Drop Tuning String Gauge Suggestions

[zbass1976]

Hello! I have two 5 string basses that I'm needing dropped to two different tunings and I could use gauge suggestions:

1) Dingwall NG3  multi scale with a 37" will be tuned A, C, G, C, F.
2) 35" Spector  NS2000/5 will just have the B dropped to A and the remaining strings will stay standard... E, A, D, G.

Any suggestions for either or both basses will be appreciated. Thanks.

Edited November 24, 2019 by zbass1976

[itu]

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

[thodrik]

http://stringtensionpro.com/

D'addario have actually recently launched an app to replace the string tension chart PDF. I have been using it lately and it is utterly marvellous.

Simply find out the tension of your favourite 'standard tuning' gauge (in my case, 100-40). Then simply insert your preferred 'alternate' tuning (in my case C sharp standard aka 'Sabbath tuning') and then work out your preferred gauges from there by approximately matching the tensions. The app even works with fanned fret designs as you can set the scale length for each string. No more mental calculations from the PDF! 

For what it is worth, for drop C (C F C F) I use a gauges of 120, 90, 67 (70 will do) and 50. For a low A string under that, I would be looking at 145 at least, probably tapered. However, both of the OPs basses have longer scale lengths than my 34 inch scale basses. With the fanned fret design of Dingwall, I would suspect that you would not need to use as a large a gauge as I do. 

For the Spector, any standard Five string set with a B string of 135 would probably achieve a good solid low A. 

Edited November 29, 2019 by thodrik

[zbass1976]

On 25/11/2019 at 04:34, thodrik said:

http://stringtensionpro.com/

D'addario have actually recently launched an app to replace the string tension chart PDF. I have been using it lately and it is utterly marvellous.

Simply find out the tension of your favourite 'standard tuning' gauge (in my case, 100-40). Then simply insert your preferred 'alternate' tuning (in my case C sharp standard aka 'Sabbath tuning') and then work out your preferred gauges from there by approximately matching the tensions. The app even works with fanned fret designs as you can set the scale length for each string. No more mental calculations from the PDF! 

For what it is worth, for drop C (C F C F) I use a gauges of 120, 90, 67 (70 will do) and 50. For a low A string under that, I would be looking at 145 at least, probably tapered. However, both of the OPs basses have longer scale lengths than my 34 inch scale basses. With the fanned fret design of Dingwall, I would suspect that you would need need to use as a large a gauges as I do. 

For the Spector, any standard Five string set with a B string of 135 would probably achieve a good solid low A. 

Thanks for your input! I appreciate you taking time to help.