Strings question

[scoobystig]

Ok, so I’m a four string bass man, don’t want a 5 string so that’s not an option 

I normally play ernie balls 100 80 65 45 which is fine for 95% of what I play but for some of the songs in the set I need to detune to CGCF and the 100 string is terribly floppy by this stage 

so what gauge string would be good for winding down to C, Ernie ball make a 110 90 75 55 set would this be better 

or should I look at a 5 string set and not use the lightest 

[itu]

I will copy the results from:

http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf

It does not matter that you are using some other manufacturer. These numbers are good approximations and give you the direction.

Page 10, Nickel plated roundwound:

XLB 100 - 36.5 lbs (E), 23.0 lbs (C)

tuning down to C, but having the same tension - 32.0 lbs (XLB120), 35.2 lbs (XLB125), 38.6 (XLB130)

Now if you want to tune constantly between E and C, your choices are far more limited. My suggestion might be 110 (tension varies between 46.2 and 29.1). Is it a must to tune the instrument back and forth? Could you just tune the bass to certain tuning and keep it that way?

[scoobystig]

Thanks for the reply 

just to clarify  I will use a second bass tuned to CGCF constantly so it won’t be going it between tunings 

 

[itu]

No worries, mate.

In that case you may build a set of your own or use a low tuning set, or use a 5-string set's 4 lowest.

My choice would be to build a set on paper and then find a set that is closest to your study and preference (or buy single strings). 5-string sets tend to be quite pricey.

https://m.thomann.de/gb/miscellaneous_strings_for_bass.html

[hooky_lowdown]

It's not about guage, it's about tension. If you detune look from a higher tension string!

[itu]

Gauge is directly related to tension, when comparing similarly built (same brand and type) strings. I am sorry, I just do not understand your comment. The D'Addario guide is very helpful when building certain tension sets. I once built a 5 string set that was in fourths but starting from low C. Technically the set worked very well, but my head did not get it (where is my E now?). I am an old dog who does not even seem to learn the old stuff.