in. 42.52 lbs 2 D 2 0.0650 in. 47.89 lbs 3 A 1 0.0800 in. 39.59 lbs 4 E 1 0.1000 in. 34.07 lbs EXL170 tuned down a half step Gauge Tension 0.0450 in. 37.88 lbs 0.0650 in. 42.67 lbs 0.0800 in. 35.27 lbs 0.1000 in. 30.35 lbs So around a 5lb loss in tension, which is very noticeable. In order to retain the same feel as EXL170 tuned half a step flat, these are the gauges the system reccommends: Gauge Tension 0.0480 in. 42.84 lbs 0.0700 in. 49.01 lbs 0.0850 in. 39.96 lbs 0.1060 in. 34.16 lb Even using single strings (which you can buy) we don't actually make a gauge 106 or 48, so you are never going to get the exact same feel, using our strings at least. It's usually best to round up slightly so using single strings you could make a set of: 50 - 70 - 85 - 107 Of course buying single strings to make custom sets can get a little pricey. So, if you want to by a predetermined set you have to compromise a little. The compromise is only slight if you get the EXL160 set which consists of gauges: 50 - 70 - 85 - 105. These will feel very similar to the EXL170 and won't take much adjusting to. If you let me know the set of strings you are using I don't mind repeating the exercise to work out the best set for you -- Adam. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 Hey Adam@D’AddarioUK Thanks for your contribution - good to know we can rely on some professional input from our D'Addario forum members....but what have you done with Andy??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Wishbone Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 8 hours ago, dood said: On the subject of drop tuning to C# or C, I recommend this awesome off the peg set: The 120 is perfect for keeping tension in the tuning which also means you get a good fundamental tone too. http://daddario.com/DADProductDetail.Page?ActiveID=3769&productid=380&sid=cbd76bef-c14f-45bf-82c1-b89cd0b51eab Absolute agree. I switched to these a good year or so ago and they are perfect for my band’s tunings (drop C/drop C#). I really wish they did the same set in steels though, and I don’t really understand why they don’t! 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 2 hours ago, TheGreek said: Hey Adam@D’AddarioUK Thanks for your contribution - good to know we can rely on some professional input from our D'Addario forum members....but what have you done with Andy??? @D'Addario UK Andy is not coming out to play! He's been a very naughty boy! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funky8884 Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 A 5 String Bass could be employed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainS Posted January 31, 2018 Author Share Posted January 31, 2018 Adam, that is about as comprehensive an answer as I could have hoped for. D'Addario strings have just become my new favourites. And I haven't even tried them yet. I've currently got 45-65-85-105 strings on and, as you say, the loss of tension when tuning down is noticeable, although I couldn't have told you that it was about a 5lb loss. I'll have another go on the tension guide and see if I can make more sense of it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainS Posted January 31, 2018 Author Share Posted January 31, 2018 7 minutes ago, funky8884 said: A 5 String Bass could be employed I thought of that but there was much frowning in my house when I suggested I might need another bass. So 4 strings it will have to be. For now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funky8884 Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 5 minutes ago, IainS said: I thought of that but there was much frowning in my house when I suggested I might need another bass. So 4 strings it will have to be. For now. I know how you feel , I have just lost my rehearsal space and my gear has been kicked out into the basement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainS Posted January 31, 2018 Author Share Posted January 31, 2018 22 minutes ago, funky8884 said: I know how you feel , I have just lost my rehearsal space and my gear has been kicked out into the basement. I saw that. I hope it's not too cold or damp in that basement. Ours is just a budget issue and my wife is the sensible one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D'Addario UK Posted February 2, 2018 Share Posted February 2, 2018 On 1/31/2018 at 17:41, TheGreek said: Hey Adam@D’AddarioUK Thanks for your contribution - good to know we can rely on some professional input from our D'Addario forum members....but what have you done with Andy??? Haha! Andrew is still here (at least until I finish my planning...) we just had a jiggle around in the office when I joined in late 2016. I'm the 'fretted specialist' (product specialist for fretted instrument strings and accessories) so it makes much more sense that I get included in these kinds of discussions and leave Andrew to...whatever he does these days hah, I'll tell him you said hi! Adam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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